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GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMETN AND POLITICS
GOV 002: IDEOLOGIES AND PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS on Government 2023
GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
1. (a) Explain the concept of the Rule of Law.
The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle of democratic governance that implies that every individual, institution, and government is subject to the law and accountable under it. It means that laws are applied equally and fairly to all citizens without discrimination. It guarantees the protection of fundamental human rights, the supremacy of the law over arbitrary power, and ensures that justice is administered according to established legal procedures.
(b) Identify and discuss any FOUR factors that can enhance the rule of law in a democratic society.
- Independent Judiciary: An impartial and independent judicial system that interprets and enforces the law without political interference.
- Separation of Powers: Clear separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary to prevent abuse of power.
- Legal Awareness and Education: Public enlightenment and education about citizens’ rights and responsibilities under the law.
- Accountable Law Enforcement: A police force and other agencies that are transparent and held accountable to avoid misuse of power and corruption.
2. (a) Define the state.
A state is a political entity with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. It is sovereign, meaning it has supreme authority over its territory and people.
(b) Discuss any FOUR essential characteristics of the modern state.
- Sovereignty: Supreme authority within its territory, free from external control.
- Territory: Clearly defined geographical boundaries.
- Population: A group of people who live within the territory and are subject to its authority.
- Government: An organized political institution that makes and enforces laws.
3. (a) What is Political Ideology?
Political ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that explain how society should work and offers a blueprint for a certain social order. It provides a framework for political action and the basis for political movements and parties.
(b) Identify and explain FOUR features of Political Ideology.
- Belief System: A coherent set of beliefs about the nature of society and government.
- Value Orientation: Guides judgments about what is right or wrong in politics and society.
- Programmatic: Provides a guide for political action and decision-making.
- Mobilizing Tool: Helps to rally support and organize followers to achieve political goals.
Public Administration is the implementation of government policies and the management of public programs. It involves the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling of government operations to achieve public goals.
(b) Explain any THREE theories of Public Administration.
- Classical Theory: Focuses on efficiency through hierarchical structure, division of labor, and clear rules (e.g., Max Weber’s bureaucracy).
- Human Relations Theory: Emphasizes the importance of social factors, employee morale, and group dynamics (e.g., Elton Mayo’s Hawthorne Studies).
- Systems Theory: Views organizations as complex systems that interact with their environment, focusing on inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback loops.
5. Examine THREE strengths and TWO weaknesses of the provisions of Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.
Strengths:
- Federal Structure: Introduced federalism, accommodating Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional interests.
- Regional Autonomy: Gave regional governments substantial powers, promoting self-governance.
- Council of Ministers: Strengthened the central executive and encouraged cooperation among Nigerian leaders.
Weaknesses:
- Ethnic Tension: Reinforced regionalism, leading to inter-ethnic rivalry.
- Limited African Representation: Some positions, like the Governor-General, remained under British control.
- Introduced elective principle, allowing Nigerians to elect representatives in Lagos and Calabar.
- Created a Legislative Council with an unofficial majority but dominated by Europeans.
- Allowed political participation and emergence of nationalist movements.
- Provided the first foundation for modern political parties.
- Excluded Northern Nigeria from representation, reinforcing regional imbalance.
7. (a) What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes loyalty and devotion to a nation, often seeking self-determination, independence, or national unity. In Africa, it was a movement aimed at ending colonial rule and achieving self-governance.
(b) Identify and explain FOUR effects of nationalism in West Africa.
- Political Independence: Led to the end of colonial rule and establishment of sovereign states.
- Nation-Building: Encouraged the formation of national identities and unity.
- Constitutional Reforms: Pressured colonial powers to introduce constitutional changes granting self-rule.
- Economic Transformation: Inspired efforts to build independent economies free from colonial exploitation.
- Cultural Resistance: Africans resisted abandoning their traditions and values for European ways.
- Limited Scope: Applied only in select areas (e.g., Four Communes in Senegal) and ignored rural populations.
- Racial Discrimination: Europeans viewed Africans as inferior and rarely granted them equal status.
- Economic Exploitation: Colonial powers focused on extracting resources rather than integrating Africans.
- Lack of Political Will: Colonial administrators often failed to fully implement assimilation due to cost and complexity.