2019 IJMB Government paper


  1. Define politics and discuss the relevance of the Scientific Approach to the study of politics.

  2. Identify any four (4) features of a state and discuss how important each of them is to its existence.

  3. Discuss any four (4) arguments of the Underdevelopment Theory in the study of Third World societies.

  4. With relevant examples, write short notes on any two of the following:

    • i. Constitutionalism
    • ii. Separation of Powers
    • iii. Checks and Balances

  5. Explain any four (4) forms of citizenship known to you.

  6. Discuss any two (2) major achievements and challenges of the African Union since its inception.

  7. Define terrorism and discuss any three (3) of its impacts on the Nigerian society.



Answers 

Question 1: Define Politics and Discuss the Relevance of the Scientific Approach to the Study of Politics

Definition of Politics:
Politics is the process by which groups of people make collective decisions. It involves the acquisition, exercise, and distribution of power within a society. David Easton defined it as "the authoritative allocation of values," while Harold Lasswell described it as determining "who gets what, when, and how."

Relevance of the Scientific Approach:

  • Objectivity: It removes bias and sentiments from political analysis, ensuring conclusions are based on facts and evidence.
  • Predictability: It enables scholars to predict political behavior and outcomes through tested hypotheses.
  • Systematic Study: It provides a structured framework for analyzing political phenomena.
  • Empirical Verification: Political theories can be tested and validated through observable evidence.
  • Comparative Analysis: It allows for comparison of political systems across different societies.
  • Policy Formulation: Scientific findings guide governments in making informed decisions.

Question 2: Identify Any Four (4) Features of a State and Discuss How Important Each Is to Its Existence

Feature Importance
1. Population A state cannot exist without people. The population constitutes the human resource that drives governance, economy, and social life.
2. Territory A defined geographical area gives the state a physical boundary within which its authority is exercised. Without territory, a state has no jurisdiction.
3. Government The government is the machinery through which the state operates. It makes laws, maintains order, and provides services. Without it, there is anarchy.
4. Sovereignty This is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. It is the most essential feature — a state without sovereignty is not truly independent.

Question 3: Discuss Any Four (4) Arguments of the Underdevelopment Theory in the Study of Third World Societies

The Underdevelopment Theory (associated with André Gunder Frank, Walter Rodney, etc.) argues that Third World poverty is not natural but was caused by exploitation.

  1. Historical Exploitation: Colonialism systematically extracted resources from African, Asian, and Latin American nations, leaving them economically crippled. Walter Rodney argued in How Europe Underdeveloped Africa that Europe's development came at Africa's expense.

  2. Dependency Relationship: Third World nations are kept in a state of dependency on developed nations for aid, trade, and technology, making genuine development impossible.

  3. Unequal Exchange: Terms of trade favor developed nations — Third World countries export raw materials cheaply and import expensive finished goods, resulting in perpetual trade deficits.

  4. Internal Colonialism & Elite Collaboration: Local ruling elites in Third World countries collaborate with foreign powers to sustain exploitation, prioritizing personal gain over national development.

Question 4: Short Notes on Any Two of the Following

i. Constitutionalism

Constitutionalism is the doctrine that government authority must be defined and limited by a constitution. It ensures that no individual or institution exercises unlimited power.

Examples:

  • The Nigerian Constitution (1999) limits presidential powers and guarantees fundamental rights.
  • The U.S. Constitution establishes checks that prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.

Key principles: Rule of law, limited government, protection of rights, and accountability.

ii. Separation of Powers

This is the division of government into three distinct branches — Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary — each with separate functions to prevent concentration of power.

Example: In Nigeria, the National Assembly makes laws, the President executes them, and the courts interpret them independently.

Proposed by: Montesquieu in The Spirit of the Laws (1748).

Question 5: Explain Any Four (4) Forms of Citizenship

  1. Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli): A person automatically becomes a citizen of the country where they are born, regardless of parents' nationality. Example: USA.

  2. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis): Citizenship is acquired through one's parents or ancestors, regardless of where one is born. Example: Germany.

  3. Citizenship by Naturalization: A foreigner who meets legal requirements (residency, language, loyalty oath) can be granted citizenship by the government.

  4. Citizenship by Registration/Marriage: A person can acquire citizenship by being registered (e.g., a minor) or by marrying a citizen of that country, subject to legal conditions.

Question 6: Discuss Any Two (2) Major Achievements and Challenges of the African Union Since Its Inception

The African Union (AU) was established in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Achievements:

  1. Peace and Security: The AU has deployed peacekeeping missions (AMISOM in Somalia, missions in Sudan/Darfur) that helped reduce armed conflict and stabilize war-torn regions.

  2. Economic Integration (AfCFTA): The AU spearheaded the African Continental Free Trade Area, the world's largest free trade zone by number of countries, aimed at boosting intra-African trade and economic development.

Challenges:

  1. Political Instability and Coups: The AU struggles to effectively address repeated military coups (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea), and its sanctions often lack enforcement muscle.

  2. Funding Dependency: The AU relies heavily on external donors (EU, USA) for up to 60–70% of its budget, undermining its independence and sovereignty in decision-making.

Question 7: Define Terrorism and Discuss Any Three (3) of Its Impacts on Nigerian Society

Definition of Terrorism:
Terrorism is the systematic use of violence, intimidation, or threats by individuals or groups to create fear, coerce governments, and advance political, religious, or ideological objectives. It deliberately targets civilians to maximize psychological impact.

Three Impacts on Nigerian Society:

  1. Loss of Lives and Displacement:
    Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast has killed thousands and displaced over 2 million people, creating a massive humanitarian crisis and refugee camps in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

  2. Economic Devastation:
    Terrorism discourages foreign investment, destroys infrastructure, disrupts agriculture (especially in the Northeast and Middle Belt), and diverts government spending from development to security — stunting national growth.

  3. Erosion of National Unity and Social Trust:
    Terrorism deepens ethnic and religious tensions. Attacks by herder-farmer conflicts and separatist groups (e.g., IPOB) fuel mutual suspicion among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups, threatening national cohesion and political stability.