section c

Question 1

Question 1: (a) Define government as an institution of the state.

Answer 1

Government as an institution of the state could be defined as a group of persons and institution legally set up by the state to make, enforce and interpret laws.

Question 2

(a) List the three tiers of government in Nigeria.

Answer 2

Federal government.
State government.
Local government.

Question 3

define the executive arm of government in Nigeria

Answer 3

The executive arm is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies made by the legislative arm. It is consists of the President, Governors, Local Government chairman, Ministers, Commissioners, Local Government Supervisors, Civil/Public Service, Armed forces, Poilce, etc

Question 4

ways the constitutional roles of the executive arm of Government promote democracy

Answer 4

-Ensuring democratic principles and values in the society
-Maintenance/enforcement of law and order in society
-Protection of lives and properties of citizens in the state
<Strengthening and encouraging the existence of democratic institutions e.g. electoral bodies, political parties, pressure groups, civil societies, etc.
<Respecting/guaranteeing fundamental human rights of citizens.
<Initiating and drafting budget for good governance
<Giving assent/signing of bills into law
>Declaring state of emergency

Question 5

(b) State six functions of government in Nigeria.

Answer 5

Law making.
Law implementation and execution.
Law adjudication/interpretation.
Constitutional amendment.
Provision of social amenities/infrastructures.
Maintenance of law and order.
Protection of lives and property/security.
Provision of job opportunities/employment.

Question 6

3 arms of government in Nigeria

Answer 6

.The executive arm
legislative and the judicial arms.

Question 7

(b) What conditions are necessary for democracy’s successful operation? ?.

Answer 7

(i) Tolerance: People should be ready to accommodate one another’s views and actions, despite their political differences.

(ii) Rule of Law: Rule of law must be obeyed and respected by every body in the political system.

(iii) Opposition: Opposition groups in the society should be tolerated by the government.

(iv) Independent Electoral Commission: This body should be independent to safeguard and promote its activities judiciously without fear or favour.

(v) Popular participation: To create an avenue for popular participation , the electorate should be adequately educated and well informed too.

(vi) Free and fair election: For a successful operation of democracy, the elections must be free and fair.

(vii) Choice: Enthronement of leaders into positions in government must be based on choice. The people should be able to elect honest and acceptable leaders.

(viii) Democratic principles: The people should be ready to demonstrate their desire to accommodate democratic principles.

(ix) Activities of the government: The activities of the government should be open

(x) Independent judiciary: This body should be independent of the executive and legislative arms of government. Judiciary should be ready to entertain cases impartially.

Question 7

Legislative arm of government can check the executive by

Answer 7

demanding the review of any act of the executive

Question 7

(a) Define democracy.

Answer 7

Democracy is seen as a system where power of governance is with the people, though exercised by some individuals elected by the electorate through popular and periodic elections.

Question 8

(a). Define political party as a pillar of democracy.

Answer 8

Political parties are a group of persons organized to acquire and exercise political power. Citizens vote for the party of their choice and, in this way, influence government policy.

Political parties are essential institutions of democracy. By competing in elections parties they offer citizens a choice in governance, and while in opposition they can hold governments accountable.

Question 9

Explain at least five of the following pillars of democracy

Answer 9

i. Constitution: It is the fundamental laws; rules, regulation and others related elements according to which democratic states are expected to be governed

ii. Free Press: This refers to situation or condition in which media organizations are allowed to perform their functions of informing, educating, entertaining people and scrutinizing government activities without undue censorship for the purpose of good governance in a democracy

iii. Civil Societies: These are private non-profit organizations formed to promote collectively shared values, interests and objectives that are capable of enhancing the general welfare and development of democratic states.

iv. Political Parties: These are organized groups of people who share common ideas with the sole aim of contesting elections to gain and assume political power in a democratic state

v. Armed Forces: These are constitutionally established bodies empowered to protect and defend the territorial integrity of a democratic state against internal insurrection and external aggression. They consist of Army, Airforce and Navy

vi. Arms of Government: These are the totality of administrative bodies, organs and agencies which make, implement and adjudicate laws for the smooth operation of government in a democratic state e.g. legislative, executive and judiciary

Question 9

Mention five characteristics of democracy.

Answer 9

-Respect for the principle of rule of law.
-Periodic, regular, free and fair elections.
-Effective/popular participation.
-Respect for Fundamental Human Rights.
-Independent/impartial judiciary.
-Equal political rights.
-Popular sovereignty/majority rule.
-Freedom of association and groups.
- Formation of political parties.
-Separation of powers between the arms and levels of government.
- Popular consultation.
-Consensus building.
-Divergent partisan ideology.
- Transparency and accountability.
- Informed electorate.
- Free press (mass media).
-Universal adult suffrage/franchise.
-Representative government.

Question 9

State five ways by which the practice of democracy can contribute to national development.

Answer 9

-It promotes rule of law and constitutionalism.
-It engenders peace and security.
-It facilitates effective participation of citizens in governance.
-Democracy guarantees periodic elections to ensure smooth transition of
government.
(v) It entrenches freedom of expression and respect for human rights.
(vii) It leads to employment generation.
(viii) Democracy promotes poverty alleviation.
(ix) Democracy promotes political stability which enhances national development.
(x) Democracy promotes transparency and accountability.
(xi) It ensures equity, justice and fair play.
(xiii) The people have freedom of choice in the election of those that will represent
them in government.
(xv) Democracy allows constructive criticism of government policies which checks abuse of power thereby promoting good governance and national development.
(xvi) Democracy promotes political culture which makes the people favourably
disposed towards nation building.
(xviii) It promotes political education and awareness.

Question 9

Democracy is important because it
A. accommodates popular participation.
B. accommodates political apathy.
C. encourages operational bureaucracy.
D. breeds ethnic competition and rivalry.

Answer 9

A. accommodates popular participation.

Question 10

(a) Define representative democracy.

Answer 10

Representative democracy is a form of government whereby eligible citizens elect their leaders through periodic elections to represent them at all levels of government for a fixed tenure
or
Representative democracy can be defined as a form of government whereby the people run the government or exercise political power indirectly through their elected representatives.

Question 11

(b) State three reasons Nigeria adopts representative democracy.

Answer 11

i. Large electorate size due to high population

ii. Large territorial size of the country

iii. Complexity of many political issues

iv. Safeguarding the fundamental human rights of the citizens

v. Promotion of accountability

vi. Expanding scope of modern government for the welfare of citizens

vii. To give voice to the opposition for good governance

viii. Greater political participation

ix. Complex state structure of Nigerian government

x. Desire to protect the interest of the minorities/ethnic diversities

Question 12

(c) Factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria

Answer 12

i. Electoral malpractice

ii. Political apathy

iii. Biased electoral umpire

iv. High level of illiteracy/ignorance

v. Lack of proper political education

vi. High cost of running democracy

vii. Bribery and corruption

viii. Military intervention in politics

ix. Dictatorial influence of political godfathers/party leaders

x. Inadequate democratic political culture

Question 13

Rule of law means?

Answer 13

supremacy of the law over all the citizens irrespective of social status, tribe or ethnicity.

Question 14

b) Explain three importance of rule of law

Answer 14

-Supremacy of the constitution.
-Ensures press freedom.
-Guarantees peace and unity in society.
-It promotes democratic practices.
-Allows for the equality of all citizens.
-Gives room for appeal.
-It protects citizens against arbitrary rule/unlawful detention.
-It guarantees fundamental human rights.
-It ensures orderliness in the society.
-It promotes transparency and accountability in government.

Question 15

a) Highlight three features of the rule of law

Answer 15

The supremacy of the law.

Equality before the law.

Absence of arbitrary. rule/law or arbitrariness in the application of the law.

Fundamental human rights.

Question 16

(b) State four hindrances/obstacle to the application of rule of law in the society.

Answer 16

-Dictatorial forms of government.
-Lack of judicial independence.
-Declaration of state of emergency.
-Immunity enjoyed by some public officials’ such as judges, presidents, governors, ambassadors etc.
-Use of special courts for some cases e.g tribunal.
-Corruption on the part of judicial officials.
-Illiteracy.
-Poverty.
-Absence of press freedom.
-Outbreak of contagious disease/epidemic.

Question 17

(a) Define national development.

Answer 17

National Development is a situation whereby there is advancement in socio-political organisation in the country
or
National development is a process by which a country improves the social and economic well being of its citizens through the provision of amenities such as quality education, good roads, medical facilities and other social infrastructures.

Question 17

(b) Explain four ways in which corruption has retarded the development of the Nigerian State.

Answer 17

(i) Corruption discourages foreigners from investing in Nigeria

(ii) Corruption results in crime

(iii) Corruption destroys the moral values of a society

(iv) Corruption hinders honesty as it often leaves the fraudulent and punishes dedicated workers.

(v) Corruption has tarnished the image of our country locally or internationally

(vi) Corruption has destroyed the nation and her collective future

(vii) Funds meant for government agencies sometimes become a source of wealth for those who run the government agencies

(viii) It promotes materialistic tendencies in citizens and erodes other positive values of the nation

(ix) It erodes national consciousness, pride and sense of commitment to national course

(x) It weakens social and governmental enforcement ‘ mechanism.
-creates bad image for the country

Question 17

Describe ways through which the Nigerian society can benefit from citizen’s active participation in the political process.

Answer 17

(i) Psychological satisfaction: The involvement of people in political activities gives them psychological relief in spite of the fact that not all their demands have been met by the government.

(ii) Mass contribution to the political system: Mass participation takes various forms. It enable the citizens to contribute in various ways to the political development of the country.

(iii) Legitimacy of elected government: Popular participation helps to give legitimacy to the government, whether it is the government in power or that which will be elected.

(iv) Fulfillment: Mass participation helps to promote in individuals a sense of belonging, self worth, self confidence and even relevance which help them to become fulfilled.

(vi) Political stability: It promotes political stability in a country. The government will be able to operate without many problems from the citizens.

(vii) Political awareness and education: Popular mass participation gives opportunities for civic education and the acquisition of civic virtues necessary in a democratic state. The electorate become better educated politically.

(viii) Good governance: Popular participation of citizens in government ensures good governance and builds confidence in citizens.

(ix) National development: There will be rapid socio-economic development if citizens participate in electoral/political process.

(x) International Recognition and Respect: Active participation of the people in the political process earns the government and people of the state international recognition and respect.

Question 18

(b) Highlight three reasons why competition for political power among poiticians if fierce in Nigeria.

Answer 18

i.Selfish interest of politicians
ii. High premium/lucrative nature of politics in Nigeria
iii. Nature and character of the Nigerian political class
iv. Volatile political environment .
v.Immunity law enjoyed by some politicians

Question 19

(a) Explain the term ‘political apathy.

Answer 19

• Political apathy is the lack of interest in political programmes of a country due to one reason or the other.
• Political apathy is the feeling of not being interested in political programmes and activities by the people of a country.
• It also means lack of enthusiasm or concern for political activities by the people.

Question 20

(c) Highlight three ways through which political apathy can be discouraged

Answer 20

i. Knowing and defending our right
ii. Defending the fundamental human rights to citizens

iii. By including civic values

iv. By fulfillment of political promises and manifestos v. Joining popular organizations

vi. Registering and getting a voter’s card

vii. Making leaders accountable to people who elected them

viii. Reading political literatures and watching political documentaries of great leaders such as Dr Martin Luther King (Jnr), Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa etc

ix. Participation in election: Voting and defending your votes by saying ‘no’ to electoral malpractice.

x. By setting up corrupt-free electoral body that will act as an impartial umpire in the electoral process

Question 20

(b) State three consequences of political apathy.

Answer 20

i. The best candidates may not win the elections as money bags may influence the few remaining voters to vote in their favour for a fee

ii. The quality of living goes down. The politicians that get elected resort to doing their personal bidding rather than what will benefit the public

iii. Political apathy leads to problem of legitimacy from those in power

iv. The candidate elected will not be bound to do well since he knows he can always engage in rigging for re-election

v. It allows the wrong set of voters to come into power

vi. Corruption will set in when dishonourable people fill the vacuum created by the absence of credible citizens.

Question 21

WHY LEADERS FAIL TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THEIR FOLLOWERS

Answer 21

1. Selfishness: It is this spirit of selfishness that would make a leader embezzle money meant for public project
2. Party interest: Unfortunately, the need
   to satisfy the political forces that bring them to power severely undermines the ability of many
   political leaders to promote the interest of their followers.
3. Rigging of elections:
4. Revenue allocation:
5. God fatherism: Most political office holders came into office by lobbying and through the help of
   political godfathers. The tendency to please or pay back political fathers at the expense of the
   people is obvious.
6. Dependency and poverty: Most people are unemployed and lazy to be self-employed and this
   leads to poverty on their part which will cause them to fully depend on government for all their
   needs. And funds release for leaders to carter for the needs of the people may not go round.
   This leads to poverty and dependency on government
7. Lack of political and leadership experiences

Question 22

(b) State any two dangers of political apathy to the society.

Answer 22

Creating awareness of political rights of citizens.

Defending the political rights of the less privilege in the society.

Encouraging participation in election and other political activities.

Encouraging press freedom.

Encouraging an independent and corrupt free electoral body.

Cultivating civic values in the citizens.

Joining/forming political organizations.

Ensuring effective teaching and learning of civic education in schools.

Discouraging the use of political thugs/electoral violence.

Question 23

(a) in what five ways can citizens demonstrate political apathy

Answer 23

(I) Refusal to register for election.

(ii) Refusal to register for election.

(iii) Unwillingness to join political party.

(iv) Unwillingness to attend party activities.

(v) Unwillingness to contest election.

Question 23

explain 5 ways through which leaders can protect the interests of their followers

Answer 23

-good governance in the society
-ensuring security of lives+property
-involving them in the process of decision making
-building strong democratic institutions
-promoting education of the followers
-providing measures of safety of followers
-promoting good relationships with neighbours

Question 23

(b) State any two dangers of political apathy to the society.

Answer 23

Dangers of political apathy to the society

Dangers of political apathy to the society

Emergence of undemocratic government.

Lack of accountability by government officials.

Denial of citizen’s rights.

Breeding of corruption in government.

Denial of the dividends of democracy to the electorate.

Slowing down the pace of political development.

Loss of respect for political leaders.

Question 24

(b) Give five reasons for political apathy.

Answer 24

(i) Bad governance.

(ii) Unfulfilled political promises.

(iii) Lack of transparency in election.

(iv) Lack of security (insecurity).

(v) Poor political culture.

(vi) Political violence and rigging of election.

(vii) Negative campaigns.

(viii) Unwanted candidate/party.

Question 25

(a) Define the term ‘political participation’.

Answer 25

popular participation refers to the active involvement of citizens in the socio-political activities of a country.

It is a process of involving the citizens in the governance of their country and in deciding important socio-cultural, political and economic matters.

It also refers to the procedure of involving majority of the citizens of a country in the decision making processes, especially on issues that affect the welfare of the generality of the populace.

Question 26

State six reasons for popular participation in the society

Answer 26

promote political awareness and education.
foster political stability.
promote self fulfillment/satisfaction.
enhance development.
institutionalize responsive and responsible government.
promote popular consciousness.
create greater opportunities for citizens.
enhance confidence of the people to hold government accountable.
improve the quality of governance.
influence the direction of government policies.
ensure the legitimacy of government.
enhance collective effort in the development of the political system.
promote a sense of belonging among the people.
carry everybody along in the process of development.
ensure equity in the allocation of societal resources.
enable people to gain socio-economic and political power.

Question 27

(a) Define modern mode of popular participation

Answer 27

(a) Modern mode of popular participation refers to the in contemporary way of citizens engagement in governmental decision making process, expression of views and election of their representatives in a democratic state.

Question 28

(b) Explain six ways popular participation can facilitate the advancement of a developing society.

Answer 28

i. By promoting political awareness and education
ii. By fostering political stability
iii. By promoting self-fulfillment and satisfaction of citizens
iv. By enhancing responsive and responsible government/accountability
V. By ensuring equity in the allocation of societal resources
vi. By promoting democratic principles.

Question 28

Types of Popular Participation

Answer 28

1) Voting in an Election:
2 ) Holding of Public Office:
3) Contesting Elections:
4) Supporting Political Party
5) Registering as a Political Party Member

Question 29

SOME OF THE POPULAR ORGANISATION IN NIGERIA ARE:

Answer 29

1. Political popular organizations:
2. Social Popular Organisations:
3. Religious Popular Organizations:
4. Business/Economic Popular Organisations:
5. Non-Governmental Organizations:

Question 29

Traditional mode of popular participation:

Answer 29

Popular participation in the traditional era was direct and crude. This is because society at that time was
fragmented and not as complex as we have today in our modern world. Thus people were able to come
together and make decisions that relate to them, their family and business.
e.g
Traditional way of communication: through burn fire, use of gong, town crier etc
Transportation: Animals such as camels were used for short and long distance journey

Question 30

Outline five ways by which political parties promote popular participation.

Answer 30

(i) Recruitment of political leaders: One of the key functions of political parties is the recruitment of political leaders. It is unrealistic if not impossible for one to become the president of Nigeria or to become the governor of a state in Nigeria without joining a political party.

(ii) Education of the electorates: Political parties in Nigeria educate the electorates through their campaigns and rallies.

(iii) Promotion of interest in politics: People become interested in politics through the activities of political parties.

(iv) Ensuring political stability: Political parties help to ensure political stability by presenting candidates of integrity and experience in governance.

(v) Forum for national unity: A political party is made up of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The party unites them together, which makes them have the same goals, aspirations, and intentions

Question 31

(a) Define civil society.

Answer 31

Civil society is a non-governmental organization formed for the purposes of promoting and protecting the interest of generality of the people as well as mobilizing them for participation in the governance and development of the society.

Question 32

Highlight five roles civil society can play in promoting popular participation.

Answer 32

Roles of civil societies in promoting popular participation

(I)Promotion of democratic values

(ii) Promotion of political participation

(iii) Resolution of conflicts

(iv) Checking government excesses

(v) Facilitate democratic process

(vi) Promotion of healthy lifestyle

(vii) Serve as a source of information to government

(viii) They fight corruption

(ix) Monitor conduct of elections

(x) The use of demonstrations

Question 33

(b) Outline six impediments to the effectiveness of civil societies in Nigeria.

Answer 33

Civil societies are vulnerable to political manipulations.

Corruption on the part of membership.

Divided loyalty/interest on the part of members.

Misinforming the public or engagement in propaganda.

Their activities are often antagonistic to government hence; they do not get the needed attention from the government.

They are often rigid in their views of public interest.

Internal wrangling/personality clashes of the leadership.

Inadequate funding.

Overdependence on external sources for funding and operational support.

Question 34

list the problems of civil society in nigeria?

Answer 34

1. Disconnection from Rural Organizations:
2. Lack of Unity:
3. Inadequate Funding:
4. Government Patronage:
5. Lack of Internal Democracy:
6. Lack of Skills for CSOs:
7. Corruption and Personal Enrichment:
8. Lack of State Support and Partnership:

Question 35

the shortcoming of public service?

Answer 35

1) Poor Condition of Service: The public servants do not earn good salaries and they lack many motivational incentives that will make them work harder.

2) Bribery and Corruption: Some public servants no longer do their official duty, rather they are looking forward to being bribed before doing their duties.

3) Tribalism: Some high ranking officials favour only people from their ethnic group.

4) Political Instability: Frequent change in government results in constant change of top officials of the public service like Head of Service and Director General.

5) Over-Staffing: The public service is over-staffed with people who are not willing to work and whose ideas are outdated.

Question 36

(b) Highlight five problems of the public service

Answer 36

(i) Inadequate training facilities: The Nigerian public service lacks adequate training facilities for staff improvement of skill. They have to send many of the staff abroad for more training and some of the staff end up not returning.

(ii) Corruption: The effectiveness of the public service has been slowed down by bribery and corruption to the extent that public servants fail to perform their official duties as they look forward to bribery before carrying out their jobs.

(iii) Inconsistency of government policies: In Nigeria, a change of government many times means changes in policies.

(iv) Bureaucratic red-tapism. This refers to excessive use of formalities in the public service, which militates against its effectiveness.

(v) Tribalism: This has been the yardstick for choosing whom to employ and sack in the Nigerian public service.

(vi) Negative attitude to work: Public servants regard their job as government work that does not require any seriousness.

(vii) Political instability: Constant and regular change of top rank office holders in public service brings about constant instability of rules and regulations. This constantly leads to shortcomings in the public service.

(viii) Political interference: Different governments in power do not allow the free flow of duties due to their undue interferences which most times are only favourable to politicians.

(ix) Lack of qualified personnel: Most personnel in various public service offices either neglect their right jobs or have little or no experience with the jobs but carry out such services due to their search for greener pasture.

(x) Waste of manpower and resources: This is another form of over-staffing which leads to duplication of offices in the ministries. It is a waste of manpower and resources when the public service pays excess money for little efforts since there would be no much job for them to carry out in their various offices.

(xi) Nepotism: This is the act of public servants favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

Question 36

(a) List five functions of the public service

Answer 36

(i) It assists in the formulation of policies/programmes of government.

(ii) It assists the government to mobilise/collect revenue/funds through taxes/rates/levies.

(iii) It collects and supplies vital information/ date on government activities and programmes.

(iv) It keeps records of government properties and transactions.

(v) It advises the political heads of government institutions such as President, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, etc. on policymaking and implementations.

(vi) It implements policies and programmes of government.

(vii) It ensures continuity/smooth transition of power from one political regime to another.

(viii) It enlightens the public on government policies and programmes.

(ix) It carries out delegated legislative functions on behalf of the government.

(x) It provides job opportunities/employment for citizens.

(xi) It conducts research in new areas of government policies, programmes and activities.

(xii) It assists in preparing the budget. (xiii) It provides social services for the people.

(xiv) It represents the government in important fora at local, national, and international levels.

(xiv) It performs quasi-judicial functions.

Question 36

define public service

Answer 36

It is an organized body. in which pubic servants serve to provide essential services for the welfare of citizens. It is usually a non-profit making oriented agency and consists of government employees in ministries, departments and parastatals

Question 37

state 6 ways of improving public service

Answer 37

-exposure to in-service training
-use of merit in appointment and promotion
-improvement of workers’ condition of service
-stoppage of political interference in public service
-ensuring job security and tenure of public servants
-demand for accountability to the public

Question 38

(a) State four importance of public service in Nigeria.

Answer 38

i. It advices in the formulation of policies of government

ii. It represents government in meeting/conferences

iii. It helps in documentation and record keeping

iv. It helps in public enlightenment/education

v. It implements government policies

vi. It creates employment opportunities

vii. It conducts research for government business

viii. It ensures continuity in governance

ix. It provides essential services at cheaper rates

x. It performs delegated/legislative functions

Question 39

(b) List three ways by which public service can be improved in the country.

Answer 39

. Training and re-training

ii. Value re-orientation

iii. Political education

iv. Job security

v. Freedom of information

vi. press control

vii. Use of code of conduct bureau

viii. war against corruption in public places

ix. Inculcation of discipline in the public service

x. Ombudsman/public complaint commission