WAEC SSCE - Government - 2005

Which of the following West African countries operated a federal constitution at independence?

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Nigeria is the West African country that operated a federal constitution at independence. A federal constitution is a system of government in which power is shared between a central government and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. At independence, Nigeria was divided into three regions, each with its own regional government and legislature. The federal government also had its own central government and legislature. The federal system allowed for a measure of autonomy and self-rule for the regions, while still maintaining a central government for national issues.

Sovereignty ultimately resides in

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Sovereignty ultimately resides in the people within a political society. This means that the ultimate power and authority to make decisions and govern a country rests with its citizens, rather than with any individual leader, branch of government, or external force. In a democratic system, the people exercise their sovereignty through regular elections and other forms of political participation, and elected officials are accountable to the people for their actions. The principle of popular sovereignty is a key element of many modern democratic systems, reflecting the belief that government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Which of the following is associated with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)?

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Peace-keeping is associated with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS was established to promote regional economic integration and cooperation among West African countries. One of its major functions is to maintain peace and security in the region through various peacekeeping initiatives, including the deployment of military and civilian peacekeeping missions. ECOWAS has successfully mediated and resolved conflicts in several West African countries, such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cote d'Ivoire. Therefore, peacekeeping is an integral part of ECOWAS's mandate and activities.

Who among the following is associated with the concept of the rule of law?

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A.V. Dicey is associated with the concept of the rule of law. He was a British jurist and constitutional theorist who defined the rule of law as one of the fundamental principles of the British constitution. According to Dicey, the rule of law means that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and must abide by the law. This concept is based on the idea that the law is supreme and that it applies equally to all individuals and groups in society. Dicey's work on the rule of law has been influential not only in the UK but also in many other countries around the world.

Political opinion can be expressed through

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Political opinion can be expressed through general strike. A general strike is a type of strike action in which a large proportion of the total labour force in a city, region or country participates. It is generally organised by a group of workers as a protest against economic or political conditions. A general strike is a powerful tool that can be used to express dissatisfaction with government policies or decisions. It is a way for people to make their voices heard and to show that they are not happy with the current situation.

An electoral college is a

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An electoral college is a form of indirect election where a group of people selected by voters casts their vote on behalf of the citizens. This method is used to elect the president in the United States, where the citizens vote for electors who then cast their votes in the Electoral College to decide the winner of the election. The number of electors each state has is based on the number of representatives in Congress that state has. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) is declared the winner of the presidential election.

The main objective of a pressure group is to

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A pressure group is a group of people who share common interests and goals, and they work together to influence government policies. Therefore, the main objective of a pressure group is to influence the government to adopt policies or take actions that are in line with the interests and goals of the group. The group may lobby the government, organize protests, or engage in other forms of advocacy to achieve their objectives. The ultimate aim of a pressure group is to ensure that their interests and goals are represented and advocated for in government decision-making.

Which of the following is a means of limiting the rule of law?

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The means of limiting the rule of law from the options provided is "Immunity granted to diplomats". Diplomatic immunity is a concept in international law that allows diplomats to perform their duties without fear of legal repercussions in their host country. This means that they are not subject to prosecution or civil lawsuits in the country where they are serving. While diplomatic immunity is necessary to ensure that diplomats can perform their functions effectively, it can also limit the application of the rule of law by allowing individuals to escape legal consequences for their actions.

The First Colonial Consul sent to administer the West Coast of Africa by the Britain, was

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The first colonial consul sent to administer the West Coast of Africa by Britain was John Beecroft. John Beecroft was appointed the British Consul for the Bights of Benin and Biafra in 1849. He played a significant role in the colonization of Lagos and later became the governor of the British Crown Colony of Lagos in 1862.

A unicameral legislature has

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A unicameral legislature has only one house, which means that all legislative functions are carried out by a single body. This is in contrast to a bicameral legislature, which has two houses. In a unicameral legislature, laws are proposed, debated, and voted on by a single group of legislators. The advantage of a unicameral legislature is that it is usually less expensive to operate than a bicameral legislature, and it can be more efficient in passing legislation because there are fewer stages for a bill to pass before it becomes law.

A multi-party system often leads to

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A multi-party system often leads to a coalition government. This is because in a multi-party system, no single party is likely to win an outright majority of seats in the legislature. As a result, two or more parties may be forced to form a coalition in order to gain a majority and form a government. In a coalition government, the parties involved work together to form a government, often by agreeing on a common agenda and sharing ministerial positions. This can lead to greater political stability, as well as a more representative government that reflects the diverse views of the electorate. However, it can also lead to compromise and gridlock if the parties involved are unable to agree on key issues.

The judiciary is an organ of government which

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The judiciary is an organ of government that settles disputes and interprets the laws of the land. It is responsible for ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially in accordance with the laws of the country. The judiciary has the power to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government and declare them unconstitutional if they violate the laws of the country. The judiciary is also responsible for interpreting the laws of the land and ensuring that they are applied fairly and consistently in all cases.

The West African Students Union (WASU) was formed in 1925 in

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The West African Students Union (WASU) was formed in London in 1925. The organization was created by West African students studying in the United Kingdom to advocate for self-government and political independence in their home countries. The formation of the union played a significant role in fostering Pan-Africanism and the development of nationalist movements in West Africa.

The practice of two or more sovereign states uniting for security and external affairs is called

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The practice of two or more sovereign states uniting for security and external affairs is called confederalism. This means that the states come together to form a confederation where they retain their sovereignty, but delegate some powers to a central authority to handle certain matters such as defense and foreign affairs. It is different from federalism where the central government has more power and the states have less autonomy. Confederalism is a way for states to cooperate and work together while maintaining their independence.

One of the functions of a Party Whip in the Legislature is to

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The Party Whip is a member of a political party who is responsible for ensuring that party members in the legislature vote in accordance with the party's policies and decisions. One of their functions is to ensure that members are present during important sessions, such as when key votes are taking place. They may also be responsible for counting the votes of party members and enforcing discipline among them to ensure they vote in line with party directives. Therefore, the answer is: "ensure that members are present during important sessions."

A unicameral legislature has

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A unicameral legislature refers to a system of government that has only one house in its legislature. This means that there is only one chamber that makes laws and decisions for the entire system, as opposed to a bicameral legislature where there are two chambers. The term "uni" means "one," so unicameral literally means "one-chambered." Some countries, such as China and New Zealand, have unicameral legislatures, while others, such as the United States and Nigeria, have bicameral legislatures.

A free and fair election requires all the following except

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A free and fair election requires all of the following except a gerrymandered constituency. A gerrymandered constituency refers to a district or constituency that has been drawn in a way that unfairly benefits a particular political party or group. This can be achieved by manipulating the boundaries of the district in such a way as to exclude or include certain voters or communities. A free and fair election requires a level playing field where all political parties and candidates have an equal chance to compete for votes, and where all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the election. This requires a fair and impartial electoral system, free from any form of manipulation or bias. It also requires a transparent and accountable election administration that is independent and impartial, and which is trusted by all stakeholders in the electoral process.

The French policy of Assimilation implied that

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To promote justice in a state, judges must

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To promote justice in a state, judges must enjoy security of tenure of office. This means that judges should not be subject to arbitrary removal or transfer from their position, except for reasons such as misconduct or incapacity. This protects judges from political interference and allows them to make decisions without fear of retribution. By having secure tenure, judges can act independently and impartially, and thereby promote justice by upholding the rule of law.

Which of the following is not a feature of a democratic system of government?

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The feature that is not part of a democratic system of government is "limited franchise." A limited franchise is a system of voting where only a certain group of people are allowed to vote, such as a particular race, gender, or social class. In a democratic system of government, the right to vote is extended to all eligible citizens, regardless of their race, gender, or social class. Therefore, limited franchise goes against the principle of universal suffrage, which is a fundamental tenet of a democratic system of government. The other options, official opposition, periodic elections, and rule of law are essential features of a democratic system of government.

Public corporations are set up by

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Public corporations are established by an act of parliament. This means that the government passes a law to create a legal entity that operates independently and serves a public purpose. The purpose of a public corporation may include providing essential services such as healthcare, education, transport, and energy. Public corporations are governed by a board of directors who are appointed by the government or the relevant minister. The board of directors is responsible for managing the affairs of the corporation and ensuring that it achieves its objectives in a transparent and accountable manner.

Military governments are likely to be

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Military governments are likely to be dictatorial. When the military seizes power, it often suspends democratic institutions and civil liberties, ruling by decree and suppressing opposition. Military regimes are often characterized by repression, human rights abuses, and lack of accountability. They may also prioritize military interests over civilian concerns and lack the checks and balances that are typically found in democratic governments.

A person representative achievement of the United Nations Organization (UNO) is the

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The main representative achievement of the United Nations Organization (UNO) is the prevention of another world war. The UNO was formed in 1945 after the end of World War II, and one of its primary goals was to prevent another global war. The UNO has played a significant role in promoting international peace and security by providing a forum for nations to discuss and resolve conflicts peacefully. The UNO has also taken steps to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons, promote human rights, and provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts and disasters. While the UNO has faced challenges and criticisms over the years, its efforts to prevent another world war are widely regarded as its most significant achievement.

The lack of interest in politics by many citizens in a country is called

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The lack of interest in politics by many citizens in a country is called "mass apathy." This refers to a situation where a large portion of the population is disengaged or indifferent towards political matters, such as elections, government policies, or civic participation. Mass apathy can lead to a lack of political participation, which in turn may result in low voter turnout, ineffective government, and a general lack of public engagement.

The executive head who was responsible for British colonial territories in West Africa was the

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The executive head who was responsible for British colonial territories in West Africa was the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State was a senior member of the British government who oversaw the administration of the British colonies, including those in West Africa. The position was responsible for policies and decisions relating to the colonies, including economic, social, and political issues. The Secretary of State had significant power and influence over the colonies, and was instrumental in shaping the direction of British colonial policy in West Africa.

An election held to determine an important constitutional issue is called a

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A referendum is an election held to determine an important constitutional issue. In a referendum, the citizens of a country are called upon to vote on a specific proposal, which may include changes to the constitution, laws, or policies. The result of the referendum is binding and can have significant implications for the country. Referendums can be initiated by the government or by citizens through a petition process. In general, referendums are used to obtain public approval for significant changes to the political system, and to ensure that the decisions made by elected representatives are consistent with the views of the citizens they represent.

All the following are features of the civil service except

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The civil service is a professional body responsible for implementing government policies and delivering public services. It is known for its key features, which include anonymity, political neutrality and impartiality, and security of tenure and permanence. However, political maturity and participation are not considered features of the civil service. The civil service is expected to remain neutral and apolitical while providing advice and implementing government policies. Political maturity and participation are characteristics that are generally associated with political parties and elected officials, not civil servants.

A constitution is said to be rigid if it

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A constitution is said to be rigid if it is difficult to amend. A rigid constitution typically requires a complex amendment process involving multiple steps and broad support from various branches of government or the population. This is in contrast to a flexible or "unwritten" constitution, which can be easily amended through legislative or executive action. A constitution that is decreed by soldiers, on the other hand, is typically considered an authoritarian constitution, rather than a rigid or flexible one.

The policy of indigenat was parctised in the colonies controlled by

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The policy of indigenat was practiced in the colonies controlled by France. This policy was a set of laws that created a legal distinction between the colonizers and the colonized people, giving the colonizers almost unlimited power over the lives of the colonized people. The policy was designed to ensure that the colonizers maintained their dominance over the colonized people and prevented them from gaining political power or even having basic civil rights. The policy was widely criticized and opposed by many activists and organizations, as it was a clear violation of human rights and an abuse of power.

The industrial Revolution in Europe resulted in

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The industrial revolution was a period of significant change that occurred in Europe between the 18th and 19th centuries. It marked the transition from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing, which had a profound impact on economic and social structures. One of the main results of the industrial revolution was the rise of capitalism, an economic system in which private individuals own and operate businesses for profit. This was made possible by the new technologies and manufacturing processes that were developed during this time. The industrial revolution also led to urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to cities to work in factories, and to the growth of the middle class, as entrepreneurs and business owners profited from the new economic opportunities.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed to

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed to promote economic relations in West Africa. ECOWAS is a regional organization that was established in 1975 by West African states to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Its primary goal is to create a common market among its member countries, enhance economic development, and improve the living standards of its citizens. ECOWAS works towards achieving this by implementing policies that promote trade liberalization, free movement of goods and persons, and regional infrastructure development.

The direct rule policy did not succeed in some parts of West Africa because

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The direct rule policy refers to the system of colonial administration where the colonial power directly governed the colony without any involvement of local rulers. This policy was not successful in some parts of West Africa because the traditional rulers in those areas had significant powers and were not willing to surrender them to the colonial power. Also, the colonial power did not have enough personnel to govern effectively and efficiently in these areas. Additionally, the local elites were not willing to cooperate with the colonial authorities, and some even resisted the policy, making it difficult for the policy to succeed.

One major advantage of the secret ballot system of election is that , it

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The secret ballot system of election is a voting process in which the voter's choice is kept secret. One major advantage of the secret ballot system of election is that it removes the fears of threat and victimization. This means that voters can vote for their preferred candidate without fear of being intimidated or victimized by individuals or groups who may not support their choice. The secret ballot system of election ensures that the votes cast are anonymous, and this promotes transparency, credibility, and fairness in the electoral process. It also guarantees that the election is free and fair, as each voter is free to vote for the candidate of their choice, without external pressure.

People pay taxes in order to

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People pay taxes in order to generate revenue for the government. This revenue is used to fund public services and infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, public transportation, and national defense. Taxes are mandatory payments that individuals, businesses, and other organizations are required to pay to the government, which uses the funds to provide these services and maintain public order. Paying taxes is an important civic duty and is essential for the functioning of a modern society.

Which of the following political concepts is associated with land ownership?

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The political concept that is associated with land ownership is Feudalism. Feudalism is a social and economic system that was prominent in medieval Europe, in which land ownership was central to the political and social structure. Under feudalism, the king granted land to lords or nobles in exchange for military service or other duties, and these lords then granted smaller parcels of land to vassals who served them in a similar way. The people who lived and worked on these lands were often serfs, who were tied to the land and could not leave without permission. Therefore, feudalism is associated with the idea that ownership of land is tied to social and political power.

Classical democracy implies government

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The right of the citizens to vote and be voted for in an election is called

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The right of the citizens to vote and be voted for in an election is called franchise. It refers to the right to participate in an election and is an essential aspect of democratic societies. The right to franchise is a fundamental right that guarantees the participation of citizens in the selection of their leaders. It allows individuals to choose their representatives and express their opinions through the ballot box. Without the right to franchise, the concept of democracy would not exist, and people would have no say in the governance of their country.

One of the main objectives of the African Union (AU) is to

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The main objective of the African Union (AU) is to encourage co-operation among member states. The AU was established in 2002 to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU). It is a continental union of 55 member states in Africa and aims to promote unity, solidarity, and co-operation among its members. The AU also works to promote democracy, human rights, and sustainable economic growth across the continent. By promoting co-operation among member states, the AU aims to foster peaceful relations and promote the interests of Africa on the global stage.

A local government administration promotes

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A local government administration promotes democracy at the grassroots level. Local government is the tier of government closest to the people and is responsible for providing basic services and amenities to the community such as waste management, water supply, street lighting, and maintenance of public infrastructure. Through local government administration, the people are able to participate in decision-making processes that affect their immediate communities, as well as hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions. This promotes democracy at the grassroots level and ensures that the needs and concerns of the people are addressed at the local level.

All the following are essential functions of political parties except to

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The option that is not an essential function of political parties is "seek political power for the military". Political parties are organizations that seek to win elections and control government in order to implement their policies and ideologies. The primary functions of political parties include aggregating the interests of members of the public, serving as a link between the government and the people, and seeking political power lawfully through free and fair elections. Seeking political power for the military is not a legitimate function of political parties, as it goes against democratic principles and can lead to authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

One of the achievements of the National Congress of British West African (NCBWA) was the

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The National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA) was an organization that aimed to promote unity among the British West African colonies. One of its achievements was the introduction of the elective principle, which allowed Africans to participate in the decision-making process of their own government. This led to the emergence of African political leaders who were able to represent their people and push for reforms that would improve their living standards. As a result, the NCBWA played a significant role in the development of African nationalism and the struggle for independence in West Africa.

A unitary system of government is most suitable for a

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A unitary system of government is most suitable for a small, homogeneous country. This is because in a unitary system of government, all powers are concentrated in the central government, which exercises control over the entire country. This form of government is easier to manage in a small country with a homogenous population that shares similar values, beliefs, and interests. In such a country, it is easier for the central government to make and implement decisions that will benefit the entire population. However, in a large, diverse country with multiple ethnic and linguistic groups, a unitary system of government may lead to the marginalization of certain groups, and a federal or decentralized system of government may be more suitable.

The main cause of military intervention in government in West African was

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The main cause of military intervention in government in West Africa was the breakdown of democratic institutions. Military coups occurred in West Africa as a result of weak and ineffective democratic institutions, poor governance, and political instability. The military saw itself as the only solution to the problems faced by the countries in the region, and they believed that they could restore stability by taking over the government. The coups d'état were often justified as a way to save the nation from corrupt and inept civilian politicians. However, military rule often led to human rights abuses, political repression, and economic decline, which further undermined the stability and progress of the affected countries.

The principle of collective responsibility is central to the

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The principle of collective responsibility is central to the parliamentary system. This principle states that all members of the government are collectively responsible for the actions and decisions of the government, and if any one of them acts improperly or makes a mistake, the entire government is held accountable. This means that if a member of the government is found to have acted improperly or made a mistake, the entire government may be forced to resign or face a vote of no confidence. This principle ensures that the government acts as a cohesive unit and that all members are held accountable for their actions.

An agreed set of rules prescribing the governance of a country can be the

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An agreed set of rules prescribing the governance of a country can be the Constitution. A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents that a state or other organization is governed by. It serves as a framework for the organization of government, the relationship between the government and the people, and the rights and duties of citizens. A constitution typically outlines the powers and duties of the government, establishes the structure of the government, and sets limits on its power. It is often considered the supreme law of the land and is typically difficult to amend.

(a) What is a coup d'etat?

(b) Give five reasons for military intervention in politics in West Africa. 
 

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 (a) What is a representative government.

(b) (i) State two features of a representative government. (ii) Outline three conditions necessary for a representative government. 

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With two examples, explain the meaning of federal character in Nigeria.

(b) State three factors responsible for the introduction of the concept of federal character in Nigeria. 
 

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(a) Explain the term bureaucracy.

(b) State five functions of a modern civil service.
 

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In what ways did the Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP) contribute to the political development of Nigeria? 
 

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Explain six aims and objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 
 

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(a) Explain the concept proletariat.

(b) Highlight four features of socialism. 
 

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(a) Describe separation of powers.

(b) How does separation of powers operate under the presidential system of government? 

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  What were the roles of the traditional rulers in Nigeria in the precolonial era? 
 

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(a) Describe colonialism.

(b) Highlight five powers of the British Governor in any one West African colony. 
 

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(a) Outline three activities of the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA).

(b) State three effects of the activities highlighted in (a) above.
 

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(a) Explain the term authority.

(b) What are the main sources of political authority?
 

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