WAEC SSCE - Civic Education - 2018 (Essay)

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Five ways illiteracy can be a challenge to popular participation in a democracy

1. Inability to read the ballot paper - illiterate voters cannot read candidates' names, party symbols or ballot instructions, so they may vote wrongly or be assisted and cheated.
2. Ignorance of civic rights and duties - those who cannot read do not know their rights, the constitution or how government works, so they cannot participate meaningfully.
3. Easy manipulation and deception - illiterate citizens are easily misled, bribed and used by politicians as thugs or with false promises.
4. Poor access to information - they cannot read newspapers, manifestos or public notices, so they are cut off from informed political debate and decision-making.
5. Inability to hold office - illiteracy bars people from contesting many elective and appointive positions, and from actively engaging in policy discussion, thereby reducing wide participation.

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(a) The three tiers of government in Nigeria

1. The Federal (Central) Government
2. The State Government
3. The Local Government

(b) Six functions of government in Nigeria

1. Maintenance of law and order: Government makes and enforces laws, and maintains the police, courts and armed forces to protect life and property.
2. Provision of security and defence: Government defends the country against external aggression and safeguards internal peace and stability.
3. Provision of social amenities: Government provides infrastructure and services such as roads, electricity, water, schools and hospitals.
4. Promotion of economic development: Government formulates and implements economic policies, creates jobs and encourages industry, agriculture and trade.
5. Protection of citizens' rights: Government safeguards the fundamental human rights of citizens and ensures justice and fairness.
6. Conduct of foreign relations: Government represents the nation abroad, enters into treaties and agreements, and maintains diplomatic relations with other countries.

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(a) Meaning of constituted authority

Constituted authority is a person, body or institution that has been legally and rightfully given the power to make decisions, give orders, enforce obedience and control the affairs of a group, organisation or society. Examples include parents in the home, teachers and principals in school, and the police, courts and government in the state.

(b) Six advantages of constituted authority

1. Maintenance of law and order: It makes and enforces rules that keep peace and prevent chaos in the society.
2. Protection of life and property: It provides security and safeguards citizens against crime and violence.
3. Provision of direction and leadership: It gives guidance, sets goals and coordinates the activities of members of the society.
4. Settlement of disputes: It resolves conflicts and administers justice fairly among members of the community.
5. Promotion of discipline and good conduct: It ensures that people obey rules and behave in an orderly and acceptable manner.
6. Promotion of unity, progress and development: By coordinating collective effort and providing amenities, it fosters cooperation, stability and development in the society.

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(a) Meaning of cultism

Cultism is the act of belonging to a secret group or society whose membership, activities, oaths and rituals are hidden from the public and are often violent, anti-social and destructive. Members are bound by secret oaths of loyalty and their operations breach the laws and moral order of the wider society.

(b) Six reasons for the formation of cult groups

1. Desire for protection and security: Some people form or join cults believing membership will shield them from attack by rival groups or intimidating individuals.
2. Quest for power and influence: Cults are formed to gain dominance, control others and command fear and respect on campus or in the community.
3. Peer group influence: Friends and associates persuade one another to form groups so as to belong and not feel left out.
4. Search for identity and recognition: Individuals form cults to gain a sense of belonging, importance and social status.
5. Family and parental background: Broken homes, poor upbringing and lack of parental care push some youths to form or join such groups for attention and support.
6. Desire for material gain and criminal advantage: Some cults are formed to make illicit money, secure examination or political favours, and engage in intimidation, extortion and other crimes.

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(a) Three drugs that can be abused

1. Indian hemp (marijuana/cannabis) - smoked to produce a false sense of excitement.
2. Cocaine - a powerful stimulant that is sniffed or injected.
3. Heroin - a highly addictive narcotic. (Others: tramadol, codeine, amphetamines, alcohol and tobacco when misused.)

(b) Six visible behaviours of drug addicts

1. Sudden mood swings, restlessness or violent, aggressive behaviour.
2. Bloodshot or dilated eyes and a generally dull, drowsy look.
3. Loss of appetite leading to sudden weight loss and an unkempt appearance.
4. Withdrawal from family and friends and keeping bad company.
5. Poor concentration, forgetfulness and decline in school or work performance.
6. Slurred speech, staggering movement and trembling of the hands.

(c) Two social consequences of drug abuse

1. Increase in crime and insecurity - addicts often commit robbery, rape and violence to feed the habit, disturbing public peace.
2. Breakdown of family and society - drug abuse causes broken homes, loss of productive youths and a strained public health system.

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(a) Three ways people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are discriminated against

1. Denial of employment - they are refused jobs or dismissed once their status becomes known.
2. Social rejection and isolation - they are avoided, refused handshakes, and shunned by neighbours, friends and even family.
3. Denial of access to services - they are refused admission into schools, housing or proper medical attention, and sometimes verbally abused.

(b) Three reasons why stigmatization of PLWHA should be discouraged

1. It violates their fundamental human rights - they are human beings entitled to dignity, respect and equal treatment like every other citizen.
2. It discourages testing and treatment - fear of stigma makes people avoid HIV tests and hide their status, so the disease spreads faster and untreated.
3. It causes psychological harm - rejection leads to depression, hopelessness and even suicide, whereas support helps them live longer and remain productive members of society.

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(a) Definition of orderliness

Orderliness is the act of doing things in a neat, well-arranged, systematic and disciplined manner, in accordance with laid-down rules and acceptable standards of behaviour, so that peace and harmony are maintained in the society.

(b) Six ways of exhibiting orderliness in the society

1. Queuing: Waiting patiently in a line to take one's turn at banks, bus stops, offices and other public places.
2. Obeying traffic rules: Respecting road signs, traffic lights and speed limits while driving or walking.
3. Keeping the environment clean: Disposing of waste properly and maintaining a tidy surrounding.
4. Obeying laws, rules and regulations: Complying with the laws of the land and the rules of institutions and organisations.
5. Respect for constituted authority: Obeying and cooperating with parents, teachers, leaders and lawful authorities.
6. Punctuality and keeping to time: Being on time and following schedules and appointments in an organised manner.

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(a) Three features of the rule of law

1. Supremacy of the law: The law is supreme over everybody; no person or authority is above the law, and government itself must act according to law.
2. Equality before the law: All citizens, whether rich or poor, high or low, are equal before the law and are subject to the same laws and the same courts.
3. Impartiality and fair hearing: Every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and is entitled to a fair hearing before an independent and impartial court.

(b) Three importance of the rule of law

1. Protection of citizens' rights and freedoms: It safeguards the fundamental human rights and liberties of citizens against abuse by government or powerful individuals.
2. Promotion of justice and equality: It ensures that everyone is treated equally and fairly, and that justice is administered without discrimination.
3. Prevention of dictatorship and abuse of power: By subjecting rulers to the law, it checks arbitrary and tyrannical rule and promotes good governance, order and stability.

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Five reasons why accountability should be the watchword of public servants

1. Public servants handle public funds and property - since they manage money and resources belonging to the people, they must give account of how these are spent to prevent theft and waste.
2. It curbs corruption and embezzlement - knowing that they must account for their actions discourages fraud, bribery and misappropriation of public resources.
3. It promotes transparency and good governance - accountability makes government activities open and honest, which builds efficient administration.
4. It builds public trust and confidence - when officials render account, citizens trust the government and cooperate with its policies.
5. It ensures effective service delivery - accountable officers work hard, use resources properly and provide quality services, promoting national development and discouraging abuse of office.

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(a) Definition of HIV/AIDS

HIV means Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. It is the virus that attacks and weakens the body's defence (immune) system, making the body unable to fight off diseases. AIDS means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is the advanced stage of HIV infection, a condition in which the immune system has become so weak that the body suffers from a collection of infections and diseases it can no longer resist.

(b) Two causes of HIV/AIDS

1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, which is the most common way the virus is transmitted.
2. Contact with infected blood, for example through blood transfusion of infected blood or the use of unsterilised sharp objects such as needles, syringes, razors and blades shared with an infected person. (Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding is another cause.)

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Five skills for resolving inter-communal conflicts

1. Effective communication skill: The ability to speak clearly, pass correct information and open channels of dialogue between the conflicting communities so that misunderstandings are cleared.
2. Active listening skill: Patiently listening to the grievances, feelings and demands of each side so that the real causes of the conflict are understood.
3. Negotiation and dialogue skill: Bringing the parties together to discuss and bargain in good faith until they reach an agreement acceptable to both sides.
4. Mediation and impartiality skill: Acting as a neutral third party who treats both sides fairly and helps them find a peaceful and balanced solution.
5. Compromise and tolerance skill: The ability to make concessions, forgive, accommodate differences and encourage both parties to give and take for the sake of peace.

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(a) Law and order

Law and order refers to a situation in which the laws of a society are obeyed and peace, discipline and stability are maintained by citizens and government agencies. It is the existence of a condition where people respect the rules of the state, and the government has effective control so that crime, violence and disorder are kept in check.

(b) Four effects of law and order on Nigerians

1. Peace and stability - it creates a peaceful atmosphere where people live and work without fear.
2. Protection of life and property - obedience to law reduces crime, so lives and property are safe.
3. Promotes development - a law-abiding, orderly society attracts investment and encourages economic and social growth.
4. Justice and equity - it ensures that offenders are punished and the rights of citizens are protected, promoting fairness.

(c) Four achievements of Nigerian nationalists before independence

1. Formation of political parties - such as the NCNC, Action Group and NPC to fight for self-government.
2. Establishment of newspapers - like the West African Pilot to raise political awareness and criticise colonial rule.
3. Participation in constitutional conferences - which produced constitutions (Clifford, Richards, Macpherson, Lyttleton) leading to greater self-rule.
4. Achievement of regional self-government - the West and East in 1957 and the North in 1959, paving the way for independence in 1960.

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Five ways through which leaders can protect the interest of their followers

1. Providing good and responsive governance: Leaders should provide social amenities, security and welfare programmes that improve the living standards of their followers.
2. Ensuring justice and equal treatment: Leaders should treat all followers fairly, without tribal, religious or political discrimination, and defend the rights of the weak and the minority.
3. Being accountable and transparent: Leaders should manage public resources honestly, avoid corruption, and render account of their stewardship to the people.
4. Consulting and carrying followers along: Leaders should listen to the views, complaints and needs of followers and involve them in decisions that affect their lives.
5. Protecting the safety and rights of followers: Leaders should defend followers against oppression, exploitation and external aggression, and make and enforce laws that guarantee peace and order.

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(a) Five ways citizens can demonstrate political apathy

1. Refusal to vote - staying away from the polling booth on election day.
2. Refusal to register or collect voter cards - not enrolling in the voters' register.
3. Refusal to contest for or accept political office - avoiding elective and appointive positions.
4. Failure to attend political rallies, meetings and campaigns - showing no interest in party or community political activities.
5. Refusal to join a political party or discuss political issues - staying indifferent to public affairs and government decisions.

(b) Five reasons for political apathy

1. Bad governance and unfulfilled promises - broken campaign promises make citizens lose interest.
2. Electoral fraud and rigging - people feel their votes will not count.
3. Illiteracy and ignorance - lack of political awareness of rights and duties.
4. Fear of political violence and intimidation - thuggery and killings scare people away.
5. Corruption and lack of trust in politicians - disappointment with dishonest leaders discourages participation. (Also poverty and lack of incentives.)

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(a) Definition of traffic regulations

Traffic regulations are the officially established rules, laws and signs that control the movement of vehicles, pedestrians and other road users, so that roads are used safely, orderly and efficiently. In Nigeria they are enforced by agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicle Inspection Office.

(b) Six roles of individuals in maintaining traffic regulations

1. Obeying traffic signs and signals: The individual should stop at red lights, move on green, and respect road markings, warning signs and speed limits.
2. Using pedestrian facilities: Road users should walk on pavements and cross only at zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges or designated points instead of dashing across highways.
3. Driving with valid documents and roadworthy vehicles: A driver should hold a valid licence, insure and register the vehicle, and keep it in good mechanical condition (working brakes, lights, tyres).
4. Avoiding dangerous driving habits: Individuals should not over-speed, drink and drive, use a phone while driving, or overtake carelessly, and they should always use seat belts and helmets.
5. Reporting offenders and accidents: Citizens should report reckless drivers, faulty traffic lights and accidents to the appropriate authorities so that the roads remain safe.
6. Cooperating with traffic officials: Road users should obey the directions of FRSC officials and traffic wardens, and support road-safety education and enlightenment campaigns.

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(a) Three ways Nigerian youths are empowered

1. Skills acquisition and vocational training - government and NGOs organise programmes in tailoring, ICT, mechanics, catering and other trades so youths become self-reliant.
2. Access to credit and grants - schemes such as micro-credit loans, N-Power and entrepreneurship funds provide capital to start small businesses.
3. Free/qualitative education and scholarships - awards, bursaries and free education equip youths with knowledge and employable qualifications.

(b) Three social consequences of a high rate of unemployment in Nigeria

1. Increase in crime - idle youths turn to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, fraud (yahoo-yahoo) and drug abuse.
2. Rise in prostitution and moral decay - joblessness pushes many, especially the young, into prostitution and other vices.
3. Poverty and increased dependency - the unemployed depend on others for survival, deepening hardship, frustration and family breakdown, and can fuel political thuggery and social unrest.

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Five ways citizens can help in minimizing human trafficking

1. Reporting suspected cases: Citizens should promptly report suspicious movements of persons, recruiters and traffickers to the police or to NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons).
2. Creating awareness and enlightenment: Individuals should educate their families, friends and communities about the tricks, dangers and consequences of human trafficking so that people are not deceived by false promises of jobs abroad.
3. Refusing to patronise or assist traffickers: Citizens should not help traffickers with information, documents, accommodation or transport, and should discourage anyone planning to travel through unsafe or illegal channels.
4. Supporting and rehabilitating victims: People should show care to rescued victims, help reintegrate them into society, and avoid stigmatising them so that they can recover.
5. Providing economic support to the vulnerable: By offering education, skills training and job opportunities to poor and vulnerable youths, citizens reduce the poverty and ignorance that traffickers exploit.