JAMB Government 2005
Questions & Answers

The 1979 Constitution introduced the presidential system in Nigeria, creating the office of the Vice President, marking a shift from the parliamentary system.

Legislative oversight involves the legislature supervising and checking the activities of the executive to ensure accountability and adherence to policy objectives.

The National Judicial Council recommends the appointment of judges, which is then approved by the President or Governors, ensuring judicial independence.

In a parliamentary or presidential system, cabinet members share collective responsibility for government decisions, promoting unified policy implementation.

Ibrahim Babangida introduced SAP in 1986 to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through liberalization, privatization, and austerity measures.

Devolution involves transferring authority from the central government to regional or local governments, enhancing local governance and autonomy.

The 1963 Constitution declared Nigeria a republic, replacing the Queen as head of state with a Nigerian President, a key step in sovereignty.

The United Nations, established in 1945, has a primary goal of maintaining international peace and security through diplomacy and cooperation.

Gerrymandering involves redrawing electoral districts to favor a political party or group, influencing election outcomes.

The NPN, led by Shehu Shagari, won the presidency and dominated the Second Republic, securing significant legislative and executive influence.

Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, beliefs, and values through family, education, and media.

The House of Representatives, under the 1999 Constitution, consists of 360 members representing federal constituencies across Nigeria.

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 granted significant regional autonomy, strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure and regional legislatures.

Veto power allows the executive (e.g., President) to reject legislation passed by the legislature, acting as a check on legislative power.

The National Human Rights Commission investigates and addresses human rights violations in Nigeria, promoting accountability and justice.

Pluralism recognizes multiple groups (e.g., unions, associations) competing to influence government decisions, fostering diverse representation.

Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General in 1960 and later the first President in 1963, a landmark in Nigerian history.

Delegated legislation involves subordinate bodies (e.g., ministries) making rules under authority granted by the legislature, streamlining governance.

Olusegun Obasanjo established the Code of Conduct Bureau in 1979 to promote ethical conduct among public officers, enhancing governance integrity.

Proportional representation allocates legislative seats in proportion to the votes received by each party, ensuring fairer representation.

The Senate President, elected from among senators, presides over Senate proceedings, ensuring orderly legislative processes.

The Eastern Region, led by Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared itself the Republic of Biafra in 1967, sparking the Nigerian Civil War.

Political apathy describes citizens’ disinterest or lack of engagement in political processes, such as voting or civic activities.

The 1963 Republican Constitution was suspended following the military coup of January 1966, marking the start of military governance.

Diplomacy involves managing relations between states through negotiation and dialogue, fostering peaceful international cooperation.

The EFCC investigates and prosecutes financial and economic crimes, including corruption, in Nigeria, promoting accountability.

Autocracy is a government system where a single ruler holds unlimited power, often without checks or democratic processes.

Shehu Shagari’s administration introduced the 6-3-3-4 education system in the Second Republic to reform Nigeria’s educational structure.

A referendum is a direct vote by citizens on a specific policy or constitutional issue, enhancing democratic participation.

The Mid-Western Region was created in 1963, the first new region after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, via a referendum.

Civil society includes NGOs, community groups, and citizens who engage in public life outside government structures, advocating for change.

Murtala Mohammed was assassinated during the February 1976 coup attempt, after which Olusegun Obasanjo became Head of State.

A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties collaborate to govern, often in a multi-party system to achieve a majority.

Nigeria’s constitutions (e.g., 1960, 1963, 1979, 1999) have typically established bicameral legislatures or regional councils, not unicameral ones.

National interest encompasses a state’s key goals, such as security, economic prosperity, and sovereignty, guiding policy decisions.

The National Planning Commission formulates and coordinates Nigeria’s development plans and policies, shaping long-term economic strategies.

Bureaucracy is the administrative structure and personnel that implement government policies, ensuring operational efficiency.

Abdulsalami Abubakar, as Head of State, signed the 1999 Constitution into law, paving the way for Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Separation of powers divides government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with distinct roles to prevent abuse of power.

Yakubu Gowon created 12 states in 1967 to replace Nigeria’s regional structure, aiming to reduce ethnic tensions and promote national unity.