JAMB UTME - Government - 1991

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An indispensable feature of any government is political power. This means that governments are responsible for making decisions that affect the lives of their citizens, such as passing laws, collecting taxes, and providing public services. Without political power, a government would not be able to carry out its functions and responsibilities. The other options listed are important features of many modern governments, but they are not necessarily essential to all forms of government. For example, some governments operate without a written constitution or without a fully independent judiciary. However, all governments must have the ability to exercise political power in order to function effectively.

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Bicameral legislatures are popular in federal systems. In a federal system, power is divided between the central government and the states or regions. This means that there are two levels of government that both have their own set of responsibilities and powers. Bicameral legislatures, which consist of two chambers or houses, are often used in federal systems because they provide a way to ensure that the interests of both the central government and the states or regions are represented in the law-making process. The lower house, which is usually based on population, represents the people and their interests, while the upper house, which is usually based on equal representation from each state or region, represents the interests of the states or regions. This system of checks and balances helps to ensure that laws are fair and equitable for all parties involved.

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A device for controlling prolonged debates in parliament is called a guillotine. In parliamentary procedure, a guillotine is a time management mechanism that sets a time limit for debate on a particular bill or motion. Once the time limit is reached, a vote is taken to decide whether to move to the next stage of the legislative process, such as a final vote. The purpose of a guillotine is to prevent filibustering or the obstruction of legislation by one or more members of parliament through prolonged debate. The use of a guillotine allows for a more efficient and effective legislative process by ensuring that bills and motions are debated and voted on in a timely manner. In contrast, adjournment, prorogation, and dissolution are parliamentary procedures that relate to the ending of parliamentary sessions or the life of a parliament, and do not involve the management of debates.

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The United Nations was founded with the primary objective of "promoting world peace and security". The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that was established in 1945 after the end of World War II. Its main purpose is to maintain international peace and security by promoting cooperation and dialogue among member states. The UN seeks to achieve this objective by providing a forum for member states to address issues of common concern, such as conflict resolution, disarmament, and the promotion of human rights. The UN also works to address global challenges, such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, through a range of programs and initiatives. Overall, the UN serves as a platform for global cooperation and diplomacy, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace and security in the world.

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Case-laws are made by the judiciary. Judiciary refers to the branch of government that interprets and applies the laws. When a case is brought before a court, judges examine the facts of the case and the relevant laws, and make a decision based on their interpretation of the law. This decision is known as a judgment or ruling. Over time, these judgments build up a body of legal precedent, which is used as a guide for future cases. This body of precedent is known as case law, and it helps to ensure consistency and fairness in the application of the law. Legislatures, such as parliament or congress, are responsible for making laws. The council of ministers is a group of officials who advise the head of government, but they do not have the power to make laws or create case law. The president is the head of state, but in most countries, they do not have a direct role in the creation of case law.

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The primary duty of citizens to the state is allegiance to the government. Citizenship comes with a set of responsibilities and duties that individuals owe to their country. One of the most fundamental duties is allegiance to the government. This means that citizens have a moral obligation to support and defend the government, as it represents the collective will of the people. Allegiance to the government means being loyal to the state, upholding its laws and institutions, paying taxes, and participating in civic activities. It also means being willing to defend the country in times of war or national emergency. While loyalty to traditional rulers, obedience to ministers, and obedience to politicians may be important in some contexts, they are not the primary duties of citizens to the state. The government represents the collective will of the people and is responsible for upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, and promoting the common good. As such, citizens owe allegiance to the government as the embodiment of the state.

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The function that is NOT a statutory function of an embassy is espionage. An embassy is a diplomatic mission of a country in another country. It serves as a channel of communication between the two nations and performs various functions related to diplomatic relations. Issuance of visas is a statutory function of an embassy, which involves granting permission to foreign nationals to enter a country for various purposes like tourism, work, or study. Collection of information is also a statutory function of an embassy, which involves gathering and analyzing information about the political, economic, and social conditions of the host country and reporting back to their home country. The welfare of her citizens is another statutory function of an embassy, which involves assisting and protecting their own country's citizens who are living or traveling abroad. However, espionage, which involves the clandestine collection of sensitive information about a foreign country, is not a statutory function of an embassy. Espionage is illegal and a violation of international law. Embassies are expected to operate within the framework of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which sets out the rights and obligations of diplomats and their host countries.

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The presidential system of government ensures the concentration of power in the chief executive. In this system, the president is the head of state and government and has significant executive powers, including the power to appoint and dismiss members of the government, veto legislation, and lead the armed forces. Unlike the parliamentary system of government, where the executive power is shared between the head of state and the head of government, the presidential system concentrates power in one person. This can lead to strong and decisive leadership, as well as clear accountability. However, it can also lead to a lack of checks and balances and an overreliance on the judgment and abilities of one individual. Therefore, while the presidential system of government may ensure a strong executive, it may not necessarily ensure democratic rule or the sharing or decentralization of power.

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The application of the rule of law, which is the principle that all people and entities are subject to and accountable to the law, can be limited by several factors. One such factor is the invocation of emergency powers, which can result in the suspension of certain legal protections and processes. Another factor is the tenure of office of judges, which can affect their ability to make impartial decisions without fear of losing their job or facing political pressure. Insulating judges from partisan politics is also important, as political influence can compromise their ability to make unbiased legal decisions. Finally, employing men and women of proven integrity as judges is essential to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that justice is served fairly and impartially.

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The principle of collective responsibility implies that the cabinet stands or falls together. In parliamentary systems of government, the cabinet is responsible collectively for the decisions made by the government. This means that all cabinet ministers share responsibility for the decisions taken by the government, even if an individual minister did not agree with the decision. The principle of collective responsibility is important because it ensures that the government speaks with one voice and presents a united front to the public and to other countries. If a cabinet minister publicly disagrees with the government's policy or decision, they may be asked to resign or may be dismissed from their position. The principle of collective responsibility is not the same as individual ministerial responsibility, which holds individual ministers accountable for their own actions and decisions within their portfolio.

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Unlike the British constitution, the United States constitution is rigid, federal, and written. A rigid constitution is one that is difficult to amend or change, and the United States constitution requires a lengthy and deliberate process to make any amendments. The constitution is also federal, meaning that power is divided between the national government and the state governments. Finally, the United States constitution is a written document, which means that its provisions are codified in a single document that can be referred to and interpreted with relative ease. This is in contrast to the British constitution, which is largely unwritten and based on a collection of laws, conventions, and traditions that have evolved over time.

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The traditional political system that was segmentary is the Igbo political system. In a segmentary system, political power is dispersed among various subgroups or lineages, which form a larger political unit. In the Igbo system, power was decentralized and exercised by a council of elders representing different lineages, with no single ruler or centralized authority. This is in contrast to the other options listed, such as Kanem Bornu, Benin, and Yoruba, which had more centralized forms of government with a single ruler or monarch.

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A system of government which emphasizes the coordinate status of component units is referred to as "federal". A federal system of government is one in which power is divided between a central government and individual states or regions. In a federal system, both the central government and the individual states have their own spheres of authority, and neither one is superior to the other. This means that the component units, such as states or regions, have a degree of autonomy and can make their own laws and policies within their respective spheres of authority. At the same time, the central government retains certain powers that apply to the entire country, such as national defense and foreign policy. The concept of federalism is often seen as a way to balance the need for a strong central government with the desire for local autonomy and diversity.

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Political authority is vested in the "state". The state is a political entity that is defined by its sovereignty over a geographic territory and its ability to exercise authority within that territory. The state has a monopoly on the use of force within its borders and is responsible for ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens. Political authority is exercised by the state through a range of institutions, such as the government, the judiciary, and the armed forces. The government is the executive branch of the state and is responsible for implementing policies and managing day-to-day affairs. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law, and ensuring that the government operates within the limits of the law. The armed forces are responsible for maintaining the security of the state and protecting its citizens from external threats. Overall, political authority is vested in the state, which exercises its power through a range of institutions and mechanisms to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens.

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The condition for judicial independence is the appointment of judges by the Judicial Service Commission. This means that judges are selected based on their qualifications and abilities, rather than political or personal connections. The Judicial Service Commission is a body that is independent of political influence, which ensures that judges are appointed fairly and without bias. This helps to maintain the integrity of the judiciary and ensure that it operates impartially, making it an important factor in upholding the rule of law in a democratic society.

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Nigeria broke diplomatic relations with France in 1961 due to French atomic tests in the Sahara. The Balewa government was opposed to these tests, which they believed posed a threat to the health and safety of Nigerians and the wider African continent. The decision to break diplomatic ties with France was seen as a way to show solidarity with other African countries who were also opposed to the tests.

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The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria recognized local government as the third tier of government. The 1979 Constitution was the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. It provided for a federal system of government with three tiers of government: federal, state, and local. The local government was recognized as the third tier of government, with elected officials responsible for local administration and development. This recognition of local government as a separate and distinct tier of government was a significant departure from previous constitutions. The 1960 and 1963 constitutions did not recognize local government as a separate tier of government, and it was only with the 1979 Constitution that local government was given official recognition and granted some measure of autonomy and authority. The recognition of local government as a distinct tier of government was a major step towards decentralizing power and promoting grassroots development in Nigeria.

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Nigeria is not a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a group of 38 countries that work together to promote economic growth, trade, and development. It aims to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world by promoting policies that foster sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. Nigeria is, however, a member of other international organizations such as the Non-Aligned Nations, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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A flexible constitution is one that is easy to amend. This means that the process for changing or updating the constitution is not overly burdensome or difficult to achieve. The idea behind a flexible constitution is that it can adapt to changing circumstances and reflect the evolving needs of society. By contrast, a rigid constitution is one that is difficult to amend and may be seen as less responsive to changing circumstances. A flexible constitution may also be easier to interpret, as it can be updated to reflect new understandings of the law or changes in societal values. However, the ease of amending a constitution can also be a drawback if changes are made too frequently or without sufficient consideration of their long-term impact.

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Warrant Chiefs were appointed to take charge of local administrations in parts of colonial Nigeria. During the colonial period, the British established a system of indirect rule, whereby traditional rulers were appointed as intermediaries between the colonial authorities and the local population. Warrant Chiefs were appointed by the colonial administrators to serve as the chief representatives of the colonial government in their respective areas. They were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing colonial policies. While the Warrant Chiefs were given significant powers and authority by the colonial government, they were not always accepted by the local population. Some traditional rulers resented the appointment of the Warrant Chiefs and saw them as usurping their authority. Additionally, the Warrant Chiefs were often accused of corruption and abuse of power, and their role in the colonial administration was widely criticized. The Warrant Chiefs system was eventually abolished in 1933, following widespread protests and resistance by the local population.

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The process of removing an elected official by the electorate after an election is termed "recall". Recall is a political process that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term. This is usually done through a petition that is signed by a certain percentage of registered voters in the official's constituency or jurisdiction. If enough signatures are collected, a recall election is held in which voters are given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to remove the official from office. If the majority of voters vote in favor of the recall, the official is removed from office and a new election is held to fill the vacant position. Recall is often seen as a way for voters to hold elected officials accountable and to prevent abuse of power or misconduct while in office.

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The head of a Nigerian mission in a Commonwealth country is called a High Commissioner. A High Commissioner is the equivalent of an Ambassador in a Commonwealth country. The position of a High Commissioner is a diplomatic appointment that involves representing Nigeria in the country of the mission. The High Commissioner is responsible for promoting and protecting Nigeria's interests in the host country. Nigeria, like many other Commonwealth countries, maintains diplomatic relations with other Commonwealth countries. In these countries, Nigeria is represented by a High Commissioner, who is responsible for facilitating and promoting cooperation between Nigeria and the host country. The role of a High Commissioner is similar to that of an Ambassador. They work to strengthen bilateral relations, promote trade and investment, and represent the interests of their home country. However, the term "High Commissioner" is only used in Commonwealth countries, while "Ambassador" is used in other countries. In summary, the head of a Nigerian mission in a Commonwealth country is called a High Commissioner. They are responsible for representing Nigeria and promoting Nigeria's interests in the host country.

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The Willink Commission was set up to examine issues relating to the welfare of groups in Nigeria. The commission was established in 1957 by the British colonial government in response to growing tensions between different ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. The commission was tasked with investigating the causes of these tensions and making recommendations for addressing them. The Willink Commission held extensive consultations with various groups in Nigeria and produced a report that highlighted the need for greater representation and participation by minority groups in the country's political and economic structures. The report recommended the establishment of regional governments with provisions for protecting minority rights, as well as the creation of a federal government with a constitution that reflected the diverse interests of all groups in Nigeria. The Willink Commission's report served as an important reference point for subsequent efforts to address issues of ethnic and religious diversity in Nigeria, including the creation of states based on linguistic and cultural differences in the 1960s.

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The unrestrained power of a state over its citizens defines the concept of sovereignty. Sovereignty is the concept of a state having supreme authority over its own affairs and citizens within its borders. This means that the state has the power to make and enforce laws, maintain order, and defend its territorial integrity. The idea of sovereignty is based on the principle of non-interference, where other states should not interfere in the internal affairs of another state. However, this concept has been challenged in modern times due to concerns over human rights abuses and the responsibility of states to protect their citizens.

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ECOWAS is aimed at uniting the West African states economically. ECOWAS stands for the Economic Community of West African States, and it is a regional organization of 15 West African countries. Its primary objective is to promote economic cooperation, trade, and development among its member states. ECOWAS was established in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, and it has since grown to become a major force for economic integration and development in the region. It has taken various steps to promote economic integration among member states, including the establishment of a common market, the adoption of a common currency (the Eco), and the removal of trade barriers. While ECOWAS also promotes political, social, and cultural cooperation among member states, its primary focus is on economic integration and development. The organization plays a vital role in promoting regional trade and investment, and in fostering economic growth and development in West Africa.

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Groups which seek to bring about changes in government policies without actually controlling the personnel of government are known as pressure groups. Pressure groups are organizations that represent a particular interest or cause and seek to influence government policies through various means such as lobbying, protests, and campaigns. They do not hold positions in government but rather work to influence those who do. Pressure groups can represent a range of interests such as environmental protection, human rights, business interests, and labor rights. They can play an important role in the democratic process by providing a voice for those who may not have direct access to government decision-making. However, they can also be criticized for being unrepresentative and for having undue influence on government policies. Trade unions, secret societies, and elite groups may also seek to influence government policies but are not necessarily focused solely on policy change and may have different methods of achieving their goals.

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The 1946 Constitution is characterized by a non-official majority in the legislative council. This means that the majority of the members in the legislative council were not government officials, but were instead elected by the people. This was a significant change from previous constitutions, which had an official majority in the legislative council. The 1946 Constitution also established a federal system of government, which means that power is shared between a central government and individual states or provinces. This allowed for greater autonomy and decision-making at the state level. However, the 1946 Constitution did not establish a non-official majority in the executive council, which means that the majority of the members in the executive council were still government officials.

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Governments whose central concern is the equitable distribution of wealth are said to be socialist. Socialist governments aim to reduce social and economic inequalities by providing public services and redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor. This is achieved through policies such as progressive taxation, public healthcare and education, and social welfare programs. The goal of a socialist government is to create a more equal society, where everyone has access to the resources they need to live a decent life.

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Elections present the electorate the opportunity to choose among candidates. This means that voters get to decide who they want to represent them in government by selecting from a range of candidates who are running for office. By doing so, voters have a say in who is elected to make decisions on their behalf, and they can choose the candidate who they believe will best represent their interests and values. Ultimately, the outcome of an election determines who holds political power and who will make decisions on behalf of the electorate, which is why it is important for voters to participate and exercise their right to vote.

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The federal system of government in Nigeria was abolished in favour of a unitary one by Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. In 1966, a military coup took place in Nigeria which overthrew the civilian government. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was the head of the military at the time, became the new leader of Nigeria. As part of his reforms, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi abolished the federal system of government that was in place and replaced it with a unitary system. Under the unitary system, power was concentrated at the national level, with the central government having more control over the states and regions. This decision was not well-received by many Nigerians, particularly those in the southern states, who felt that it gave too much power to the central government and undermined the autonomy of the states. However, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi's regime was short-lived, as he was overthrown in a counter-coup in July 1966. Subsequent military governments continued with the unitary system until 1979, when a new constitution was adopted that restored the federal system of government.

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Traditional rulers were restricted to ceremonial roles by the Local Government Reforms of 1976. In Nigeria, traditional rulers are the custodians of the culture and traditions of their communities. They hold significant influence and are revered by their people. However, with the advent of colonialism, their power was diminished, and they were made to play a more ceremonial role. The Local Government Reforms of 1976 in Nigeria further restricted the powers of traditional rulers. The reforms abolished the Native Authorities and replaced them with Local Government Councils, which were responsible for the administration of local government areas. The traditional rulers were henceforth reduced to serving in advisory capacities and could no longer wield any significant political power. The Local Government Reforms of 1976 were aimed at decentralizing power and promoting grassroots development. The reforms recognized the importance of traditional rulers in their communities and allowed them to participate in the decision-making process at the local government level. However, their powers were significantly curtailed, and they were relegated to serving in ceremonial roles.

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Until her independence, Namibia was a United Nations trusteeship. Namibia was administered by South Africa under a League of Nations mandate after World War I, and then later came under direct South African control in 1946. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly terminated South Africa's mandate and declared that it had no further right to govern Namibia. The UN then assumed direct responsibility for Namibia as a trusteeship, with the goal of preparing the country for independence. This was achieved in 1990, when Namibia became an independent nation.

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The notion of checks and balances guarantees that each branch of government acts as a watchdog over other branches. Checks and balances is a system of governance where each branch of government has some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the other branches. This ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful or abuses its power. Under the system of checks and balances, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government are co-equal and independent. The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, the legislative branch makes laws, and the judiciary interprets laws. Each branch has its own distinct functions, but they work together to ensure that the government operates fairly and efficiently. For example, the legislative branch can check the power of the executive branch by passing laws that limit its authority or by refusing to approve its budget requests. The executive branch can check the power of the legislative branch by vetoing bills it disagrees with or by using its executive orders to implement policies that do not require legislative approval. The judiciary can check the power of both the executive and legislative branches by declaring laws or executive actions unconstitutional. In summary, the notion of checks and balances guarantees that each branch of government acts as a watchdog over other branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful or abuses its power.

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The implementation of Nigerian foreign policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs, also known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is the government ministry in charge of Nigeria's foreign relations and diplomatic affairs. Its main function is to implement Nigeria's foreign policy objectives as set by the government, which include promoting Nigeria's economic, political, and social interests abroad, as well as maintaining good relations with other countries and international organizations. The Ministry of External Affairs oversees Nigeria's embassies and consulates around the world and is responsible for managing the country's relationships with foreign governments and international organizations. The Department of Immigration is responsible for managing Nigeria's immigration policies, while the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs is a research institution focused on foreign policy and international relations. The Ministry of Budget and Planning is responsible for formulating and implementing Nigeria's economic policies and development plans.