2026 JUPEB Government and answers paper 2

GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT

1. (a) What is citizenship? [3 Marks]
   (b) Explain FOUR ways of acquiring citizenship. [12 Marks]

2. (a) Define the concept of legitimacy. [3 Marks]
   (b) Discuss FOUR factors that determine legitimacy. [12 marks]

GOV 002: IDEOLOGIES AND PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

3. Discuss FIVE factors that militate against free and fair election in Nigeria. [15 Marks]

4. (a) What is public Administration? [3 Marks]
   (b) Discuss any THREE major theories of Public administration. [12 Marks]

GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

5. Discuss FIVE major differences between the Hausa/Fulani and Igbo pre-colonial systems of government. [15 Marks]

6. Discuss any FIVE achievements of the military in Nigerian politics. [15 Marks]

GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

7. Explain FIVE major differences between the British and French colonial administrative systems in West Africa. [15 Marks]

8. Discuss any FIVE benefits of colonialism in Africa. [15 Marks]

Solutions 

GOV 001: Elements of Government

1(a) What is citizenship?
Citizenship is the legal status of being a recognized member of a state, entitling a person to certain rights (voting, protection, participation) and imposing certain duties (obedience to laws, loyalty, tax payment).

1(b) Four ways of acquiring citizenship

1. By birth (jus soli) – acquired by being born within the territory of a state.
2. By descent (jus sanguinis) – acquired through one's parents' nationality, regardless of birthplace.
3. By registration – granted to qualified persons (e.g., spouses of citizens) who apply through legal procedure.
4. By naturalization – granted to foreigners who fulfil requirements such as long-term residence, good character, and language proficiency.

2(a) Define legitimacy
Legitimacy is the popular acceptance and recognition by the people that a government's authority to rule is rightful, lawful, and morally justified.

2(b) Four factors that determine legitimacy

1. Constitutionality – government must emerge and operate according to laid-down laws.
2. Free and fair elections – power obtained through credible electoral process.
3. Performance/effectiveness – ability to deliver good governance and meet citizens' needs.
4. Tradition/custom – acceptance based on established customs (e.g., inherited monarchies).

GOV 002: Ideologies and Processes of Government and Politics

3. Five factors militating against free and fair elections in Nigeria

1. Electoral malpractice – rigging, ballot box snatching, and falsification of results.
2. Godfatherism – powerful individuals imposing candidates and manipulating outcomes.
3. Violence and insecurity – thuggery and intimidation discouraging voter participation.
4. Vote buying/bribery – inducement of voters and officials with money or gifts.
5. Weak/compromised electoral bodies – lack of independence and inadequate logistics (e.g., late arrival of materials).

4(a) What is Public Administration?
Public Administration is the implementation of government policy through the organization and management of public institutions and personnel to achieve state objectives.

4(b) Three major theories of Public Administration

1. Classical/Bureaucratic theory (Max Weber) – emphasizes hierarchy, rules, division of labour, and impersonality.
2. Scientific Management theory (F.W. Taylor) – stresses efficiency through time-and-motion study and standardized procedures.
3. Human Relations theory (Elton Mayo) – focuses on workers' social needs, motivation, and interpersonal relations as keys to productivity.

GOV 003: Nigerian Government and Politics

5. Five differences between Hausa/Fulani and Igbo pre-colonial systems

1. Structure – Hausa/Fulani had a centralized emirate system; Igbo had a decentralized, stateless system.
2. Leadership – Hausa/Fulani were ruled by an Emir with absolute authority; Igbo were governed by councils of elders/age-grades with no single ruler.
3. Succession – Hausa/Fulani leadership was hereditary; Igbo leadership was achieved through merit, wealth, or title-taking.
4. Religion – Hausa/Fulani system was Islamic-based, with the Emir as religious head; Igbo system was based on traditional religion, with no fusion of religious and political headship.
5. Judicial system – Hausa/Fulani applied Sharia law under appointed judges (Alkali); Igbo justice was administered communally through elders and oracles.

6. Five achievements of the military in Nigerian politics

1. National unity – helped keep Nigeria united, notably ending the Civil War (1967–70).
2. Infrastructural development – executed major projects (roads, refineries, industries).
3. Creation of states – restructured the federation into more states/local governments for better administration.
4. Anti-corruption drives – some regimes (e.g., Buhari/Idiagbon's War Against Indiscipline) attempted to instill discipline.
5. Constitutional development – military governments produced constitutions (e.g., 1979, 1999) that shaped Nigeria's democratic framework.

GOV 004: African Government and Politics

7. Five differences between British and French colonial administration in West Africa

1. System – British used Indirect Rule (through traditional rulers); French used Direct/Assimilation rule (centralized French officials).
2. Policy goal – British aimed to preserve local institutions; French aimed to assimilate Africans into French culture and citizenship.
3. Political participation – French allowed some Africans representation in the French Parliament; British generally excluded Africans from central governance.
4. Administrative structure – British colonies were loosely federated; French colonies (French West Africa) were tightly centralized under a Governor-General in Dakar.
5. Legal system – British retained customary law alongside British law; French imposed French law uniformly, with limited recognition of customary law.

8. Five benefits of colonialism in Africa

1. Infrastructure development – construction of roads, railways, ports, and bridges.
2. Introduction of Western education – establishment of schools and literacy.
3. Modern administration – introduction of formal governmental and legal institutions.
4. Healthcare improvements – introduction of modern medicine and hospitals.
5. Economic integration – introduction of cash crops and integration into global trade/monetary systems.