WAEC SSCE - Civic Education - 2017 (Essay)

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Pillars of democracy (explained)

The pillars of democracy are the essential elements on which a democratic government rests. At least five of them are explained below.

1. Free and fair periodic elections - the people choose their leaders at regular intervals through credible elections in which every vote counts.
2. Rule of law - the law is supreme; everyone, including leaders, is subject to it and equal before it.
3. Respect for fundamental human rights - the rights and freedoms of citizens, such as freedom of speech, movement and association, are guaranteed and protected.
4. Independent judiciary - the courts are free from control by the executive or legislature and can give fair judgment without fear or favour.
5. Separation of powers - governmental power is shared among the legislature, executive and judiciary so that no single arm becomes too powerful.
6. Free press / free flow of information - a free and independent media informs the public and checks the excesses of government.
7. Existence of political parties and equality of citizens - parties offer choices, and all citizens enjoy equal political rights and the majority rules while minority rights are protected.

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(a) Responsible parenthood

Responsible parenthood is the ability of parents to plan, cater for and properly bring up their children by providing their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, education, health care, love and moral guidance, so that the children grow up to become useful and well-behaved members of society.

(b) Four importance of responsible parenthood to national development

1. It produces well-behaved and disciplined citizens - properly trained children become law-abiding adults, reducing crime in the nation.
2. It produces educated and skilled manpower - children who are given good education and training become productive workers who develop the country.
3. It reduces social vices and government burden - well-cared-for children are less likely to engage in cultism, drug abuse or crime, easing pressure on the state.
4. It promotes healthy and stable families - stable homes create a peaceful society, which is necessary for national growth and development.

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(a) Interpersonal relationship

Interpersonal relationship is the association, connection or interaction that exists between two or more people based on communication, mutual understanding, respect and shared feelings or interests. It may be between friends, family members, colleagues or members of a community.

(b) Four ways acts of kindness can promote interpersonal relationship

1. It builds trust and confidence - kind acts make people believe in and rely on one another.
2. It creates love and friendship - showing kindness attracts others and strengthens bonds of friendship.
3. It reduces conflict and promotes peace - kindness softens hearts, settles disagreements and encourages harmony.
4. It encourages cooperation and mutual help - people who receive kindness are willing to help others in return, deepening the relationship and fostering unity.

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(a) Three reasons why cultism constitutes national problems

1. It causes loss of lives and insecurity - cult clashes and killings threaten the peace and security of the nation.
2. It destroys the future of youths - it truncates the education and careers of many young people, wasting the nation's future manpower.
3. It breeds violence and crime - cultism fuels armed robbery, kidnapping, drug abuse and general lawlessness across the country.

(b) Five reasons why eradicating cultism in schools will promote national development

1. It creates a peaceful learning environment - free from fear, students can study well and produce quality graduates.
2. It preserves lives and future leaders - fewer deaths means more talented youths survive to serve the nation.
3. It reduces crime in the society - since cultism feeds wider criminality, its removal makes the country safer.
4. It improves the image and standard of education - schools free of cultism attract investment and produce disciplined, skilled manpower.
5. It promotes discipline and good values - youths grow into responsible, law-abiding citizens who contribute to development.

(c) Two factors hindering the eradication of cultism in Nigerian schools

1. Corruption and weak enforcement - influential people shield cultists, and laws are not firmly enforced.
2. Secrecy and fear - the secret nature of cults and fear of reprisal make members and witnesses unwilling to expose them. (Also poor parental care and unemployment.)

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(a) Traffic regulations

Traffic regulations are the rules and laws made by government to control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the roads in order to ensure safety, orderliness and the free flow of traffic. Examples include obeying traffic lights, keeping to speed limits, using seat belts and driving with valid vehicle documents.

(b) Six reasons why inspection of vehicle documents is necessary

1. To confirm ownership of the vehicle - it helps to detect and prevent the use of stolen vehicles.
2. To ensure the driver is licensed - it verifies that the driver is qualified and legally permitted to drive.
3. To ensure the vehicle is roadworthy - a valid roadworthiness certificate shows the vehicle is safe to be on the road.
4. To check payment of taxes and dues - it confirms that vehicle licence and registration fees have been paid to government.
5. To confirm insurance cover - it ensures the vehicle is insured against accidents and third-party risks.
6. To reduce crime and accidents - it helps to identify criminals, discourage the use of unregistered vehicles and promote road safety.

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Skills used in resolving inter-communal conflicts

Inter-communal conflicts are disputes between two or more communities, often over land, boundaries, chieftaincy, religion or resources. Resolving them peacefully requires the following skills:

1. Communication (dialogue) skills: The ability to talk and listen effectively so that each community can state its grievances clearly and the parties understand one another instead of resorting to violence.
2. Negotiation skills: The ability to bargain and make reasonable give-and-take proposals so that both communities reach an agreement in which each side gains something.
3. Mediation skills: The ability of a neutral third party to bring the warring communities together, guide their discussion and help them arrive at a peaceful settlement.
4. Active listening and empathy: Paying full attention to the other side and trying to see the matter from their point of view, which reduces suspicion and anger.
5. Tolerance and patience: Accepting the differences (religious, ethnic, cultural) between the communities and remaining calm even when provoked.
6. Compromise (accommodation) skills: The willingness of each community to drop some of its demands and accept a middle position for the sake of peace.
7. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills: The ability to identify the real cause of the conflict and work out practical solutions rather than treating only the symptoms.
8. Emotional control (self-management): The ability to manage anger and control one's temper so that discussions do not break down into fresh fighting.
9. Impartiality (fairness): Treating both communities equally and justly so that the settlement is seen as balanced and acceptable to all.

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Five reasons for the relevance of power sharing among the three tiers of government in Nigeria

Nigeria operates a federal system with three tiers of government: federal, state and local. Sharing power among them is relevant for the following reasons.

1. It prevents concentration of power and dictatorship - dividing power among the tiers stops any single level of government from becoming too powerful and abusing authority.
2. It brings government closer to the people - state and local governments handle grassroots needs, so services and development reach the people directly.
3. It ensures efficient administration - each tier handles specific responsibilities, so duties are shared and government work is done more effectively.
4. It promotes national unity in diversity - power sharing allows the different ethnic and regional groups to manage their own affairs while remaining part of one nation, reducing conflict.
5. It encourages even development and healthy competition - each tier develops its own area, and the tiers can check the excesses of one another, promoting accountability and balanced growth.

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(a) Definition of constituted authority

Constituted authority is a body, institution or person that has been given the legal and legitimate right or power to make decisions, give orders, enforce rules and control the affairs of a group, community or nation. Such authority is established according to law, tradition or acceptable procedure, and those under it are expected to obey. Examples include the government, the police, the courts, traditional rulers, parents, teachers and religious leaders.

(b) Advantages of constituted authority

1. Maintenance of law and order: It makes and enforces laws that keep peace and prevent lawlessness and chaos in the society.
2. Protection of life and property: Through its agencies (such as the police and the courts) it protects citizens and their possessions from harm and injustice.
3. Settlement of disputes: It provides recognised channels, such as courts and traditional councils, for resolving quarrels and conflicts peacefully.
4. Provision of social amenities and services: It provides roads, schools, hospitals, water, electricity and other services that improve the welfare of the people.
5. Promotion of unity and cooperation: It brings people together under common rules and a common leadership, thereby fostering order, cooperation and national integration.
6. Ensuring justice and fairness: It guarantees that people's rights are protected and that offenders are punished according to law, thereby promoting equity.
7. Direction and control of the society: It gives leadership, direction and control so that the affairs of the community are properly organised and goals are achieved.
8. Punishment of offenders and deterrence of crime: By punishing wrongdoers it discourages crime and encourages good conduct among citizens.

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Five functions of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)

1. Investigation and arrest of traffickers - it investigates cases of human trafficking and arrests suspected offenders.
2. Prosecution of offenders - it prosecutes traffickers in court to ensure they are punished according to the law.
3. Rescue and rehabilitation of victims - it rescues trafficked persons, provides shelter, counselling and rehabilitation, and helps to reintegrate them into society.
4. Public enlightenment and education - it creates awareness through campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking.
5. Coordination and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws - it enforces laws against trafficking and works with other local and international agencies to prevent and combat the crime. (Also counselling and empowerment of victims to prevent re-trafficking.)

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(a) Three reasons why the public service is important for the effective functioning of government

1. It implements government policies and programmes - the public service carries out the decisions and projects of government, translating them into real services for the people.
2. It ensures continuity of governance - as a permanent body, it keeps government running smoothly even when political leaders change.
3. It advises the government - experienced public servants provide expert advice and information that help leaders make sound decisions and deliver essential services such as health, education and security.

(b) Three ways the public/civil service commission contributes to the effective operation of the public service in Nigeria

1. Recruitment and appointment of staff - it recruits and appoints qualified and competent persons into the public service on merit.
2. Promotion and discipline of officers - it promotes deserving officers and disciplines erring ones, ensuring efficiency and good conduct.
3. Ensuring fairness and federal character - it maintains impartiality, fair conditions of service and balanced representation, which boosts morale and effective service delivery. (It also handles transfers and postings of officers.)

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(a) Definition of orderliness

Orderliness is the state of arranging one's actions, conduct and environment in a neat, systematic and disciplined manner, in which people obey established rules, laws and acceptable patterns of behaviour so that activities in the society proceed smoothly, peacefully and without confusion. It is the habit of doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way and in the right place.

(b) Ways of exhibiting orderliness in the society

1. Obeying rules and laws: Citizens show orderliness by keeping to the laws of the land, the constitution, school rules and workplace regulations rather than acting as they please.
2. Queuing and waiting for one's turn: Taking one's proper turn in banks, bus stops, markets and offices instead of struggling, jumping the line or forcing one's way.
3. Obeying traffic rules and road signs: Drivers and pedestrians keeping to lanes, obeying traffic lights, speed limits and the directions of traffic officers.
4. Keeping to time and appointments: Being punctual to school, work, meetings and events, and following the proper sequence of activities.
5. Maintaining a clean and arranged environment: Keeping the home, school, office and public places tidy, disposing of refuse properly and putting things in their correct places.
6. Respect for constituted authority: Recognising and obeying lawful instructions from parents, teachers, elders, leaders and government officials.
7. Being disciplined and self-controlled: Controlling one's temper and behaviour, avoiding noise-making and rowdiness, and following due process to settle disputes.
8. Following due process and proper channels: Doing things in the accepted, legal order, such as applying properly for services and using the right offices, rather than cutting corners.

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Five ways civic education can help eradicate drug addiction among youths

1. It creates awareness of the dangers of drugs - civic education teaches youths about the harmful effects of drug abuse on health, behaviour and the future, discouraging them from experimenting.
2. It instils good moral values and discipline - it develops self-control, hard work and respect for the law, which help youths resist the temptation of drugs and bad peer influence.
3. It teaches the laws and penalties on drugs - knowing that drug offences carry arrest and punishment by agencies like the NDLEA deters youths from involvement.
4. It promotes useful engagement of the youth - civic education encourages participation in productive activities such as skills acquisition, sports and community service that keep youths busy and away from drugs.
5. It builds decision-making and refusal skills - it equips youths to make wise choices, say no to drugs, and report or help rehabilitate those already addicted.