WAEC SSCE - Government - 2019 (Essay)

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(a) What is Local Government?

Local government is the third tier or level of government established by law to administer the affairs of a defined local area under its own elected council, with power to make bye-laws, provide services and raise some revenue, though under the general supervision of the central or state government. It is government at the grassroots, closest to the people.

(b) Reasons for the creation of Local Government

1. To bring government closer to the people at the grassroots and make services more accessible to rural dwellers.
2. To promote grassroots participation in governance and give the local people a say in decisions that affect them.
3. To ensure rapid development of the local areas through the provision of basic amenities such as roads, markets, health centres and primary schools.
4. To reduce the workload of the central and state governments by handling purely local matters.
5. To serve as a training ground for future political leaders and administrators.

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Roles of the mass media in strengthening modern democracy

1. Provision of information: The media keep citizens informed about government activities, policies and public affairs, so that they can make informed political choices.
2. Political education and mobilisation: They enlighten citizens on their rights and duties and encourage participation in elections and other democratic processes.
3. Watchdog role: The media expose corruption, abuse of office and bad governance, thereby holding leaders accountable to the people.
4. Platform for public opinion and debate: They provide a forum where different views and criticisms are freely aired, allowing government to know the wishes of the people.
5. Promotion of transparency and free, fair elections: Through election coverage and monitoring, the media help to check malpractice and ensure credible elections.
6. Protection of rights and freedoms: By defending free speech and reporting violations, the media help to safeguard the fundamental rights on which democracy rests.

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(a) Problems confronting Nigerian federalism

1. Ethnicity and tribalism: Strong ethnic loyalties and mutual suspicion among the many ethnic groups threaten national unity.
2. Revenue allocation and resource control disputes: Persistent quarrels over how national revenue, especially oil money, should be shared among the levels of government.

(Others include over-centralisation of power at the centre, agitation for the creation of more states, and religious differences.)

(b) Features of Nigerian federalism

1. Division of powers among three tiers of government (federal, state and local), with exclusive, concurrent and residual lists.
2. A supreme written constitution that shares powers and is binding on all levels of government.
3. An independent Supreme Court that interprets the constitution and settles disputes between the federal and state governments.

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(a) Pre-independence constitutions in Nigeria

1. Clifford Constitution of 1922.
2. Richards Constitution of 1946.
3. Macpherson Constitution of 1951.

(The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 was also pre-independence.)

(b) Features of the 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria

1. It established a parliamentary (cabinet) system of government with a Prime Minister as head of government and a Governor-General representing the Queen as ceremonial head of state.
2. It provided for a federal structure with three regions (Northern, Eastern and Western) each having its own government.
3. It entrenched fundamental human rights in the constitution.
4. It provided for a bicameral legislature at the centre (a Senate and a House of Representatives).
5. Nigeria remained within the Commonwealth, with the Queen as titular head, and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal.

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(a) Who is a citizen?

A citizen is a legally recognised member of a state who enjoys full rights and privileges and owes allegiance and obligations to that state. Citizenship may be acquired by birth, by descent, by registration or by naturalisation. A citizen, unlike an alien, has full political rights such as the right to vote and to be voted for.

(b) Responsibilities of a citizen to the state

1. Obedience to the laws of the land and respect for constituted authority.
2. Payment of taxes, rates and other lawful dues to enable the state provide services.
3. Loyalty and defence of the country: being patriotic and ready to defend the nation against internal and external enemies.
4. Participation in civic duties such as voting during elections, serving on juries and rendering national service.

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(a) Meaning of NEPAD

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is a socio-economic development programme and framework of the African Union, adopted in 2001, through which African leaders pledged to promote the sustainable development of the continent. It is a home-grown initiative in which African states take ownership and responsibility for their own development while seeking a new partnership with the developed world and the international community.

(b) Four objectives of NEPAD

1. To eradicate poverty and place African countries on a path of sustainable growth and development.
2. To promote the accelerated economic growth and development of the continent and its integration into the global economy.
3. To halt the marginalisation of Africa in the globalisation process and enhance its full participation.
4. To promote good governance, democracy, peace, security, human rights and sound economic management.
5. To empower women and promote the role of women in social and economic development.
6. To attract foreign investment and mobilise resources for infrastructure, education and health.

(Any four of the above are acceptable.)

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(a) Three key members of the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM)

1. Ernest Ikoli
2. H. O. Davies
3. Nnamdi Azikiwe
4. Samuel Akinsanya
5. Dr. J. C. Vaughan

(Any three of the above are correct.)

(b) Four achievements of the NYM in the political development of Nigeria

1. First truly nationalist organisation: It broadened nationalism beyond Lagos by drawing membership from different parts of the country, thus fostering national consciousness.
2. Formation of the Youth Charter: It produced a political programme (the Nigerian Youth Charter) demanding improved political and economic conditions and greater African participation in government.
3. Electoral success: In 1938 it defeated Herbert Macaulay's NNDP in the Lagos Town Council and Legislative Council elections, ending the NNDP's dominance.
4. Political training and awakening: It produced a generation of nationalist leaders and educated Nigerians on their political rights and the need for self-government.
5. Agitation for reforms: It campaigned against discrimination in the civil service and demanded better education and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

(Any four of the above are acceptable.)

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(a) Types of elections

1. General election - held at regular intervals to elect representatives into all elective offices at the same time.
2. By-election - held to fill a single vacant seat that has fallen vacant through death, resignation or removal of a member.
3. Primary election - conducted within a political party to select its candidates for a forthcoming general election.

(Others include run-off and referendum.)

(b) Purposes elections serve in a democratic state

1. Selection of leaders: Elections provide a peaceful and orderly means of choosing those who will govern.
2. Conferment of legitimacy: A government that wins a free and fair election enjoys the mandate and acceptance of the people.
3. Political participation: Elections give citizens the opportunity to take part in the governance of their country.
4. Ensuring accountability: Through periodic elections, the people can reward good leaders by re-electing them and punish bad ones by voting them out.

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(a) Three contributions of the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA) to the nationalist struggle

1. It demanded the introduction of the elective principle, which was granted in the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
2. It agitated for greater African participation in the Legislative Councils and in the administration of the colonies.
3. It called for the establishment of a West African university and improved higher education for Africans.
4. It fostered a spirit of West African unity and cooperation among the British colonies (Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and the Gambia).

(Any three of the above are correct.)

(b) Four contributions of Nnamdi Azikiwe to the nationalist struggle of Nigeria

1. He used his newspapers, especially the West African Pilot, to awaken national consciousness and attack colonial rule.
2. He co-founded and led the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a leading nationalist party.
3. He mobilised the youth and the masses and championed the demand for self-government and independence.
4. He participated in the constitutional conferences that led to Nigeria's independence in 1960.
5. He became the first indigenous Governor-General and later the first President of Nigeria, symbolising the triumph of nationalism.

(Any four of the above are acceptable.)

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Reasons for the study of government

1. To understand the structure and functions of government: It teaches how the organs of government (executive, legislature and judiciary) are organised and how they operate.
2. To produce good and informed citizens: It makes people aware of their rights, duties and civic responsibilities, so that they can participate effectively in public affairs.
3. To promote political awareness and participation: Knowledge of government encourages citizens to take part in elections, debates and other political activities.
4. To understand one's rights and obligations: Citizens learn the rights the state guarantees them and the obligations they owe the state, and how to protect those rights.
5. To provide a foundation for careers and further study: It prepares students for professions such as law, administration, diplomacy and politics, and for higher studies in the social sciences.
6. To promote patriotism and national consciousness: Understanding how the nation is governed fosters loyalty, unity and support for the state.