WAEC SSCE - Government - 2007

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The benefit of the principle of checks and balances is that it prevents domination of one organ of government by another. In a democratic government, power is divided between different branches or organs of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, but no single branch should have too much power or be able to dominate the others. The principle of checks and balances ensures that each branch has the ability to check the power of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. For example, the legislative branch can pass laws, but the executive branch can veto those laws. Likewise, the judicial branch can strike down laws that are deemed unconstitutional. By ensuring that each branch has a say in the decision-making process and that no single branch is dominant, the principle of checks and balances helps to maintain the balance of power in a democratic government.

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The Fascist State in Europe was Italy. Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and the subordination of individual rights to the goals of the state. In Italy, the Fascist State was established under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, who came to power in 1922. Mussolini used a combination of propaganda, violence, and political maneuvering to consolidate his power and establish a totalitarian regime. The Fascist State in Italy was characterized by strict control over the media, suppression of political opposition, and the use of force to maintain order. The Fascist State also promoted the idea of a "corporate state," in which different social and economic groups were organized into specialized "corporations" that were meant to represent their interests within the state. While the Fascist State in Italy was eventually defeated in World War II, its legacy has had a lasting impact on Italian politics and society.

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Obedience to the laws of the state is a part of one's duties. Duties are obligations or responsibilities that an individual is expected to fulfill as a member of a society. Obedience to the laws of the state is an important duty of citizens because it helps maintain law and order, promotes the common good, and ensures the protection of individual rights and freedoms. By following the laws of the state, citizens are contributing to the smooth functioning of the society and demonstrating their commitment to the common good.

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In a unitary system of government, the degree of centralization is high. This is because in a unitary system, power is concentrated at the national or central level, with little or no power devolved to subnational units such as regions or states. The central government makes most of the important decisions and controls the resources of the country, while the regional or local governments are subordinate and carry out the policies of the central government. Therefore, the degree of centralization is high in a unitary system of government.

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Establishing an independent judiciary is a crucial way of protecting the rights of citizens. This is because an independent judiciary ensures that there is a fair and impartial legal system that is not influenced by political or other external pressures. As a result, citizens are able to receive a fair trial and have their rights protected, regardless of their social status or political affiliation. This helps to create a sense of trust and confidence in the legal system, which is important for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that citizens feel secure in their rights and freedoms. Furthermore, an independent judiciary helps to prevent abuse of power and ensure that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions, thus further protecting the rights of citizens.

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The feature of capitalism is the maximization of profit. Capitalism is an economic system that is based on private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods and services for profit. In a capitalist system, individuals and companies are motivated by the pursuit of profit, which is achieved by producing goods or providing services that are in demand in the marketplace. The profit motive is seen as a powerful incentive to encourage innovation, productivity, and efficiency, and it drives economic growth and development. However, capitalism also has its downsides, as it can lead to economic inequality and exploitation if not properly regulated. Nonetheless, the pursuit of profit is a fundamental feature of capitalism.

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Fundamental Human Rights can be defined as the basic rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, simply by virtue of being human. These rights are usually enshrined in the constitution or other legal documents, and they are meant to protect individuals from abuses of power by the state, institutions, or other individuals. Examples of fundamental human rights include the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to a fair trial. These rights are universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or denied to any person based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic.

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The main focus of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) is the maintenance of peace in troubled spots of West Africa. ECOMOG is a regional military organization established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1990 to help restore peace and security to countries affected by conflicts or civil wars in West Africa. Its main mandate is to intervene in cases of conflict or instability in the region, protect civilians, and promote peaceful resolution of disputes. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

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The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is Queen Elizabeth II. She has held this position since 1952, and it is a ceremonial role that involves promoting cooperation and good relations between the member countries of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of Nations is an organization made up of 54 member countries, most of which are former colonies of the British Empire. Although the head of the Commonwealth is not a position of political power, it is a symbol of the strong ties and shared values that exist between these countries.

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Production and distribution of goods and services are controlled by the State in socialism. In a socialist economy, the means of production are owned and controlled by the State or the community as a whole, rather than by private individuals or corporations. The State determines how resources are allocated and how goods and services are produced and distributed, with the goal of achieving greater economic equality and social welfare for all members of society. This can include nationalizing key industries, such as energy, transportation, and healthcare, and implementing centralized planning to guide economic activity. Socialism can take many different forms, ranging from democratic socialism to more authoritarian models, and is often contrasted with capitalism, where the means of production are privately owned and economic activity is driven by market forces.

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The introduction of the elective principle in colonial West Africa allowed Africans to be elected into the Legislative Councils. Before the introduction of this principle, the colonial authorities appointed members of the Legislative Councils, and Africans had no representation in these councils. The introduction of the elective principle allowed Africans to vote for their own representatives and for those representatives to be elected into the Legislative Councils. This gave Africans a voice in the legislative process and allowed them to participate in the governance of their own countries. However, it is important to note that the elective principle did not immediately lead to full independence or self-governance for African countries, and many continued to struggle for these rights for many years to come.

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The option related to the process of governing is "implementation and adjudication of laws." This refers to how the government enforces the laws it creates and how it interprets them when disputes arise. It involves the actions taken by the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Essentially, it's the process by which the government operates and manages society according to the laws and regulations that it has established.

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A system of government that is made up of elected people is referred to as a representative government. This means that the citizens of the country vote for individuals who will represent them in the government. These elected officials are responsible for making laws and policies that benefit the citizens. In a representative government, the power is distributed among the elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents. The representatives are accountable to the people who elected them and can be removed from office if they do not fulfill their duties properly. Examples of countries with a representative government include the United States, France, and India.

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One feature of a Unitary State is that it has a centralized system of government where all the powers are held by a single central government. The central government may choose to delegate powers to local or regional governments, but these powers are not guaranteed by the constitution and can be revoked at any time. This means that there is an absence of a constitutional division of power to the sub-national units. The size, economic development or heterogeneity of the population within the state may vary, but these factors are not necessarily defining characteristics of a Unitary State.

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A type of government which allows co-ordinate units to make law is a federal government. In a federal government system, power is divided between a central government and smaller, regional governments, with each level of government having its own sphere of authority. This means that the central government and the regional governments can both make laws within their own areas of responsibility, and these laws must be respected by all other levels of government and citizens of the country. Federal systems are often used in large and diverse countries where there are distinct regional differences or where there is a need to balance centralized power with regional autonomy. Examples of federal systems include the United States, Germany, Australia, and Brazil.

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The Exclusive List in a federal system state includes defence, and it refers to a list of powers and responsibilities that are reserved for the central or federal government. In a federal system, power is divided between the central government and the state or regional governments. The Exclusive List is a part of this division of power, and it outlines the areas in which only the federal government can make laws and take action. Defence is one of the areas included in the Exclusive List, which means that only the federal government can make decisions regarding the military and the country's defence. This is to ensure that there is a unified and coordinated approach to national security and defence, rather than each state making its own decisions in this area. The other items mentioned in the question, such as education, market, and transportation, are not typically included in the Exclusive List, and are often areas of responsibility that are shared between the federal and state governments.

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The scholar who defined sovereignty as an absolute power vested in one authority was Jean Bodin. Bodin was a French philosopher and jurist who lived in the sixteenth century. He is known for his work "Six Books of the Commonwealth," where he defined the concept of sovereignty. According to Bodin, sovereignty is the supreme power of the state, which is vested in a single person or authority. This power is absolute and indivisible, meaning that there can be no other power that can compete with it. The sovereign has the authority to make and enforce laws, to tax, to wage war, and to do whatever is necessary to maintain the order and security of the state. Bodin's idea of sovereignty was a significant departure from earlier concepts of sovereignty, which saw it as being divided among different branches of government or shared among the people. His work had a significant influence on political theory and was especially important in the development of the modern nation-state. In summary, Jean Bodin was the scholar who defined sovereignty as an absolute power vested in one authority. His concept of sovereignty remains an essential idea in political theory to this day.

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A one-party system is commonly associated with a totalitarian government. In this system, there is only one political party that is allowed to exist, and all other political parties are banned or prevented from participating in elections. The ruling party exercises total control over the government and the society, and there is no opposition or alternative voices to challenge the ruling party's policies or decisions. This type of government is often characterized by a lack of political freedom, civil liberties, and human rights, as well as a tendency towards authoritarianism and repression.

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Devolution of power is associated with a decentralized political system. In a decentralized political system, power and authority are distributed among different levels of government, with some degree of autonomy for local or regional governments. Devolution of power refers to the transfer of some powers and responsibilities from the central government to the regional or local governments, giving them more control over their own affairs. This can help to promote local decision-making, increase efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, and empower citizens to participate in the democratic process. Decentralization and devolution of power are often seen as important components of democratic governance and can help to promote more responsive and accountable government.

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The government that is constituted by several parties after a general election is referred to as a national government. This is because it is composed of representatives from different political parties who have come together to form a coalition government. The aim of this type of government is to have a broad-based representation of different political ideologies, which allows for more inclusive decision-making and a wider range of perspectives. The term "national" also emphasizes the idea of unity and the common interest of the country, rather than the interests of a particular political party.

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Political sovereignty belongs to the people. Political sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority or power in a country or state. In a democratic society, the people are the ones who hold this power and are ultimately responsible for electing leaders and making decisions on behalf of the country. The legislature and executive are the branches of government responsible for making and enforcing laws, respectively, but they derive their authority from the people through the democratic process. The press, while an important part of a democratic society, does not hold political sovereignty.

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Senegal and The Gambia have practiced a confederal system of government. A confederal system of government is a form of government in which several independent states or regions come together to form a union or confederation. In this system, each state or region retains its sovereignty and has its own government, but they also have a central government that handles issues that affect the entire confederation. Senegal and The Gambia were once two separate countries but decided to form a confederation in 1982. The confederation lasted for seven years, during which both countries maintained their own governments and sovereignty, but shared a central government that handled issues such as defense, foreign affairs, and economic development. However, the confederation was dissolved in 1989 due to tensions between the two countries.

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The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) is made up of foreign affairs ministers. The OAU was a continental organization that was established in 1963 to promote unity and solidarity among African countries and to promote cooperation on political, economic, and social issues. The Council of Ministers was one of its key organs and was responsible for coordinating the activities of the organization and implementing its decisions. The Council of Ministers was composed of the foreign affairs ministers of member states, who met regularly to discuss issues of common concern and to develop strategies for addressing them. The foreign affairs ministers were chosen because they were responsible for the formulation and implementation of their countries' foreign policies, and they were therefore best placed to represent their countries' interests within the OAU.

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The highest stage of socialism is communism. Communism is a political and economic system in which property and resources are collectively owned by the community as a whole, and goods and services are produced and distributed according to the needs of each individual. In a communist society, there is no private ownership of property or means of production, and no social classes or hierarchy. The goal of communism is to achieve a stateless and classless society, where all members have equal access to resources and opportunities. However, the implementation of communism has been controversial, with some arguing that it can lead to authoritarianism and a lack of individual freedom.

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A major feature of an Electoral Commission is political neutrality. This means that the commission is expected to be impartial and not take sides with any political party or candidate during an election. Its main role is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections by administering the election process in a non-partisan manner, including voter registration, conducting the election, and announcing the results. The commission is usually established by law and operates independently of the government and other political parties. Its independence and neutrality are crucial to the credibility of the election process and the legitimacy of the elected government.

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Communism was popularized by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. They wrote the famous political treatise called "The Communist Manifesto," which outlined the principles of communism as an alternative to capitalism. Marx and Engels believed that capitalism was inherently exploitative and unfair to workers, who were forced to sell their labor to capitalists in exchange for wages. They argued that communism would create a classless society in which the means of production were collectively owned and controlled by the people, rather than by private capitalists. According to Marx and Engels, communism would eliminate the exploitation of workers, create a more equal distribution of wealth, and lead to a more just and humane society. While communism has been implemented in various forms in different countries throughout history, its popularity has waxed and waned, and it remains a controversial and debated political ideology.

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Direct democracy is a system of government where citizens make decisions and participate directly in the decision-making process of the government. The idea of direct democracy has its origins in ancient Greece. In ancient Athens, citizens gathered in a central assembly to make decisions on public policy and legislation. This form of government was known as "demokratia," which means "rule by the people." The assembly was open to all citizens and was the primary decision-making body of the government. Direct democracy was an essential part of ancient Greek political life, and it allowed citizens to participate in the decision-making process of the government. However, it was limited to a small group of citizens who were free, adult males. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participating in the political process. The idea of direct democracy was later revived during the European Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, where it became a subject of philosophical and political discourse. However, it was not until the modern era that direct democracy was implemented on a larger scale. In summary, direct democracy emanated from ancient Greece, where citizens participated directly in the decision-making process of the government through the central assembly. This system of government allowed for greater citizen participation, but it was limited to a small group of citizens. The idea of direct democracy has since been revived and developed, becoming a subject of philosophical and political discourse throughout history.

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The two major factors that contributed to the development of capitalism were the theory of individual rights and the Industrial Revolution in Britain. The theory of individual rights emphasized the importance of individual freedom, including the right to own property and to engage in economic activity without interference from the state or other individuals. The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the 18th century, transformed the economy by introducing new technologies and methods of production, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. This allowed for the growth of large-scale factories and industries, and created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to accumulate wealth. These factors, combined with the emergence of new financial institutions and innovations, such as joint stock companies and paper money, laid the foundation for the development of modern capitalism as we know it today.

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Feudalism is a system of government in which political leadership is based on land ownership. In a feudal system, a monarch grants land or fief to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and military service. The vassal then grants a portion of that land to a subordinate, who owes the same loyalty and military service to the vassal. This system of land ownership and loyalty forms a hierarchical structure that defines political and social relationships within the society.

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The right to rule based on norms, customs, and conventions of the people is referred to as traditional authority. In this type of authority, power is derived from the long-established customs and traditions of a society, which are usually passed down from generation to generation. The leader in a traditional authority system is typically someone who is recognized as the rightful ruler based on their lineage, birthright, or other customary factors. The authority of the traditional ruler is often not questioned and is considered to be natural and legitimate by the people. This type of authority is often found in traditional societies or in societies where there is a strong emphasis on cultural heritage and history.

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A political party is an organized group that seeks to gain power in a state or government by participating in elections and influencing public policy. Political parties typically represent different ideologies, interests, and values, and work to develop and promote their own political platforms to win elections and gain political power. The goal of a political party is to win elections and hold political power in order to enact their policies and programs.

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The popular British colonial system of administration in the protectorates in West Africa was indirect rule. This system involved the use of local rulers or traditional authorities to govern on behalf of the British colonial government. These local rulers were given power and authority to enforce British laws and policies within their communities. The colonial government would provide support and guidance, but the local rulers were responsible for the day-to-day administration of their communities. This system was seen as a cost-effective way of governing, as it relied on existing structures and authorities, and it allowed the British to exert control over the region without the need for a large colonial bureaucracy. However, it also had some negative consequences, as it reinforced traditional power structures and undermined the development of democratic institutions.

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A classless society is theoretically obtainable in communism. This is because communism is an economic and political system where all property and resources are collectively owned by the people, and the means of production are controlled by the state. In such a system, there is no private ownership of property, and everyone works for the common good. The idea behind communism is that there will be no social classes, and everyone will be equal. However, in practice, most attempts at communism have resulted in the creation of a ruling class of government officials who have all the power and wealth, while the general population remains poor and oppressed. Feudalism, plutocracy, and capitalism all have social classes and class divisions built into their systems. Feudalism is a system of land ownership and labor where there are lords and serfs, and social mobility is extremely limited. Plutocracy is a government by the wealthy, where the wealthy class holds all the power and resources. Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or companies own the means of production, and there is a large wealth gap between the rich and the poor. In summary, while a classless society is theoretically possible in communism, it has yet to be achieved in practice.

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In a confederal system, each of the component states is virtually sovereign. This means that they have a high degree of autonomy and are able to make decisions independently of the central government. The central government in a confederal system is relatively weak and its powers are limited to those that have been explicitly delegated by the component states. Confederal systems are often used in situations where there is a need to balance the desire for local autonomy with the need for a central coordinating authority. An example of a confederal system is the European Union, where member states retain a high degree of autonomy while cooperating on certain issues through the central EU institutions.

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The aim of promoting a common lingua franca is not necessarily a requirement for the existence of a state. While it can be helpful in facilitating communication and fostering unity among diverse groups within a state, it is not a fundamental necessity for a state to function. On the other hand, the other options listed are crucial for the existence of a state. The promotion of economic independence is necessary to ensure that a state can sustain itself and meet the needs of its citizens. The provision of welfare services is important to promote the well-being and quality of life of the people within a state. The maintenance of external relations is crucial to ensure that a state can engage with other nations and protect its interests in the international community. Overall, while the promotion of a common language can be beneficial for a state, it is not as fundamental to the state's existence as the other aims listed.

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The major defect of foreign policy in West Africa is poor leadership. Foreign policy refers to a country's strategy in dealing with other countries, and in West Africa, this strategy is largely determined by the leaders of the various countries in the region. Poor leadership can lead to a lack of coordination and cooperation among West African countries, making it difficult to achieve common goals and address common challenges. Additionally, poor leadership can result in corruption, political instability, and human rights abuses, which can undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of foreign policy initiatives. Without strong and effective leadership, foreign policy in West Africa is likely to be ineffective and may even exacerbate existing problems in the region.

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In a capitalist state, the society is polarized into the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie refers to the wealthy class who own the means of production, such as factories and businesses. The proletariat, on the other hand, refers to the working class who do not own the means of production but sell their labor for wages. This polarization is a result of the capitalist system where the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth is prioritized over social equality and fair distribution of resources. The gap between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat can lead to social and economic inequality, as the bourgeoisie have greater access to resources and power, while the proletariat may struggle to meet their basic needs.

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Communalism is a social system in which individuals work together in a community to achieve common goals and share resources. Therefore, it ensures that everybody within the society is provided with shared resources such as land, water, and other essential resources necessary for survival. In this sense, communalism promotes the idea of collective ownership and responsibility, and people work together to ensure that everyone's basic needs are met. Thus, communalism is more concerned with the collective welfare of the community than individual interests.

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One of the defects of military government is the abuse of human rights. Military governments are led by military officers who may prioritize their own interests and those of their allies over the rights and needs of the civilian population. Military governments often suppress freedom of expression, restrict political activity, and may promote their own officers instead of qualified civilian leaders. This can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making, and a disregard for the rule of law and individual rights. The abuse of human rights can result in arbitrary arrests, detention, torture, and even extrajudicial killings, which can have long-lasting negative effects on society and its institutions.

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The political parties that were established in West Africa between 1945 and 1965 fought for political independence. During this period, most African countries were under colonial rule, and political parties emerged to challenge the colonial powers and demand independence for their countries. These political parties were made up of nationalists who wanted to promote the interests of their countries and free their people from colonial oppression. The struggle for political independence involved various forms of protests, civil disobedience, and negotiations with colonial powers. Ultimately, these efforts paid off, as many African countries gained independence in the 1960s.

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The primary function of the judiciary is to interpret laws. When there is a dispute or disagreement about the meaning or application of a law, it is the role of the judiciary to interpret the law and make a decision based on that interpretation. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently, and that the rights of individuals are protected. While the judiciary may also play a role in enforcing laws and maintaining law and order, its primary function is to interpret laws.

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