JAMB UTME - Government - 2007

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The ancient Greeks practised direct democracy. In a direct democracy, citizens participate directly in the decision-making process of the government, rather than electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. In ancient Greece, all citizens had the opportunity to participate in the Athenian assembly, where they could propose, debate and vote on policies and laws. This form of democracy was practiced in various city-states in ancient Greece, and it was a key aspect of their political and social life.

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A vote taken by the citizenry on an important political issue is called a referendum. In a referendum, citizens are asked to vote yes or no on a specific proposal or question, such as whether to approve a new law, change the constitution, or leave the European Union. The result of the referendum is then used to determine the government's next course of action. A referendum can be called by the government or initiated by citizens through a petition. It is a way to directly involve citizens in the decision-making process and to ensure that their views are taken into account.

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One of the objectives of a multi-party system is to provide alternatives. A multi-party system is a political system where several political parties are allowed to exist and compete for power. In this system, political parties offer different policy positions and ideologies, providing voters with a choice of alternatives when it comes to selecting their leaders. By allowing multiple political parties to exist, a multi-party system promotes political competition, which can lead to better governance and decision-making. Political parties in a multi-party system can also represent different interests and groups within a society, allowing for a diversity of perspectives and ideas to be brought to the political process. Furthermore, a multi-party system helps to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single political party or individual. This can promote democracy and prevent authoritarianism. In summary, one of the key objectives of a multi-party system is to provide alternatives to voters and promote competition in the political process.

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The Native Authority system of local administration was introduced by the British in Nigeria to empower traditional rulers. The system was designed to retain the existing traditional structure of governance in the North, while using it to serve British colonial interests. The British recognized the authority of traditional rulers and appointed them as Native Authorities to oversee the administration of their respective communities. The Native Authorities were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and implementing colonial policies at the local level. Thus, the system was a means of indirect rule, where traditional rulers were given limited powers to govern their people on behalf of the colonial authorities.

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Fascism is a political ideology that advocates extreme nationalism and suppression of individual liberties. Fascist governments are often characterized by dictatorial leadership, state control of the economy, and a strong military focus. This political ideology emerged in the early 20th century in Europe and was associated with leaders such as Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany.

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In a parliamentary system, the term shadow cabinet is often used to refer to the portfolio designates of the party in opposition. A shadow cabinet is made up of senior members of the opposition party who are assigned specific portfolios or areas of responsibility, similar to a real cabinet in government. Each member of the shadow cabinet is responsible for monitoring the work of the corresponding minister in the government and for developing and promoting alternative policies and positions to those of the ruling party. The shadow cabinet operates as an alternative government, offering a contrast to the policies and actions of the actual government. The purpose of a shadow cabinet is to provide an effective opposition to the government, to hold it accountable, and to demonstrate to the public that the opposition party is capable of governing. Shadow cabinet members may also use their roles to gain experience in policy-making and to showcase their talents and potential for leadership.

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The traditions of a people that shape their government and politics represent their political culture. Political culture refers to the beliefs, values, and attitudes that a society holds about political power, institutions, and processes. It is the set of shared ideas, values, and expectations that influence and shape political behavior and decision-making. Political culture can be influenced by various factors, including history, religion, social structure, and economic conditions. Political culture plays a significant role in shaping the way people perceive and participate in politics, as well as the way political institutions function in a society.

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In a democracy,a major set back in the judicial process is political neutrality

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In 1982, Nigeria declared that she would not attend the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in Tripoli unless Libya withdrew her troops from Chad. This was a result of the ongoing conflict between Libya and Chad, where Nigeria supported the Chadian government against Libyan aggression. The Nigerian government demanded the withdrawal of Libyan troops from Chad as a condition for attending the summit.

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The principle of federal character was first enunciated in the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria. It was introduced to promote inclusiveness and fairness in the distribution of public offices, especially at the federal level. The principle requires that appointments to public service institutions and other government-related positions reflect the ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of the country. It aims to ensure that no section of the country is marginalized in the allocation of resources and opportunities. The principle was later reaffirmed in the 1999 Constitution, which is the current Constitution of Nigeria.

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Resistance of the big powers is a hindrance to the democratization of the United Nations. Democratization refers to the process of making organizations more democratic, with greater participation and representation of different groups. However, the UN is dominated by the five permanent members of the Security Council - the US, UK, Russia, China, and France - who have disproportionate power and influence. These big powers are often resistant to changes that would reduce their influence and give more power to other countries. As a result, efforts to democratize the UN have been slow and difficult. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the multiplicity of official languages, and delayed payment of annual dues by members are all challenges facing the UN, but they are not the main hindrance to democratization.

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A constitution is classified as rigid if it requires special procedures to amend. This means that changing or altering any provision of the constitution cannot be done through the normal legislative process, but through a more complex and difficult process that may require a supermajority vote or a national referendum. The idea behind having a rigid constitution is to ensure that the basic principles and fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution are not easily altered or violated by the government or any other group or individual.

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The privatization of public corporations in Nigeria is undertaken by the Bureau of Public Enterprise. This bureau is a government agency that was established in 1999 to oversee the privatization of public corporations in Nigeria. Its main role is to identify public enterprises that are suitable for privatization, develop a strategy for their privatization, and execute the process in a transparent and efficient manner. The Bureau of Public Enterprise is responsible for conducting due diligence on potential investors, managing the sale of public assets, and ensuring that the proceeds from the sales are used to fund critical government projects. Therefore, while the other options may be involved in different aspects of governance and economic activities in Nigeria, the Bureau of Public Enterprise is the main agency responsible for privatizing public corporations in the country.

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One of the obligations of a citizen is obedience to the laws of the land. This means that citizens are expected to follow and abide by the rules, regulations and laws set by the government of their country. It is important for citizens to obey the laws of the land in order to maintain social order, ensure justice and prevent chaos. Failure to obey the laws of the land could result in legal consequences, and can also lead to negative effects on the society as a whole.

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Nigeria's non-aligned policy was criticized because of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. The non-aligned policy refers to a country's decision to remain neutral in the Cold War, not aligning with either the Western (led by the United States) or Eastern (led by the Soviet Union) blocs. However, in 1961, Nigeria signed the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact, which committed the country to supporting Britain in the event of a conflict. This was seen by some as contradictory to Nigeria's non-aligned policy and drew criticism from other non-aligned countries.

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Following the 1976 Local Government reforms in Nigeria, the Local Governments were empowered to promulgate and enforce bye-laws. This means that the local governments were given the authority to create and enforce rules and regulations that are specific to their respective areas of jurisdiction. These bye-laws cover a wide range of areas such as sanitation, traffic, environment, and many others. The aim of this empowerment was to ensure that the local governments have the power to make decisions that affect their communities, as well as to promote grassroots development and effective governance at the local level.

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A non-permanent feature of a state refers to a characteristic that is not always constant and can change over time. Among the options given, the only non-permanent feature is the government. This is because governments can change due to various reasons such as elections, revolutions, or coups. On the other hand, society, population, and territory are considered permanent features of a state because they are essential elements that define a state's existence and are not likely to change significantly over time. Society refers to the people living in a state and their shared culture and values. Population refers to the total number of individuals living in a state. Territory refers to the geographical area that a state occupies. In summary, a non-permanent feature of a state is something that can change over time, and among the given options, the only non-permanent feature is the government.

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The African Union was established to consolidate Africa's position in global politics

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The recognition and general acceptance of the right to rule in a country based on laid down regulations is known as legitimate authority. Legitimate authority is the acceptance and recognition of the power and authority of a government or ruler by the people they govern. It is based on a shared understanding that the government or ruler has the right to rule according to the laid down regulations, such as a constitution or laws. When people recognize the legitimacy of their government or ruler, they are more likely to obey laws, pay taxes, and participate in the governance process. In contrast, when there is a lack of legitimate authority, people may feel alienated from the government, leading to social unrest and political instability.

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Nigeria's interest in teaming up with other developing countries in the world is based on preserving her independence and promoting development. This means that Nigeria recognizes the importance of collaborating with other countries to achieve common goals and overcome shared challenges. By working with other developing countries, Nigeria can strengthen its position in the global community, share ideas and resources, and promote economic growth and social development. It is not primarily driven by desires to consume more manufactured goods, produce more raw materials, or secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

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Major General Joseph Garba was once Nigeria's permanent representative at the United Nations. He served as Nigeria's ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1985. As a permanent representative, he was responsible for representing Nigeria's interests in the United Nations, and for promoting and defending Nigeria's views on various international issues. This position is one of the highest levels of diplomatic representation in the United Nations and it requires someone with extensive knowledge of international relations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to negotiate effectively with other countries. Major General Joseph Garba was appointed to this position due to his wealth of experience and his outstanding diplomatic skills.

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The major objective of the manifesto of the People's Redemption Party in the Second Republic was the emancipation of the masses. This means that the party sought to liberate the common people from poverty, oppression, and exploitation. The party believed that the Nigerian masses had been oppressed and exploited for too long by the ruling elites, and it aimed to empower them politically, socially, and economically. The party also sought to promote social justice and equality for all Nigerians, and to create a society where everyone would have equal opportunities to succeed. Therefore, while the other options may have been part of the party's objectives, the emancipation of the masses was its major goal, and the cornerstone of its manifesto.

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The Ogboni cult in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system played the role of the judiciary. They were responsible for interpreting and enforcing customary laws and settling disputes between individuals, families, and communities. Their authority was derived from their knowledge of traditional customs and beliefs, and they were seen as impartial judges who ensured that justice was served. In addition to their judicial functions, the Ogboni cult also had religious and social roles in Yoruba society.

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A Written Constitution is a distinguishing feature of federal state.

The federal state always go by written and right constitution so as to avoid manipulation. The amendment procedures of this type of constitution is always complicated and rigorous.

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Gombe and Zamfara were the states created in 1996.

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In the Nigerian Constitution, the power to create local governments lies with the state house of assembly. This means that each state in Nigeria has the power to create, modify, or dissolve local governments within its jurisdiction. The state house of assembly is responsible for passing laws that regulate the activities of local governments, and they also have the power to oversee the operations of the local governments within their state.

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The mandate of the legislature includes making laws, overseeing the executive and representing the citizenry. However, conduct of external relations is an exception to the mandate of the legislature. This is because external relations involve foreign policy and international diplomacy, which are functions primarily handled by the executive branch of government. Therefore, the legislature has limited involvement in the conduct of external relations.

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The main goal of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) was to achieve franchise for Nigerians. The party was formed in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay, who was a prominent Nigerian nationalist and a campaigner for democracy. The NNDP's main focus was to push for the right of all Nigerians to vote and be represented in the colonial government. They aimed to achieve this goal through peaceful and legal means, such as lobbying the British colonial authorities for political reform. Ultimately, the NNDP's efforts were successful, as they helped to pave the way for Nigeria's eventual independence in 1960.

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During the colonial era, the final court of appeal in Nigeria was the Privy Council, which was located in London, England. This means that any decisions made by the Nigerian courts could be appealed to the Privy Council in London, and their ruling would be final. The Privy Council was made up of judges and legal experts, and its decisions had a significant impact on the development of Nigerian law during the colonial period.

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Military disengagement from politics is usually preceded by the making of a new constitution. This is because the military often involves itself in politics when there is a lack of effective governance or when the existing constitution is weak and allows for military intervention. Therefore, the creation of a new constitution that strengthens civilian rule and democratic institutions can help to reduce the military's role in politics and create a more stable and democratic society. While an increase in workers' salaries or the establishment of more universities may be important factors in improving a country's economic and social development, they are not necessarily linked to military disengagement from politics. The retirement of military personnel may occur as a result of military disengagement, but it is not a necessary prerequisite.

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Deregulation as an economic policy borders on the removal of restrictions and extension of competition. It is a process of reducing or eliminating government regulations and controls on businesses, industries, and markets, allowing them to operate with more freedom and less intervention from the government. Deregulation often involves the removal of price controls, licensing requirements, and other regulations that limit entry or competition in markets. The aim of deregulation is to increase competition, efficiency, and innovation in markets, leading to lower prices and higher quality products and services. While the removal of subsidies on public utilities, privatization, and commercialization may be part of the process of deregulation, they are not the core principles of the policy.

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According to Karl Marx,the mode of production that precedes capitalism is socialism.

Socialism is associated with Kari Marx and his basic ideas are used in socialist states. His theory is in most cases referred to as Marxism. Historical Materialism and Dialectical Materialism. Kari Marx maintained that each productive process has it mode of socio-economic relation. The various stages of production undergone by societies had their different modes of production. Such stages which every society must have to pass through include communalism, Feudalism and capitalism. Socialism came up as a protest movement against the evils of capitalism.

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The executive branch of government is responsible for the implementation of policies and laws that have been passed by the legislature. This means that they are mainly concerned with putting plans into action and ensuring that the government runs smoothly. While the executive may have some role in the confirmation of appointments, approval of treaties, and approval of budgets, their primary responsibility is to execute policies, laws, and decisions that have been made by the government.

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The Portuguese made the earliest contact with the Nigerian society. When the Portuguese explorer, Ruy de Sequeira, arrived at the Benin Empire in 1472, it marked the beginning of European contact with Nigeria. The Portuguese established trade relations with the people of Benin, exchanging European goods like guns, alcohol, and textiles for ivory, pepper, and slaves.

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The adoption of a federal system of government in Nigeria under colonial rule was mainly necessitated by administrative convenience and cultural diversity. Nigeria is a large and diverse country with various ethnic groups and cultures. It was difficult to govern such a vast territory from a centralized system. Also, the colonial government recognized that the various ethnic groups had their own languages, traditions, and ways of life, and that they needed to be given some autonomy in managing their affairs. Therefore, a federal system of government was seen as the best way to manage Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups and maintain administrative efficiency.

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The head of the electoral body that conducted the June 12, 1993 elections in Nigeria was Humphrey Nwosu. He was the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) which was responsible for organizing and conducting the elections that were widely considered to be the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria. The election was however annulled by the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a political crisis and the eventual military takeover by General Sani Abacha.

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A principal defect of the Commonwealth is lack of commitment among member states. For instance some member states find it difficult to pay their dues while some belong to other organizations to which they pay more allegiance. For example, Britain is a member of the European Economic Community (E.E.C)

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Public corporations are established mainly to provide services at subsidized rates. Public corporations are organizations owned by the government and established to provide services to the public. These services may include transportation, utilities, and other essential services. The primary goal of public corporations is to provide these services at affordable rates, rather than to make a profit for the government. While some public corporations may generate revenue or operate at a profit, this is not their main objective. Similarly, while providing jobs for the unemployed may be a positive outcome of public corporations, it is not their primary purpose.

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Acculturation in colonial administration was associated with the French policy of assimilation. This policy was aimed at making the people in the colonies adopt French culture and language, with the ultimate goal of making them French citizens. The French government believed that this would lead to the development of a loyal and integrated French empire. Acculturation refers to the process of adopting the culture, beliefs, and values of another group. In the context of colonial administration, it involves the imposition of the colonizer's culture and way of life on the colonized people. The policy of assimilation was a form of acculturation, where the French government attempted to make the colonized people become like the French in every way. This involved the establishment of French schools, churches, and other institutions, where the colonized people were taught French language, culture, and values.

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Ethics and accountability in government can be guaranteed through due process and transparency. Due process ensures that established rules and procedures are followed in government activities, while transparency ensures that information is freely and openly available to the public. By adhering to due process and being transparent, government officials are held accountable for their actions, and the public can trust that government decisions are made in an ethical and responsible manner. This, in turn, promotes good governance and strengthens democracy. Legislative cooperation, executive and judicial immunity, and administrative reforms can also contribute to ethics and accountability, but they are not sufficient on their own without due process and transparency.

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The pre-colonial Igbo political system was largely republican. This means that power was decentralized and not concentrated in the hands of one person or group. Each community was governed by a council of elders made up of respected members of the community, who made decisions by consensus. This system allowed for individual freedom and self-government within each community, and prevented the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler.

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The essential principle that guides the activities of the United Nations is the respect for the sovereign equality of member states. This means that all member states of the UN have equal rights and should be treated equally in matters relating to international relations, regardless of their size, wealth or political system. This principle is enshrined in the UN Charter and is one of the fundamental pillars of the organization. It helps to promote peace, security and cooperation among nations, and encourages dialogue and negotiations as a means of resolving disputes.

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The declaration of election results is the exclusive duty of electoral commissions. This is because electoral commissions are independent bodies responsible for conducting and supervising elections. They ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent, and that the results reflect the will of the people. The electoral commissions are responsible for collecting and collating the results from all polling units and announcing the final results. The political party chairman has no official role in the declaration of election results, and their involvement in the process could raise questions about impartiality. The chief justices and election petition tribunals may be involved in resolving disputes arising from the election results, but they do not have the authority to declare the results.

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The formation of confederations is based primarily on security considerations confederation is mostly meant to guarantee external and internal security of the confederal states.

Examples of countries that have practised it are as follows:

1. The League of Nations

2. USA (1781 - 1789)

3. Germany (1815 - 1866)

4. Senegal and Gambia (1984) etc.

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The process of law-making by the legislature begins with initiating a bill. A bill is a proposal for a new law or a proposal to change an existing law, and it can be initiated by a member of the legislature, the executive branch of government, or by public petition. Once a bill has been introduced, it goes through a series of stages which may include debate, committee review, public hearing, and voting before it can become a law. Therefore, the initial step of law-making is introducing a bill in the legislature.

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The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was introduced by the Babangida regime in Nigeria. SAP was a set of economic policies introduced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which were aimed at restructuring the economies of developing countries. The Babangida regime adopted SAP in 1986 as a response to the economic crisis that Nigeria was facing at the time. The program was aimed at reducing government spending, increasing exports, and attracting foreign investments. SAP involved devaluing the Nigerian currency, removing subsidies on essential goods, and increasing the prices of fuel and electricity. It also involved privatizing government-owned companies and reducing the size of the civil service. The implementation of SAP in Nigeria was met with protests and criticisms from labor unions and civil society groups, who argued that the policies were too harsh and caused hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Nevertheless, SAP remained in place for several years and had a significant impact on the Nigerian economy.

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Indirect Rule as a British colonial policy was first introduced in India.

Lord Lugard, earlier in his colonial service, tried the Indirect system in India and it worked well. He then introduced the system in Nigeria due to the fact that he observed similar traits in Nigeria as he saw in India. So he thought that the system would also work in Nigeria.

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A constitution formulated and imposed on a country without popular participation is said to be created by Decree.

Decree is law made by the Federal Military Government.

All military administrations are dictatorship. They rule by decrees that in most cases, may not be challenged in any count of law.

The military administration is not accountable to the people, does not listen to public opinion. They pass their laws through Decrees without any regard to the feelings of the masses. In most cases, their decrees contain some ouster clauses that render the judiciary powerless.

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The 37th OAU Summit in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001 adopted the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), as the integrated and comprehensive socio-economic development programme to accelerate Africa's renewal, in the form of Declaration 1 (XXXVII).

The Lusaka Summit also agreed on the creation of the Heads of State and Government Implementiation Committee (HSGIC), which in turn established the NEPAD Steering Committee and the NEPAD Secretariat to coordinate and administer its activities.