JAMB UTME - Government - 1990

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

In a true democracy, franchise (the right to vote) can be limited by certain factors, such as age or education level, to ensure that voters have the necessary maturity and understanding of the issues at hand. However, limiting the right to vote based on factors such as sex or wealth would go against the principles of democracy, as everyone should have an equal say in the decisions that affect them, regardless of their gender or financial status. So, some limitations are acceptable, while others would be considered undemocratic.

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The motion for self-government in Nigeria in 1953 was moved by the Action Group political party. The motion called for the transfer of power from British colonial rule to Nigerian hands. This was an important moment in Nigeria's struggle for independence, as it signaled a growing desire among Nigerians to govern themselves and to break free from British colonial rule. The Action Group was one of the major political parties in Nigeria at the time, and its leaders played a significant role in the country's fight for independence.

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Liberalism is a political philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality before the law. It advocates for limited government intervention in economic and social affairs, and promotes a market-based economy with private property rights. Therefore, liberalism is not underlying socialism, feudalism, or nazism, as these ideologies have different principles and values. Socialism emphasizes collective ownership of the means of production, whereas feudalism is based on a social hierarchy and a system of land ownership. Nazism is a form of fascism that promotes extreme nationalism and authoritarianism, rejecting liberal values such as individual rights and democracy. However, liberalism is often associated with capitalism, as both prioritize free markets and private property rights. Nevertheless, liberalism acknowledges the need for government regulation to ensure fair competition and protect consumers and workers' rights, while capitalism advocates for a laissez-faire approach to the market.

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Referendums and opinion polls are the two best ways given in the options. But, which is more effective?

An opinion poll is simply, an attempt to measure the opinions of the public of a certain question by questioning a representative sample of the population. Note that key phrase is representative sample. In lay man terms, it is an activity in which many people are asked the same questions in order to find out what most people think about something.

A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate (all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election) is invited to vote on a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new law. In some countries, it is synonymous with a plebiscite or a vote on a ballot question.

Opinion polls have some disadvantages. First, because they only interview a sample, they are subject to a margin of error. Although in a properly conducted poll this margin should be small, and for almost all purposes for which the polls are legitimately used such a level of accuracy is quite sufficient. However, they are clearly not a substitute for a democratic vote when the electorate is entitled to expect an exact result.

Referendums, on the other hand, involve the entire electorate and not a sample that might turn out to not be representative enough. Also, there are usually campaigns in referendums as in conventional democratic elections and the public have leisure to consider the arguments before making up their minds.

This should tell us who the winner is.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

A good democratic constitution should NOT aspire to evolve a judiciary dependent on the executive. This means that the judiciary should be independent and free from any undue influence from the executive branch of government. This is important because the judiciary serves as a check and balance on the power of the executive and legislative branches, and ensures that the rule of law is upheld. An independent judiciary helps to ensure that justice is served and that the rights and freedoms of citizens are protected.

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The country that is NOT a member of the New Commonwealth of Nations is Rwanda. The Commonwealth of Nations is an international organization made up of countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. The organization promotes democracy, human rights, economic development, and cultural exchange among its member countries. Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Grenada are all members of the Commonwealth of Nations, but Rwanda is not. Rwanda was never a part of the British Empire, so it is not eligible to be a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Trust territories were territories administered by the United Nations on behalf of their people, until the people of the territories could govern themselves. Of the options given, the pair of countries that were trust territories of the United Nations are Togo and Namibia. Togo was a trust territory under French administration, while Namibia was a trust territory under South African administration. Tanganyika and Ghana were both British colonies that gained independence in the early 1960s, before the creation of trust territories. Cameroon and Niger were also former French colonies that gained independence in the early 1960s, and Botswana was a British protectorate that gained independence in 1966. Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo) was a former Belgian colony that gained independence in 1960. Therefore, the correct answer is: Togo and Namibia.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Constitutional disputes between states in a federation can only be settled by the Supreme Court. In a federation, power is shared between the central government and the individual states, which have their own governments and constitutions. This can sometimes lead to disputes over the interpretation of the constitution or the allocation of powers between the central government and the states. When such disputes arise, they can be very complex and difficult to resolve. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and has the final say on all legal matters, including constitutional disputes. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts and are considered the final word on the law. The Supreme Court is made up of a panel of judges who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They are chosen for their expertise in constitutional law and their ability to make impartial decisions. In summary, the Supreme Court is the only institution that has the authority to settle constitutional disputes between states in a federation. Its decisions are final and binding, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power between the central government and the states.

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The second ballot is based on the principle that a successful candidate must obtain an absolute majority. This means that in order to win, the candidate needs to receive more than half of the total votes cast. For example, if there are 100 voters, the candidate must receive more than 50 votes to win. This is different from a simple majority, which only requires the candidate to receive more votes than any other single candidate, but not necessarily more than half of the total votes cast. Similarly, forty percent or fifty percent of the votes are not enough to guarantee a win in the second ballot because they do not meet the requirement of an absolute majority. Only a candidate who receives more than half of the total votes cast can be considered a successful candidate in the second ballot.

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A by-law is a rule or regulation that is made by a governing body, such as a city or town council, to govern the behavior of people or organizations within its jurisdiction. Therefore, the answer is the local government. Parliament and Congress typically make laws at the national level, while an electoral college is a group of people who are responsible for electing a government official, rather than making laws or regulations themselves.

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The Yorubas had a centralized administration in pre-colonial Nigeria. The Yoruba people were organized into various city-states, each with a centralized system of government. The system of government in Yoruba city-states was a monarchy, with a king or "Oba" at the head of each state. The Oba had authority over the various chiefs and councils that made up the government, and he was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and defending the state against external threats. The Yoruba system of government was highly organized and efficient, with a well-defined hierarchy of authority, and it remained intact until the advent of colonialism in the late 19th century.

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The set of internalized norms that guide political action is called "values". These are principles or beliefs that people hold and use to make decisions about how to act in various situations. Values can include things like freedom, justice, equality, and compassion, and they help individuals and societies determine what is right and wrong, and what is important. Political leaders often appeal to shared values in order to gain support for their policies or actions.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Dr Jaja Wachukwu was Nigeria's first external affairs minister. Following Nigeria's independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Jaja Wachukwu was appointed as the country's first Minister of Foreign Affairs. He played a pivotal role in establishing Nigeria's foreign policy and relationships with other nations. Wachukwu was a well-educated diplomat who had previously served as Nigeria's representative to the United Nations. As foreign affairs minister, he helped to develop Nigeria's foreign policy, which focused on promoting peace, stability, and economic development in Africa and other parts of the world. Wachukwu also played a key role in shaping Nigeria's relationships with other countries, including the United States, China, and the Soviet Union. He was instrumental in negotiating Nigeria's membership in the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) and the United Nations. Overall, Jaja Wachukwu's contributions as Nigeria's first external affairs minister were significant in shaping the country's foreign policy and relationships with other nations.

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Limited franchise is not characteristic of democracy. Democracy is a system of government where the power is vested in the people, and they exercise this power through popular sovereignty, regular elections, and majority rule. The principle of limited franchise, where only a small group of people have the right to vote, is not consistent with the democratic ideal of universal suffrage, where all adult citizens have the right to vote. In a democratic system, every citizen's vote counts, and everyone has the opportunity to participate in the political process through the right to vote.

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Habeas corpus is an important legal procedure that helps protect a person's right to personal liberty. This means that if someone is being held in custody by the government or other authority, they have the right to challenge the legality of their detention and ask to be released unless there is a valid legal reason for their continued detention. Habeas corpus is a fundamental right in many democratic societies, as it ensures that people cannot be held without legal justification and protects them from arbitrary detention or imprisonment. Therefore, it helps safeguard the right of citizens to personal liberty.

Maelezo ya Majibu

During the election into the constituent assembly in 1978 in Nigeria, the electoral college was made up of local government councils. An electoral college is a group of people who are responsible for electing a particular person or group of people into office. In this case, the electoral college was responsible for electing members into the constituent assembly, which was tasked with creating a new constitution for Nigeria. Local government councils are the third tier of government in Nigeria and are responsible for administering the affairs of their local communities. They are made up of elected officials who are responsible for ensuring that the needs of their constituents are met at the local level. Therefore, during the election into the constituent assembly in 1978, the local government councils served as the electoral college, which means that they were responsible for electing members into the assembly based on the votes cast by the people in their local communities.

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The notion of carpet-crossing in a parliamentary democracy involves changing party allegiance after an election. It refers to when a member of parliament switches their loyalty from the political party they were elected under to another party. This is called carpet-crossing because in some countries, members of different parties sit on different colored carpets in the parliament building. It can be a controversial move, as it can shift the balance of power in the parliament and may be seen as a betrayal by the party and constituents that elected the MP.

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During the Second Republic in Nigeria, local government councils were created by state governments. This means that each state government had the power to establish and manage its own local government councils within its jurisdiction. The councils were created to bring governance and development closer to the grassroots level and ensure effective administration of the state. Therefore, the state governments played a significant role in shaping the structure and functions of local government councils during the Second Republic.

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Under the military regime in Nigeria, state enactments are known as "edicts." Edicts are laws or decrees issued by the military government that have the force of law in a particular state. Edicts are usually promulgated by the military administrator or governor of the state, and they can cover a wide range of topics such as taxes, criminal offenses, and land use regulations. Unlike normal laws that are passed by the legislature, edicts are not subject to legislative scrutiny and can be changed or revoked by the military government at any time.

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Fundamental human rights are an indispensable aspect of the constitution of a democratic state. These rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, ensure that individuals are able to express themselves and participate in society without fear of repression or persecution. Without these rights, the government could easily become authoritarian and citizens would have little or no recourse to protect themselves against abuse of power. In short, fundamental human rights are essential for creating and maintaining a free and democratic society.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement was held in Belgrade. The Non-Aligned Movement was a group of countries that didn't want to align themselves with either the Western powers or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The first conference of this group was held in 1961 in the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade. The conference was attended by representatives of 25 countries who discussed various issues related to their common interests, such as decolonization, disarmament, and the promotion of world peace. The conference resulted in the adoption of the Belgrade Declaration, which outlined the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and its goals. The Non-Aligned Movement continued to hold conferences over the years, and it played a significant role in shaping international politics during the Cold War.

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The military normally belongs to the arm of government known as the executive. In a democratic system of government, the three arms of government are the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive. The executive branch of government is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, policies, and regulations. It is headed by the president or prime minister, and includes other officials such as ministers, heads of government agencies, and the military. The military is a component of the executive branch of government, as it is responsible for the defense and security of the nation, which is a fundamental aspect of governance. The military is under the control of the civilian executive authorities, and operates in accordance with the policies and directives of the government. While the judiciary also plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in government, the military is not typically considered part of the judiciary.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The least democratic selection process among the options is co-option. Co-option is a process of selecting or appointing members without holding an election or giving them a chance to compete for the position. It means that a small group of people makes the decision on behalf of a larger group, without consulting or taking into account the views of others. This process is undemocratic as it does not allow for fair representation and equal opportunities for all members of society to participate in the selection process.

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The first political party in Nigeria was the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). The party was established in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist, and it represented the interests of the educated elite and Lagosians. The NNDP advocated for improved welfare and political representation for Nigerians, and it played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

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The major problem of the Nigerian federal structure in the first republic was ethnicity. The country was made up of diverse ethnic groups with different cultures, traditions, and languages. This led to ethnic tensions and conflicts, especially in the areas of political representation and distribution of resources. The competition for power and resources among the various ethnic groups often resulted in violence and instability, and this greatly undermined the effectiveness of the federal system. As a result, many people believed that the federal structure was incapable of managing Nigeria's diversity, and this contributed to the military coups and instability that characterized the first republic.

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The least important rationale for Nigerian federalism among the options provided is likely to be the bicameral legislature. This is because while a bicameral legislature is an important feature of federalism, it is not essential for the functioning of a federal system. On the other hand, the vastness of the territory and the size of the population, diverse cultures, and economic benefits are all crucial factors that make federalism a suitable system of governance for Nigeria. Nigeria is a diverse country with over 200 ethnic groups, numerous languages and religions. Its vastness and diverse cultures have made it challenging to have a centralized government that caters to the needs of all its citizens. Thus, federalism helps to accommodate this diversity by allowing each state to have its own government while still being part of the larger country. Furthermore, Nigeria is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, and the economic benefits of these resources are more easily shared through a federal system, which allows each state to control its resources and generate revenue to contribute to the national economy. In summary, while a bicameral legislature is an important feature of federalism, it is not as essential as the vastness of the territory and population, diverse cultures, and economic benefits, which make federalism a suitable system of governance for Nigeria.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Freedom of speech in a democratic state is limited by the law of sedition, the law of trespass, press censorship, and martial law. The law of sedition makes it illegal to speak out against the government or to incite violence or rebellion. This is to prevent people from spreading dangerous ideas that could harm the stability of the state. The law of trespass limits freedom of speech in private spaces. For example, you can't just walk into someone's house and start speaking your mind without their permission. This is to protect the property rights of individuals. Press censorship is when the government controls what can be published in the media. This is done to prevent the spread of false or harmful information that could cause panic or unrest. Finally, martial law is when the military takes over the government in times of crisis. This can limit freedom of speech because the military may take a more authoritarian approach to maintaining order and security. So, while freedom of speech is an important value in a democratic society, it is not an absolute right. There are limitations on what people can say and where they can say it in order to protect the safety and stability of the state.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

In international relations, countries have the right to diplomatic immunity of their envoys. This means that diplomats sent to another country to represent their own country are immune from the criminal jurisdiction of the host country. This right is based on the principle of reciprocity, which means that if a country grants immunity to the diplomats of another country, then it can expect its own diplomats to receive the same treatment. Diplomatic immunity is essential for the effective functioning of diplomatic relations between countries. It ensures that diplomats can carry out their duties without fear of harassment or arrest by the host country. Without this protection, it would be difficult for diplomats to carry out their work effectively and for countries to maintain peaceful relations with each other. In summary, in international relations, countries have the right to diplomatic immunity of their envoys. This is a crucial right that ensures the smooth functioning of diplomatic relations between countries.

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In parliament, the most extensive amendment to a bill takes place at the committee stage. This is the stage where the bill is scrutinized and debated in detail by a small group of Members of Parliament (MPs) who make up the committee. The committee is usually made up of MPs who have relevant expertise in the area covered by the bill. During the committee stage, the MPs examine the bill clause by clause and propose amendments or changes to the wording of the bill. This is the stage where the bill is subject to the most scrutiny and debate. The committee may also hear evidence from experts or interested parties, and may make recommendations for changes to the bill based on this evidence. Once the committee has completed its work, it reports back to the full Parliament, which then considers the bill again at the report stage. At this stage, further amendments may be proposed and debated, but these are usually more minor in nature compared to the amendments proposed at the committee stage. In summary, the most extensive amendment to a bill in parliament takes place at the committee stage, where a small group of MPs scrutinize and debate the bill in detail, propose amendments, and make recommendations for changes based on evidence.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Traditional rulers in Nigeria exercised the greatest political powers under indirect rule. Indirect rule was a system of governance used by the British colonial government in Nigeria, where traditional rulers were used as intermediaries between the colonial government and the local population. Traditional rulers were given significant powers to administer their communities, such as collecting taxes, settling disputes, and maintaining law and order. This system of governance lasted from the early 1900s until Nigeria gained independence in 1960. During this period, traditional rulers were the most powerful political actors in their respective communities, and their influence extended beyond administrative matters to include social, cultural, and religious issues. In subsequent political dispensations such as the first and second republics, the power and influence of traditional rulers were significantly reduced due to the emergence of democratic institutions and the adoption of a more centralized system of government. However, traditional rulers still hold significant cultural and symbolic importance in Nigerian society.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The rule of law implies that everyone is subject to the law, including those who make and enforce the law. In a society that adheres to the rule of law, the law is supreme and applies equally to all individuals and institutions, regardless of their power or position. This means that no one is above the law and everyone is held accountable for their actions. The role of judges is to interpret and apply the law in a fair and impartial manner. They are responsible for ensuring that the law is followed and that justice is served. Lawyers also play a role in interpreting the law and advocating for their clients, but they do not have the authority to make or enforce the law. The legislature, or the law-making body, is responsible for creating laws that reflect the will of the people and protect their rights and freedoms. However, these laws must be consistent with the principles of the rule of law and cannot be used to undermine it. In summary, the rule of law is a fundamental principle of a just and democratic society. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their status or position, is subject to the law and that justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The Organization of African Unity (OAU) Liberation Committee was established to support liberation movements in Africa. The OAU was replaced by the African Union (AU) in 2002, but the Liberation Committee continues to exist. The headquarters of the OAU Liberation Committee is located in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union.

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Both political parties and pressure groups perform the function of interest articulation and working for the interests of their members. Interest articulation refers to the process of expressing and representing the demands, needs, and concerns of a particular group in society. Both political parties and pressure groups articulate the interests of their members by advocating for policies and issues that affect their respective constituencies. Political parties do this through their election manifestos and campaigning, while pressure groups use various methods such as lobbying, protests, and petitions. Working for the interests of their members involves activities that are aimed at promoting the goals and objectives of the group. Both political parties and pressure groups seek to advance the interests of their members, although the methods they use and the scope of their activities may differ. Overall, both political parties and pressure groups play an important role in representing the interests of various groups in society and influencing government policies.

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The group that advocated for the political union of African states was the Casablanca Group. This group was formed in 1961 and included the leaders of several African countries, including Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, and Egypt. The Casablanca Group was committed to the idea of African unity and believed that the best way to achieve this was through the formation of a single, united African state. The group's leaders saw the political union of African states as a way to overcome the legacy of colonialism and promote economic and social development on the continent. They believed that a united Africa would be stronger and more able to resist the influence of outside powers, and that it would be better able to negotiate with other nations on a more equal footing. However, the idea of a united African state was not universally accepted, and there were other groups advocating for a more gradual approach to integration. Despite this, the Casablanca Group's advocacy for African unity helped to inspire a sense of pan-Africanism across the continent and played an important role in the eventual formation of the African Union in 2002.

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Forced labor contributed most to cash crop production during the colonial administration in Nigeria. Cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and groundnuts were grown extensively in Nigeria during the colonial period and served as major export commodities for the British Empire. These crops were cultivated on large plantations and required significant labor to produce. The colonial authorities in Nigeria relied heavily on forced labor to produce these crops. Local communities were often forced to provide labor for the plantations, and workers were subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours and low pay. This exploitation of labor allowed the colonial authorities to maintain a cheap and abundant workforce, which was essential for the profitable production of cash crops. While education and pacification were also factors in the colonial administration, they were not as significant as forced labor in the production of cash crops. Education, in particular, was not widely accessible to the general population during the colonial period, and only a small elite had access to formal education. Pacification efforts, while important for maintaining colonial control, did not directly contribute to the production of cash crops. Taxation was also used by the colonial authorities to generate revenue, but it was not a direct contributor to cash crop production. Instead, taxes were often collected in the form of agricultural produce, which was then sold or exported by the colonial authorities for profit.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The principle objective of British colonial policy in Nigeria was to exploit and expropriate Nigerian resources for British interests. The British colonialists established control over Nigeria's natural resources such as oil, cocoa, and groundnuts, and used them to develop industries in Britain. The colonialists also imposed taxes and forced labor on Nigerians to maximize their profits. Although some efforts were made towards developing the Nigerian economy and infrastructure, these were mainly aimed at furthering British interests rather than benefiting Nigerians.

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