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SECTION B. ESSAY QUESTIONS

Course: Government past questions and answers 2015.

Try 2019 MCQ questions on this page 

From this section, Answer FOUR questions; Not more than ONE question from each course.

GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT

1. (a) What is Political Socialization? [3 marks]

(b) Outline and explain three agents of political socialization. [12 marks]

2. (a) Explain Parliamentary system of government. [3 marks]

(b) Discuss four differences between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems of government. [12 marks]

GOV 002: FUNDAMENTALS OF GOVERNMENT

3. (a) What is Coup d'etat? [3 marks]

(b) Advance four reasons why Coup d'etat is said to be an aberration. [12 marks]

4. The low productivity and inefficiency of public corporations in Nigeria are as a result of its many challenges. Discuss any five of these challenges. [15 marks]

GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

5. (a) Define the policy of Indirect Rule. [3 marks]

(b) List and discuss four defects of the policy on British colonies. [12 marks]

6. Discuss elaborately, five of the achievements of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons in Nigeria's First Republic. [15 marks]

GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

7. Explain any five effects of colonialism on African societies. [15 marks]

8. (a) What is Military Rule? [3 marks]

(b) Discuss three characteristics of military regimes. [ marks]

Answers to 2019 Jupeb past questions.

GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT

1(a). What is Political Socialization?
Political socialization is the process through which individuals learn about political beliefs, values, and practices. It shapes how people form their attitudes toward politics and how they engage in political activities.

(b). Outline and explain three agents of political socialization.

1. Family: The family is usually the first place where a child is introduced to politics. Parents influence the child’s early beliefs, attitudes, and values about government and politics by sharing their own views or through everyday conversations.
2. Schools: Schools teach political knowledge through subjects like civic education, government, and history. They also instill national values, symbols, and civic duties, preparing students for active citizenship.
3. Mass Media: Newspapers, radio, television, and social media expose people to political news, debates, and campaigns. They help shape opinions by providing information and different viewpoints on political issues.

2(a). Explain Parliamentary system of government.

A parliamentary system is a type of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it. The head of government, usually the Prime Minister, is a member of the parliament and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

(b). Discuss four differences between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems of government.

1. Executive-Legislature Relationship: In a parliamentary system, the executive is part of the legislature and depends on its support to stay in power. In a presidential system, the executive is separate and independent from the legislature.
2. Head of State and Government: In parliamentary systems, the head of state (often a monarch or president) is different from the head of government (Prime Minister). In presidential systems, the president is both the head of state and government.
3. Tenure of Office: The Prime Minister’s tenure in a parliamentary system is not fixed; it depends on maintaining the confidence of the parliament. In a presidential system, the president usually has a fixed term of office.
4. Decision-Making: In parliamentary systems, decisions are often made collectively within the cabinet, while in presidential systems, the president has significant individual decision-making powers.

GOV 002: FUNDAMENTALS OF GOVERNMENT

3(a). What is Coup d’etat?
A coup d’etat is the sudden and illegal overthrow of a government, usually by the military or a small group, to seize political power.

(b). Advance four reasons why Coup d’etat is said to be an aberration.

1. Undemocratic: A coup disregards democratic principles, as it seizes power without the consent of the people or due electoral process.
2. Violation of Constitution: It violates the constitution and rule of law by forcefully removing a legally established government.
3. Instability: Coups often lead to political instability and insecurity, which can cause civil unrest and conflict.
4. Lack of Accountability: Military regimes often rule without checks and balances, leading to authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

4. The low productivity and inefficiency of public corporations in Nigeria are as a result of its many challenges. Discuss any five of these challenges.

1. Political Interference: Government officials often interfere in the management of public corporations, leading to poor decision-making and favoritism.
2. Corruption: Mismanagement and embezzlement of funds hinder efficiency and reduce productivity.
3. Poor Funding: Many corporations suffer from inadequate financial resources, leading to a lack of maintenance and investment in infrastructure.
4. Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Excessive red tape and slow administrative processes delay projects and reduce efficiency.
5. Lack of Skilled Manpower: Many corporations face a shortage of qualified staff, leading to poor performance and inability to meet objectives.

GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

5(a). Define the policy of Indirect Rule.
Indirect rule was a colonial policy where the British governed their colonies by using existing traditional rulers and institutions to administer the local population on behalf of the colonial government.

(b). List and discuss four defects of the policy on British colonies.

1. Strengthening Traditional Rulers: It gave too much power to traditional rulers, which sometimes led to abuse and tyranny.
2. Divide and Rule: It created divisions among different ethnic groups by favoring some traditional rulers over others.
3. Resistance to Change: The system often upheld conservative traditional practices that resisted modernization and progress.
4. Weak Central Authority: It made it difficult to develop a strong, unified administrative system because power was fragmented.

6. Discuss elaborately, five of the achievements of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons in Nigeria's First Republic.

1. National Unity: NCNC played a key role in promoting national consciousness and unity among diverse ethnic groups.
2. Constitutional Development: It participated in constitutional conferences that led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
3. Education Promotion: The party advocated for increased access to education and established schools across the country.
4. Economic Development: It encouraged policies that supported economic growth, including trade and commerce.
5. Political Mobilization: NCNC mobilized Nigerians to participate in politics, leading to greater political awareness and participation.

GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

7. Explain any five effects of colonialism on African societies.

1. Economic Exploitation: Colonial powers exploited Africa’s natural resources, leaving African economies dependent and underdeveloped.
2. Cultural Disruption: Colonialism undermined traditional cultures and imposed foreign values and systems.
3. Political Boundaries: Arbitrary borders were drawn, which often split ethnic groups and caused conflicts.
4. Introduction of New Governance Systems: Colonial administrations introduced European legal and political systems, replacing traditional governance structures.
5. Urbanization: Colonial policies promoted urban development and migration, changing the social fabric of African societies.

8(a). What is Military Rule?

Military rule is a system of government in which the military seizes power and controls the state, often suspending democratic institutions.

(b). Discuss three characteristics of military regimes.

1. Centralized Power: Power is concentrated in the hands of a few military leaders, with little or no civilian participation.
2. Suppression of Opposition: Military regimes often suppress political opposition, restrict press freedom, and curtail civil liberties.
3. Use of Force: The military maintains control through coercion and the use of force rather than democratic means.