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GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT
1.
(a) What is a State?
[3 Marks]
(b) Explain any three theories of the State.
[12 Marks]
2.
(a) Explain the concept of Confederalism.
[3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any four features of a Confederal State.
[12 Marks]
GOV 002: FUNDAMENTALS OF GOVERNMENT
3.
(a) What is political ideology?
[3 Marks]
(b) Explain any four roles of political ideology in a political system.
[12 Marks]
4.
(a) Briefly explain the origin of ECOWAS.
[3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any four problems confronting ECOWAS as a sub-regional organization.
[12 Marks]
GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
5.
(a) What is foreign policy?
[3 Marks]
(b) Explain four determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
[12 Marks]
6.
Discuss any five decisions reached at the 1957 London Constitutional Conference, pointing out the significance of each.
[15 Marks]
GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
7.
(a) What is Colonialism?
[3 Marks]
(b) List and explain four reasons why the Europeans invaded Africa.
[12 Marks]
8.
(a) Explain any three principles of the 1884–1885 Berlin Conference.
[9 Marks]
(b) Discuss two significances of the Conference.
[6 Marks]
ANSWERS.
GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT
1(a). What is a State?
A state is a politically organized body of people inhabiting a defined geographical territory with a sovereign government that maintains law and order, enforces laws, and governs the affairs of the people.
1(b). Three Theories of the State:
1. Divine Right Theory: Rulers’ authority comes directly from God; questioning them is considered a sin.
2. Social Contract Theory: Propounded by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau; the state arose from an agreement among individuals to surrender certain freedoms in exchange for security and order.
3. Force Theory: The state was established through force or conquest; one group imposed its will on others, creating a government through power.
2(a). What is Confederalism?
Confederalism is a system of government in which sovereign states come together voluntarily to form a union, retaining their independence but delegating limited powers to a central authority for specific purposes like defense or trade.
2(b). Four Features of a Confederal State:
1. Sovereignty of Member States: Each state retains its independence and supreme authority.
2. Weak Central Government: The central body has limited powers and relies on the goodwill of the member states.
3. Voluntary Association: States may join or leave the confederation at will.
4. Decentralization: Most governance occurs at the state level.
GOV 002: FUNDAMENTALS OF GOVERNMENT
3(a). What is Political Ideology?
A set of beliefs, values, and ideas outlining how society should work, offering a blueprint for a certain social order. It guides political actions, policies, and systems.
3(b). Four Roles of Political Ideology:
1. Guides Policy Formulation: Helps leaders and parties shape policies.
2. Promotes National Unity: A shared ideology can unify citizens.
3. Shapes Political Behavior: Influences voting and political participation.
4. Legitimizes Government: Justifies the existence and actions of political regimes.
4(a). Origin of ECOWAS:
ECOWAS was established on May 28, 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos by 15 West African countries to promote economic integration and cooperation.
4(b). Four Problems Facing ECOWAS:
1. Political Instability: Coups and conflicts in member states hinder integration.
2. Language Barriers: Different colonial languages create communication challenges.
3. Economic Disparity: Varying development levels affect cooperation and fairness.
4. Weak Infrastructure: Poor transport and communication networks limit trade.
GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
5(a). What is Foreign Policy?
Foreign policy refers to a country’s strategies and decisions in its relations with other countries to protect and promote national interests.
5(b). Four Determinants of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy:
1. National Interest: Focus on benefits to Nigeria.
2. Geographical Location: Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa.
3. Economic Considerations: Pursuit of trade and investment.
4. Historical and Cultural Ties: Shaped by colonial history and shared culture.
6. Five Decisions at the 1957 London Constitutional Conference and Their Significance:
1. Creation of Eastern and Western Houses of Assembly: Enabled regional legislative autonomy.
2. Creation of Federal Structure: Laid groundwork for federalism.
3. Self-Government for Regions: Eastern and Western regions achieved self-rule in 1957.
4. Constitutional Reforms: Introduced positions like Prime Minister.
5. Preparation for Independence: Laid roadmap for 1960 independence.
GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
7(a). What is Colonialism?
Colonialism is the practice by which a powerful country directly controls less powerful territories, exploiting them politically and economically.
7(b). Four Reasons for European Invasion of Africa:
1. Economic Interests: To exploit resources and establish markets.
2. Political Ambitions: To gain prestige and expand empires.
3. Religious Motives: To spread Christianity and Western civilization.
4. Strategic Control: To secure trade routes and military bases.
8(a). Three Principles of the 1884–1885 Berlin Conference:
1. Effective Occupation: Only territories physically occupied could be claimed.
2. Notification Principle: Countries must inform others before claiming territory.
3. Free Navigation of Rivers: Congo and Niger rivers were open to all.
8(b). Two Significances of the Conference:
1. Partition of Africa: Peaceful division among European powers.
2. Colonial Rule Formalized: Marked the beginning of formal colonization.