WAEC SSCE - Civic Education - 2016 (Essay)

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Definition of representative democracy

Representative democracy is a system of government in which the people elect representatives through free and fair elections to make laws and govern on their behalf, rather than the people governing directly themselves.

(b) Three reasons Nigeria adopts representative democracy

1. Large population: Nigeria's population is too large for all citizens to gather and make decisions directly.
2. Large size/territory: The wide geographical spread of the country makes direct participation by all impossible.
3. Complexity of governance: Modern government involves complex and technical issues that are best handled by elected and knowledgeable representatives.

(c) Three factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria

1. Electoral malpractices such as rigging, vote buying and violence.
2. Corruption and bad governance by political leaders.
3. Ethnic, religious and political intolerance, and political apathy among citizens.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Three features of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria

1. It is written and rigid: The provisions are documented in a single document and can only be amended through a special and difficult procedure.
2. It provides for federalism: It shares powers among the Federal, State and Local governments.
3. It guarantees fundamental human rights: Chapter Four of the constitution protects the basic rights of citizens.

Other features include supremacy of the constitution, separation of powers and provision for the rule of law.

(b) Four significance of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria

1. It serves as the supreme law of the land, and any other law inconsistent with it is null and void.
2. It guarantees and protects the fundamental human rights of citizens.
3. It defines the powers, functions and limits of the three arms of government, preventing abuse of power.
4. It provides for the sharing of powers between the levels of government, thereby promoting orderly administration and national unity.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Four preventive measures for HIV/AIDS

1. Abstaining from premarital and casual sexual intercourse.
2. Being faithful to one uninfected partner, or using condoms correctly during sex.
3. Avoiding the sharing of sharp objects such as needles, blades, syringes and clippers.
4. Screening of blood before transfusion to ensure it is free from the virus.

(b) Three ways HIV/AIDS can be managed

1. Regular use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs as prescribed by medical doctors to slow down the virus.
2. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet to strengthen the body and the immune system.
3. Prompt treatment of opportunistic infections and regular medical check-ups, along with counselling and emotional support.

Bayanin Amsa

Five nationalistic roles expected of individuals in the society

1. Obedience to the laws of the land: A patriotic citizen respects and obeys the constitution and all lawful authorities of the country.
2. Payment of taxes and levies: Individuals should pay their taxes promptly to provide government with funds for development.
3. Defence of the nation: Citizens should be ready to protect the country and its unity against internal and external threats.
4. Respect for national symbols: Individuals should honour the national flag, anthem, pledge and coat of arms.
5. Active participation in community and national development: Citizens should contribute their skills, labour and resources to communal projects and support government programmes.

Other roles include voting during elections, promoting peace and unity, and protecting public property.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Four significance of contentment in the Nigerian society

1. Reduction of crime: Contented people are less likely to engage in fraud, stealing and corruption to acquire more.
2. Promotion of peace and stability: Contentment reduces greed, envy and unhealthy rivalry, fostering peaceful coexistence.
3. Encouragement of honesty and integrity: A contented person is satisfied with lawful earnings and avoids dishonest practices.
4. Personal happiness and good health: Contentment brings peace of mind and reduces stress-related illnesses.

(b) Three negative effects of lack of contentment on society

1. It breeds corruption, fraud and other economic crimes as people struggle to acquire more wealth by any means.
2. It causes social unrest, envy and conflict among members of the society.
3. It encourages get-rich-quick syndrome, greed and moral decay among the youth.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Two functions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

1. To arrest, investigate and prosecute persons involved in the illegal production, trafficking and use of hard drugs and narcotics.
2. To enlighten and educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and to rehabilitate drug addicts.

(b) Three functions of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

1. To regulate and control the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals and bottled water.
2. To inspect, test and register food and drugs to ensure that they are safe and of good quality before they are sold to the public.
3. To detect, seize and destroy fake, adulterated, substandard and expired food and drug products.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Definition of youth empowerment

Youth empowerment is the process of equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities that will make them self-reliant, productive and responsible members of society.

(b) Three youth empowerment skills

1. Vocational skills (for example tailoring, welding, carpentry).
2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
3. Entrepreneurial and business management skills.

(c) Three efforts of government towards youth empowerment

1. Establishment of skill acquisition and vocational training centres for the youth.
2. Provision of loans, grants and empowerment schemes (for example N-Power, YouWin and SURE-P) to support young entrepreneurs.
3. Creation of agencies and programmes such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to train and provide jobs for youths.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Definition of national consciousness

National consciousness is the awareness, love, loyalty and sense of belonging that citizens have towards their country, which makes them place the interest and unity of the nation above their personal, ethnic or religious interests.

(b) Four ways of promoting national consciousness

1. Civic and patriotic education: Teaching citizens, especially the youth, about their history, rights, duties and the value of national unity.
2. Respect for national symbols: Encouraging citizens to honour the national flag, anthem, pledge and coat of arms.
3. National programmes and unity schemes: Programmes such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), unity schools and cultural festivals bring citizens of different backgrounds together.
4. Good governance and equal treatment of citizens: Fair distribution of resources and equal opportunities give all citizens a sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Four importance of public service in Nigeria

1. Implementation of government policies: The public service carries out and executes the policies and programmes of government.
2. Provision of essential services: It provides basic services such as education, health, water, security and transportation to the people.
3. Continuity in governance: The public service ensures stability and continuity of administration even when governments change.
4. Advisory role: Public servants advise the government on the formulation of sound policies based on their expertise and experience.

(b) Three ways public service can be improved in the country

1. Regular training and retraining of public servants to update their skills.
2. Payment of adequate salaries and provision of good working conditions and modern facilities.
3. Fighting corruption and ensuring appointment and promotion based on merit rather than favouritism.