JAMB UTME - Government - 2003

Public opinion becomes politically relevant when it influences the decision of the government. This means that the views and interests of a significant portion of the population have been taken into consideration by the government when making decisions that affect society. When public opinion is heard and acted upon, it can lead to positive changes in policies and laws that benefit the people. Criticisms of people in power and support of the government can be part of public opinion, but they do not necessarily make it politically relevant unless they have a direct impact on government decisions.

The main constraint on Nigeria-Francophone West African cooperation is cultural differences. Nigeria, as a former British colony, has a different cultural background and English as the official language, while most Francophone West African countries were colonized by France and have French as their official language. These cultural differences have created communication barriers, making it difficult for the countries to cooperate effectively. In addition, these differences have also created ideological and economic differences, which have further hindered cooperation. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures and values, which has led to mistrust and suspicion between the countries. This has made it difficult for Nigeria and Francophone West African countries to work together on regional issues such as trade, security, and development. Therefore, the main constraint on Nigeria-Francophone West African cooperation is cultural differences, which have led to communication barriers, ideological and economic differences, and mistrust between the countries.

In the First Republic of Nigeria (1960-1966), politics in the Northern region was dominated by the Northern People's Congress (NPC). The NPC was the largest and strongest political party in the Northern region, and it controlled the government of the region. The party was led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was also the Premier of the Northern Region. The NPC was known for its conservative and pro-Northern policies, and it played a key role in the formation of the Nigerian Federation.

The major problem of the ECOWAS is lack of common currency.

This makes financial transactions difficult among member nations.

Other problems include:

1. The high rate of poverty

2. The existence of other sub-regional organizations e.g CEAO.

3. Language barrier

4. The problem of refugees and displaced persons.

5. Similarity in agricultural products.

A heterogeneous society is one with diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. In such a society, the best form of government is a federal system. This is because a federal system allows for the decentralization of power, giving more autonomy to individual regions or states within the country. This allows for greater representation and participation of diverse groups in decision-making processes. Additionally, it allows for the accommodation of cultural and linguistic differences, as states can have their own laws and policies that reflect the values and beliefs of their people. In contrast, a unitary system centralizes power, which can lead to the dominance of one group over others and can lead to marginalization and exclusion of minority groups.

Government by the wealthy is known as plutocracy. Plutocracy is a form of government in which wealthy individuals or a wealthy class have the most political power and influence. In a plutocratic system, the wealthy have disproportionate control over political decision-making, which can result in policies that favor the rich and powerful while ignoring the needs and interests of the majority. Plutocracy can also lead to economic inequality, as policies are put in place that benefit the wealthy and maintain their power and influence over time. This can exacerbate social and economic divisions and create a system that favors the privileged few at the expense of the rest of society. In summary, plutocracy is a form of government in which wealthy individuals or classes hold the most power and influence, potentially leading to policies that benefit the rich and exacerbate social and economic inequality.

Election as a political process is significant because it facilitates constitutional change of government.

This should be observed when noting some of the reasons for conducting elections which are as follows:

1. Elections act as a forum for political parties to give political education to the citizens.

2. Elections help to check the excesses of government and to ensure accountability.

3. Elections act as a basis for testing the popularity of the government in power.

4. Elections are conducted to fulfill the provisions of the constitution

5. Elections ensure smooth change of government

6. Elections confer legitimacy on the government and the leader.

The civil service embraces all workers in government ministries.

The civil service may therefore be defined as body of officials who carry out the day to day business of government. They are skilled and permanent. They are also paid from the consolidated fund either partly or wholly.

Pressure groups are associations whose main interest is to influence public policies without having to capture power. These groups are made up of individuals who share a common interest, and they use various means such as lobbying, public campaigns, and demonstrations to influence the government and policymakers to make decisions that favor their interests. Pressure groups are also known as interest groups or advocacy groups. They play a crucial role in the democratic process by providing a voice for different segments of society and ensuring that the government is held accountable to the people.

The military Head of State during the Third Republic was General Ibrahim Babangida.

The regime established two political parties, NRC and SDP. All the states had elected governors as well as state legislators. Every local government in the country was also run by elected chairmen and Councillors. That was the time Ibrahim Babangida took up the name ''Mr President.''

A common feature of government is the making of public policy. Public policy refers to the actions and decisions taken by a government to address public issues and problems. These issues can range from economic problems, such as unemployment and inflation, to social problems, such as poverty, healthcare, and education. In order to address these issues, governments create policies that outline the goals, strategies, and actions necessary to solve them. These policies can take many forms, such as laws, regulations, and programs, and are designed to provide solutions to the challenges that society faces. The making of public policy is a fundamental aspect of government because it reflects the priorities and values of a society. By creating policies that address public issues, governments can help to promote the well-being of their citizens and create a more just and equitable society. Without this feature, governments would not be able to effectively address the needs and concerns of their citizens.

The dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon is over territory.

The people of Cameroun have been calming that Bakasi pennisula belongs to them. But Nigeria strongly maintains that the pennisula is one of her territories.

The smooth operation of the civil service in Nigeria is mostly hampered by corruption and inefficiency. This means that some workers in the civil service may engage in corrupt practices such as bribery, embezzlement, and favoritism, which undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the service. Additionally, inefficiency, which includes bureaucratic bottlenecks, red tape, and lack of accountability, can make it difficult to deliver public services effectively and efficiently. When civil servants are corrupt and inefficient, they can hinder the government's efforts to provide critical services such as health care, education, and infrastructure development to citizens.

The type of government operated in Nigeria between October 1st 1979 to December 31st 1983 is called a presidential system of government. In a presidential system of government, the President is the head of state and government, and is elected by the people to serve for a fixed term. The President has the power to appoint and dismiss government officials, veto laws passed by the legislature, and is responsible for the administration of the country. In Nigeria, the presidential system of government was introduced in 1979 after a long period of military rule.

In the Pre-colonial Igbo society,the maintenance of peace and order was,the function of the age-grades. Their duties were as follows:

1. Defence of their communities against external aggression.

2. They performed police duties in maintaining and enforcing law and order.

3. They checked wrong use of powers by paramount chiefs and council of elders.

4. They helped in the execution of policies and decisions made in the community.

One of the legacies of pre-colonial Nigeria destroyed by the British was the indigenous cultures of the people. Before the arrival of the British, Nigeria was made up of various ethnic groups, each with their unique cultures, traditions, and languages. These cultures were rich and diverse, and they shaped the identity of the people. However, when the British colonized Nigeria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they imposed their own culture and values on the people. They introduced Christianity and the English language and prohibited the practice of indigenous religions and cultures. The British also established a system of indirect rule, which relied on traditional rulers to govern the people but stripped them of their powers and authority. This led to a loss of cultural identity and a breakdown of traditional values and practices. The destruction of indigenous cultures remains one of the lasting legacies of British colonialism in Nigeria.

One of the reasons advanced for the overthrow of the Gowon Regime was its failure to honour the promise to hand over power. General Yakubu Gowon was the military ruler of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, and he promised to return the country to civilian rule in 1979. However, when it became apparent that the military would not relinquish power, there was widespread dissatisfaction and opposition. Some of the reasons for the opposition were corruption, nepotism, and a lack of progress in developing the country. The failure to honour the promise to hand over power was seen as a betrayal of trust and a violation of democratic principles. The subsequent overthrow of Gowon's regime in a military coup in 1975 paved the way for the eventual transition to civilian rule in 1979.

The Eastern and Western regions of Nigeria achieved the status of self-government 1957.

This was on August 8, 1957 it was one of the effects and implementation of the decisions arrived at the London constitutional conference of 1957.

The most important challenge facing the Fourth Republic is the successful conduct of the 2003 elections.

If certain things are not well done, such issues as rigging and election violence may plunge the nation into state of anarchy and this may eventually attract another military regime.

The Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) in Nigeria is responsible for the privatization and commercialization of public enterprises owned by the federal government. Its main objective is to improve the efficiency and productivity of these enterprises by transferring their ownership and control from the government to private individuals or companies. This is expected to increase competition, attract foreign investment and generate revenue for the government. The BPE is not charged with eradicating poverty or providing employment opportunities directly, but rather its activities are aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive economic environment that could lead to job creation and poverty reduction.

The independence of the Judiciary can be undermined through the politicization of the appointment of judges, appointment of the minister of justice as the Attorney-General, confirmation of the appointment of judges by the legislature, and payment of the salaries of judicial officers by the government. Politicization of judicial appointments means that judges are chosen based on their political affiliations rather than their qualifications and experience, which can lead to bias and unfairness in their decisions. Similarly, appointing the Minister of Justice as the Attorney-General can lead to conflicts of interest and the perception of political interference in legal matters. Confirmation of judicial appointments by the legislature can also undermine the independence of the judiciary because it opens up the possibility of political influence and pressure on the judges. Finally, if the government pays the salaries of judicial officers, it can use this as a tool to influence their decisions, creating a lack of independence and impartiality. All of these actions can compromise the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, which is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

Financial allocations to local governments by the federal or the state government to supplement the cost of a project is called a matching grant. Matching grants are a type of funding arrangement where a government entity provides money to a local government or organization to help pay for a project, but only if the recipient government or organization also contributes a certain amount of money towards the same project. The aim is to encourage local governments to initiate projects they might not have the resources for on their own, while also ensuring their commitment to the project. For instance, if a state government wants to build a new hospital in a local government area, it may offer a matching grant of 50% of the total cost of the project, with the requirement that the local government contributes the other 50%. This approach helps to ensure that both levels of government are invested in the project, and the outcome is more likely to benefit the community as a whole. In summary, matching grants are a funding mechanism designed to encourage collaboration between different levels of government and ensure that projects benefitting a community are adequately funded.

Capitalism is a system of economic organization based on individual ownership of the means of production. In this system, individuals are free to own and control their own property, including factories, land, and other resources. The goal of capitalism is to create wealth through the production and sale of goods and services, with prices determined by supply and demand in a competitive market. The system emphasizes individual initiative and rewards for hard work, with profits going to those who own and control the means of production.

Socialism is a mode of production based on collective ownership of the means of production. This means that the resources and tools used to produce goods and services are owned and controlled by the community as a whole, rather than by private individuals or corporations. In a socialist system, the benefits of production are distributed more evenly among the population, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a wealthy few. This is achieved through democratic decision-making processes and the redistribution of wealth to support public goods and services.

The National Population Commission was established by the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria. The commission is responsible for conducting census, providing demographic data for national planning, and managing population-related issues in Nigeria.

The Arthur Richards Constitution was designed to last for nine years. It was adopted in 1946 for the governance of the British colony of the Gambia. The constitution provided for the establishment of a Legislative Council, which had the power to make laws for the colony. It also introduced a system of indirect elections, where only a small number of people could vote for representatives who then selected members of the Legislative Council. The constitution was meant to be a transitional arrangement, paving the way for greater self-government and ultimately independence. However, it only lasted for six years, as it was replaced by a new constitution in 1952.

The 1976 Reforms have been most beneficial to local government.

Some of the important features of the reform are:

1. Introduction of uniform system

2. Federal government became directly involved in the running of local government

3. Introduction of local government service commission.

4. Special functions of local government eg Primary education.

5. Full time chairmen and supervisory Councillors.

6. Exclusion of traditional rulers from local government councils

7. Grants

8. Election of chairmen and Councillors

9. Establishment of traditional/Emirate council

10. The committee system.

Nigeria's Non-Alignment Policy is constrained by her strong ties with Western powers. Non-alignment is a foreign policy approach that involves avoiding formal alliances with any major power bloc, instead focusing on maintaining independence and autonomy in international relations. Nigeria has historically adopted a non-alignment policy, which has allowed it to maintain cordial relations with various countries and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts. However, Nigeria's strong ties with Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, have constrained its non-alignment policy. These ties have resulted in Nigeria aligning with the West on certain international issues, such as support for democracy and human rights, which can conflict with the country's non-alignment policy. Furthermore, Nigeria's close economic ties with Western countries, especially in terms of trade and investment, also limit its ability to remain completely independent in foreign policy. This has been a challenge for Nigeria's non-alignment policy, as it seeks to balance its relationships with Western countries while maintaining its independence and autonomy in international relations. In summary, Nigeria's non-alignment policy is constrained by its strong ties with Western powers, which can limit its ability to maintain complete independence and autonomy in foreign policy

The headquarters of the International Court of Justice is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is the main judicial branch of the United Nations and settles legal disputes between countries. The Hague is also the location of other important international institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The majority of the OPEC members are from the Middle East countries. OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and it is a group of countries that produce and export oil. The organization was founded in 1960 by five countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Since then, the membership has expanded, and currently, there are 13 members of OPEC. Out of the 13 OPEC members, the majority are from the Middle East. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman. These countries are located in a region known as the "Persian Gulf" and have some of the world's largest oil reserves. This gives them significant influence in the global oil market, as they collectively produce a large share of the world's oil supply. While there are other OPEC members from Africa (Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea), Latin America (Venezuela), and Asia (Indonesia), the majority are from the Middle East. Therefore, it can be said that the Middle East countries are the backbone of OPEC and play a significant role in shaping the organization's policies and decisions.

In a parliamentary system, the functions of the head of state and the head of government are vested in two different individuals. The head of state, such as a monarch or president, represents the country in a ceremonial role and acts as a symbol of national unity. The head of government, such as a prime minister or chancellor, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the government and is accountable to the parliament or legislature. While the head of state has some formal powers, such as signing laws and treaties, the head of government holds more executive power and is responsible for setting policy and making decisions on behalf of the government. The two roles are separate to maintain a balance of power and prevent abuse of authority.

The tenure of the President of the UN Security Council is one month. The President of the UN Security Council is elected by the Council members on a monthly rotating basis, with each member state assuming the presidency for one month during their two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The presidency rotates in alphabetical order of the member states' names in English.

Nigeria's activities in the international community are primarily influenced by its national interest. National interest refers to the goals and objectives of a nation's government and people, which they pursue to protect their sovereignty, security, and economic well-being. Nigeria, being one of the largest and most populous countries in Africa, has significant economic, political, and strategic interests both within the continent and beyond. As such, the country's foreign policy is designed to promote and protect these interests. Nigeria seeks to maintain friendly relations with other nations and engage in diplomatic and economic activities that can further its interests. While diplomacy and military power can be important tools in achieving Nigeria's objectives, they are often used in support of the country's national interest. For example, Nigeria participates in international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union, and it engages in diplomatic efforts to promote regional stability and economic cooperation. Additionally, Nigeria has a sizable military that it can use to protect its interests, including supporting peacekeeping efforts in other countries and combating terrorism within its borders. Overall, Nigeria's activities in the international community are primarily driven by its national interest, which guides its foreign policy decisions and actions.

The unrestrained power of the state over its citizens is underlined by sovereignty. Sovereignty is the concept of a state having complete and absolute power and authority within its territorial boundaries. It means that the state has the right to exercise its power and make decisions without interference from external actors or institutions. In some cases, the exercise of sovereignty can lead to the unrestrained power of the state over its citizens. This can occur when a government or ruling party abuses its power and disregards the rights and freedoms of its citizens. When this happens, the state may use its power to suppress dissent, curtail civil liberties, and maintain control over its population. While nationalism, self-determination, and patriotism can all play a role in shaping a state's relationship with its citizens, they do not necessarily imply unrestrained power. Nationalism, for example, refers to a sense of national pride and identity and can be a unifying force within a country. Self-determination is the right of a people to determine their own political status and form their own government, which can lead to greater democracy and individual freedoms. Patriotism refers to love and loyalty to one's country and can inspire citizens to work for the common good. Overall, the concept of sovereignty underlines the power of the state over its citizens, but this power can be constrained by the rule of law, democratic institutions, and respect for individual rights and freedoms.

Nigeria's high standing in the UN General Assembly is underscored by her contribution to global peace. This means that Nigeria has played a significant role in promoting peace and stability globally, and her efforts have been recognized by the international community through her high standing in the UN General Assembly. Nigeria's commitment to international peacekeeping missions, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance has earned her respect and recognition among the comity of nations. As a result, Nigeria has been elected into various UN elective offices, which further highlights her commitment to promoting global peace and security.

The non-British colony which is a member of the Common wealth is Eritrea.

Eritrea became politically independent in 1993, with Italy as former colonial master.

The rule of law is a principle that means every person is subject to the law, regardless of their social status or political power. It ensures that the law is applied equally to everyone and that no one is above the law. The operation of the rule of law can be undermined by several factors, including the existence of administrative tribunals and special immunities. When administrative tribunals are established to hear certain cases, they may not be subject to the same legal rules and procedures as regular courts. This can lead to a lack of transparency, fairness, and accountability in the legal system, which can erode public trust in the rule of law. Special immunities granted to certain individuals or groups can also undermine the rule of law. When individuals or groups are given special privileges or exemptions from the law, it creates a sense of inequality and unfairness in the legal system, which can erode public trust and confidence in the rule of law. Therefore, the existence of administrative tribunals and special immunities can undermine the operation of the rule of law by creating an unequal application of the law and reducing the transparency and accountability of the legal system.

Constitutional disputes in states with written constitutions are resolved by the judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the constitution in states with written constitutions. If there is a dispute over the interpretation or application of the constitution, it is the job of the judiciary to resolve the issue. This is an important function of the judiciary, as it helps to ensure that the constitution is upheld and that the rule of law is maintained. The judiciary provides an impartial and independent forum for resolving constitutional disputes, which helps to prevent abuses of power and ensures that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution are protected. In summary, constitutional disputes in states with written constitutions are resolved by the judiciary, which has the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the constitution. This helps to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.

Removal by impeachment applies to the position of a president.

Impeachment means the process by which the chief executive is removed from office by the parliament.

Nigeria's relations with Britain was at a very low ebb under the Buhari Regime. Major General Muhammadu Buhari was the military ruler of Nigeria from 1983 to 1985, and during his tenure, he adopted a strong anti-colonial stance. Buhari was critical of Britain's involvement in Nigeria's internal affairs, particularly its support for the opposition and its alleged role in fomenting ethnic and religious tensions in the country. He also accused Britain of meddling in the country's political and economic affairs and called for a more equitable relationship between the two countries. As a result of these tensions, Nigeria's relations with Britain deteriorated, and there were several diplomatic spats between the two countries. The strained relationship between Nigeria and Britain during the Buhari regime was a reflection of the country's desire for greater independence and sovereignty.

A collegial executive is a government in which power is vested in a committee. In this type of government, decisions are made collectively by a group of individuals, rather than by a single person or a monarch. The term "collegial" refers to the idea that the members of the committee are equal and share responsibility for governing. The committee may be composed of individuals who hold different positions or roles within the government, such as ministers, heads of departments, or other officials. The committee may have a leader or a chairperson who is responsible for coordinating the group's activities, but this person does not have the same level of power as a president or a monarch. The collegial executive model is often used in parliamentary systems of government, where the executive branch is made up of members of parliament who are appointed to specific roles by the prime minister or the head of state. In this system, the executive is accountable to the legislative branch, which provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one individual or group from accumulating too much power. Overall, a collegial executive is a form of government that emphasizes collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision-making. It can be an effective way to balance the competing interests and perspectives of different groups within a society and ensure that power is distributed fairly among those who govern.

None of the above options is correct. The independent African countries that signed the OAU (Organization of African Unity) Charter on May 25th 1963 were a total of 32 countries. They included Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria's influence in OPEC is determined by the volume of her oil revenue. OPEC, which stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a group of oil-producing nations that seek to coordinate and unify their petroleum policies. Nigeria is a member of OPEC, and its influence within the organization is largely determined by the amount of oil it produces and the revenue it generates from oil exports. As one of the largest oil-producing countries in Africa, Nigeria is a significant contributor to OPEC's total oil output. The country's oil exports account for a significant portion of its GDP and government revenue, which gives it a vested interest in ensuring stable oil prices and market conditions. Therefore, Nigeria's influence in OPEC is determined by the volume of its oil revenue, which gives it the leverage to push for policies that are favorable to its economic interests. While the other factors listed (sizes of her refineries, accessibility of her oil fields, low sulfur content of her crude) can also affect Nigeria's oil production and export capabilities, they are not the primary determinants of its influence within OPEC. Instead, it is the country's oil revenue that gives it a voice and bargaining power within the organization, allowing it to influence the policies and decisions of the group.

Citizenship of a country can be acquired through birth and naturalization. Birthright citizenship means that a person is automatically granted citizenship of a country if they are born within its territory, regardless of the citizenship of their parents. Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process by which a person can acquire citizenship of a country by meeting certain requirements, such as residency, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test. In some countries, citizenship can also be acquired through descent, which means that if one or both of a person's parents are citizens of a country, then that person may also be eligible for citizenship. The process of acquiring citizenship is typically governed by parliamentary legislation, which outlines the requirements and procedures for citizenship acquisition. Some countries may also have presidential proclamations or other executive actions that impact citizenship acquisition. In summary, citizenship of a country can be acquired through birth and naturalization, and in some cases, descent. The process is typically governed by parliamentary legislation and may involve presidential proclamations or other executive actions.

A political party is different from other social institutions because its main goal is to win elections and form a government. In other words, political parties want to have power in order to influence government policies in certain directions. While they may also promote the interests of party members, the primary purpose of a political party is to gain control of the government and implement their policies. This is what sets them apart from other organizations or institutions that may have different goals or priorities.

In Nigeria, the expenditure of public funds by the executive is controlled by the legislature. The legislature, which is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for approving the budget and overseeing the implementation of government projects and programs. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for managing government funds, but they do not have the power to control how the funds are spent. The judiciary, on the other hand, is responsible for interpreting the laws of the country and ensuring that the government operates within the confines of the law. The president, as the head of the executive branch, can propose a budget, but it must be approved by the legislature before it can be implemented.