gce model questions vol1 2020 government | Essay

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Question 1 View Details
Governments exist to organise society and provide order. Answer the following questions about the basic concepts of government.
Question Parts
(a)
Define the term “government”.
(b)
State three fundamental purposes of government and give one brief example of each purpose in the Nigerian context.
(c)
Explain how each of the purposes listed in part (b) is reflected in the structure of the Nigerian federal system.
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Question 2 View Details
Political participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Answer the following questions on political participation in Nigeria.
Question Parts
(a)
Distinguish between formal and informal political participation, giving two examples of each that are relevant to Nigeria.
(b)
Using the data below, analyse the possible impact of low voter turnout on policy‑making in Nigeria.\n\nData (2023 general election):\n• National voter turnout: 35%\n• Urban turnout: 45%\n• Rural turnout: 28%\n• Total registered voters: 84 million.
(c)
Propose two realistic measures that could increase meaningful political participation among Nigerian youths (aged 18‑35) and justify how each measure would address existing barriers.
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Question 3 View Details
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria establishes the doctrine of separation of powers among the three arms of government.
Question Parts
(a)
Explain the principle of separation of powers as set out in the 1999 Constitution, citing the specific sections that allocate functions to the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
(b)
Discuss two recent instances (since 2000) in which the separation of powers in Nigeria was tested, indicating the constitutional issues involved and the outcomes.
(c)
Evaluate the overall impact of the separation of powers on democratic governance in Nigeria and propose one constitutional amendment that could strengthen this principle.
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Question 4 View Details
Nigeria describes itself as a democratic republic, yet it faces numerous challenges in consolidating democratic practice.
Question Parts
(a)
Define democracy in the Nigerian constitutional context and list its essential features as recognised by the 1999 Constitution.
(b)
Analyse three major challenges that impede the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria today, giving specific examples for each.
(c)
Assess the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in addressing one of the challenges identified in part (b). Include specific programmes or actions undertaken by CSOs and evaluate their effectiveness.
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Question 5 View Details
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution enshrines the principle of the Rule of Law as a cornerstone of democratic governance. In recent years, there have been public debates about the extent to which this principle is upheld in practice, especially in relation to law‑enforcement actions and the independence of the judiciary.
Question Parts
(a)
Define the Rule of Law and distinguish it from the concept of ‘rule by man’.
(b)
Evaluate, with reference to a specific recent incident where a citizen was arrested without a warrant, how well the Rule of Law was observed in that case.
(c)
Identify two major challenges to the full realisation of the Rule of Law in Nigeria and propose one practical measure to address each challenge.
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Question 6 View Details
The doctrine of Separation of Powers divides governmental authority among the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches. Recent controversies in Nigeria have raised questions about whether this separation is being respected, particularly when the President invokes emergency powers.
Question Parts
(a)
Explain the doctrine of Separation of Powers and its intended purpose in a democratic system.
(b)
Analyse, with reference to the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in 2022, whether the principle of Separation of Powers was respected in the subsequent legislative and judicial actions.
(c)
Propose two concrete reforms that could strengthen the system of checks and balances among the three branches in Nigeria.
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Question 7 View Details
The Nigerian National Assembly consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Question Parts
(a)
Explain the constitutional basis for the existence of a bicameral legislature in Nigeria.
(b)
Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of having a bicameral system in the context of Nigerian governance.
(c)
The National Assembly uses committees to scrutinise bills. Evaluate the role of committees in enhancing legislative effectiveness, giving two specific examples of committee functions.
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Question 8 View Details
The executive arm of government in Nigeria is headed by the President and includes the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Question Parts
(a)
Outline the constitutional powers of the President in Nigeria, distinguishing between executive, legislative and judicial functions.
(b)
Using a comparative approach, analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the presidential system in Nigeria compared with a parliamentary system, focusing on:
() Accountability
() Stability of government
() Policy implementation
(c)
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is a key organ of the executive. Critically assess how the composition and functioning of the FEC can affect the principle of separation of powers, and suggest two reforms to improve executive accountability.
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Question 9 View Details
The judiciary is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Discuss its role, focusing on its core functions, the importance of judicial independence, and the contemporary challenges it faces in Nigeria.
Question Parts
(a)
Explain the three principal functions of the judiciary in a democratic system.
(b)
Analyse how judicial independence is maintained in Nigeria and why it is essential for the rule of law.
(c)
Evaluate two contemporary challenges confronting the Nigerian judiciary and propose realistic reforms to address each.
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Question 10 View Details
Political parties are vital to the operation of a democratic polity. Examine their significance, the principles of internal democracy, and the effects of party fragmentation on political stability in Nigeria.
Question Parts
(a)
Describe the three main functions of political parties in a democratic system.
(b)
Discuss the principles of internal democracy within political parties and explain why they are important for broader democratic health.
(c)
Assess the consequences of excessive party fragmentation on Nigeria’s political stability and propose two practical measures to mitigate its adverse effects.
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