3. (a) What is an Electoral System? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any FOUR types of Electoral System. [12 Marks]
4. Discuss any FIVE factors responsible for military intervention in Nigerian politics.
5. Describe any FIVE features of the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution in Nigeria.
6. (a) What is Pre-colonial Administration? [3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any THREE features of the Igbo pre-colonial system of administration. [12 Marks]
7. (a) What is Nationalism? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any FOUR factors responsible for the emergence and development of Nationalist Movements in West Africa. [12 Marks]
8. (a) Define the concept of colonialism. [3 Marks]
(b) Describe any FOUR factors that necessitated the colonisation of Africa. [12 Marks]
GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
1. Discuss any FIVE measures that promote human rights.
1. Constitutional Guarantees: Enshrining fundamental rights and freedoms in national constitutions ensures that governments respect and protect human rights.
2. Rule of Law: Implementing laws that apply equally to everyone helps prevent discrimination and arbitrary treatment.
3. Independent Judiciary: An impartial judiciary ensures that rights can be defended and enforced through legal means.
4. Human Rights Education: Educating citizens about their rights empowers them to demand respect and accountability.
5. Civil Society Activism: NGOs and civil society organizations advocate for rights and hold governments accountable for violations.
2. Explain any FIVE of the following sub-fields of government and politics:
(a) Political Theory:
The study of concepts like justice, liberty, equality, and democracy, as well as the analysis of ideologies and philosophical underpinnings of political systems.
(b) Political Economy:
Examines the relationship between politics and the economy, focusing on how governments influence economic policies, wealth distribution, and development.
(c) International Relations:
The study of interactions among states and international actors, covering topics such as diplomacy, war, global organizations, and international law.
(d) Comparative Politics:
The systematic comparison of political systems, institutions, and processes across different countries to identify patterns and differences.
(e) Security Studies:
Focuses on threats to state and human security, including issues like terrorism, war, military strategies, and national defense.
(f) Development Studies:
Investigates the political and economic processes that influence growth and development in states, especially in the Global South.
(g) Peace and Conflict Studies:
Examines the causes of conflict and strategies for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction.
GOV 002: IDEOLOGIES AND PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
3. (a) What is an Electoral System? [3 Marks]
An electoral system is a set of rules and procedures that determine how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in a legislature or positions of power.
(b) Explain any FOUR types of Electoral System. [12 Marks]
1. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP): A candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins; used in the UK and Nigeria’s National Assembly elections.
2. Proportional Representation (PR): Seats are allocated to parties based on their share of the vote, ensuring representation for smaller parties.
3. Two-Round System: If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, a second round is held between the top candidates.
4. Mixed Electoral System: Combines FPTP and PR to balance constituency representation with proportionality.
4. Discuss any FIVE factors responsible for military intervention in Nigerian politics.
1. Political Instability: Frequent changes in government and weak democratic institutions attract military intervention.
2. Corruption: Rampant corruption erodes trust in civilian governance, prompting the military to seize power.
3. Ethnic and Regional Divisions: Perceived marginalization of certain groups can lead the military to intervene to "restore order."
4. Weak Economy: Economic crises and mismanagement often justify military takeovers.
5. Weak Civil Institutions: Lack of strong judiciary and press allows the military to easily assume control.
GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
5. Describe any FIVE features of the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution in Nigeria.
1. Federal Structure: Established a federal system dividing power between the central government and regions.
2. Bicameral Legislature: Created a House of Representatives at the federal level.
3. Regional Autonomy: Each region had its own premier and legislative assembly.
4. Lagos was separated from the western region and granted some form of autonomy while southern Cameron was given a quasi federation with some autonomy.
5. Ministerial System: Introduced a Council of Ministers responsible for advising the Governor-General and they became head of departments.
6. (a) What is Pre-colonial Administration? [3 Marks]
Pre-colonial administration refers to the system of governance and political organization that existed in African societies before European colonial rule.
(b) Discuss any THREE features of the Igbo pre-colonial system of administration. [12 Marks]
1. Acephalous Structure: The Igbo had no centralized authority; governance was based on village assemblies and consensus.
2. Democratic Participation: Decisions were made collectively through town meetings where every adult male had a say.
3. Age Grades and Title Societies: Age grades and secret societies played roles in administration, justice, and social order.
GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
7. (a) What is Nationalism? [3 Marks]
Nationalism is a political ideology and movement that seeks to promote the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation, often in pursuit of self-determination and independence.
(b) Explain any FOUR factors responsible for the emergence and development of Nationalist Movements in West Africa. [12 Marks]
1. Colonial Exploitation: Harsh policies and economic exploitation by colonial powers fueled resistance.
2. Education: Western education produced elites who challenged colonial rule.
3. World Wars: Participation in the wars exposed Africans to ideas of freedom and self-rule.
4. Influence of the Media: Newspapers and pamphlets spread nationalist ideas and mobilized the masses.
8. (a) Define the concept of colonialism. [3 Marks]
Colonialism is the policy and practice of acquiring, occupying, and exploiting foreign territories by a powerful state to expand its economic and political influence.
(b) Describe any FOUR factors that necessitated the colonisation of Africa. [12 Marks]
1. Economic Interests: Desire for raw materials and new markets for European industries.
2. Strategic Competition: Rivalry among European powers for territorial dominance.
3. Civilizing Mission: The belief that Africans needed to be "civilized" by European culture and religion.
4. Technological Advancements: Superior military technology made conquest easier.