The primary objective of the doctrine of separation of powers is to

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The primary objective of the doctrine of separation of powers is to The doctrine of separation of powers aims to divide governmental functions among different branches to prevent any single branch from accumulating too much power and abusing it.
- B. prevent concentration and abuse of governmental powers
A government that derives its authority through force rather than public acceptance lacks Legitimacy refers to the popular acceptance and recognition of a government's right to rule. A government based on force lacks this acceptance.
- B. legitimacy
Which statement best distinguishes authority from power? Power is the ability to influence or control, while authority is legitimate power, meaning it is recognized and accepted by society as rightful.
- C. Authority is legitimate power recognized by society.
The existence of a population without a defined territory can best be described as A nation is a group of people united by common culture, language, or descent, which may or may not have its own state or defined territory. A state requires a defined territory.
- A. a nation
A state may cease to exist if it loses Sovereignty is the supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself. Without it, a state cannot function as an independent entity.
- B. sovereignty
Which is NOT an essential element of a state? The four essential elements of a state are population, territory, government, and sovereignty. A common religion is not a universal requirement.
- D. Common religion
Political socialization differs from political participation because it Political socialization is the process of acquiring political values and beliefs, while political participation involves engaging in political activities.
- A. involves acquiring political values rather than engaging in political activities
A citizen who refuses to vote because he believes elections are meaningless best reflects Political apathy is a lack of interest or concern in political affairs, often leading to non-participation.
- D. political apathy
Which institution is regarded as the most influential agent of early political socialization? The family is typically the first and most fundamental agent of political socialization, shaping an individual's initial political attitudes and values.
- C. Family
Democracy is often criticized because it may Democratic decision-making processes, involving debate, consensus, and multiple checks, can often be slower than those in more authoritarian systems.
- B. encourage decision-making delays
Representative democracy became necessary mainly because In large, modern states, it is impractical for all citizens to directly participate in every governmental decision, making representation through elected officials essential.
- B. modern states are too large
The principle of constitutionalism implies that Constitutionalism means that the government's power is limited by a constitution, and all, including those in power, must adhere to its provisions.
- A. rulers are subject to constitutional limitations
A rigid constitution differs because it A rigid constitution is one that is difficult to amend, requiring special, often more complex, procedures than ordinary legislation.
- C. requires special amendment
One major advantage of a written constitution is that it A written constitution provides a clear, codified document that outlines the structure of government, the distribution of powers, and the rights of citizens, reducing ambiguity.
- B. clearly defines powers
Which feature is common to both presidential and parliamentary systems? Both presidential and parliamentary systems have an executive branch responsible for implementing laws and governing.
- B. Existence of an executive arm
In a parliamentary system, the executive is collectively responsible to In a parliamentary system, the executive (cabinet/government) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature (parliament).
- B. parliament
A federation differs from a unitary system because The defining characteristic of a federal system is the constitutional division of powers between a central government and constituent regional governments.
- A. powers are constitutionally divided
The major purpose of political parties is to Political parties primarily aim to mobilize voters, contest elections, and gain control of the government to implement their policies.
- C. contest elections and control government
Which party system is most likely to produce coalition governments? In a multi-party system, it is common for no single party to win an outright majority, leading to the formation of coalition governments among several parties.
- C. Multi-party
A two-party system is often praised because it Two-party systems often lead to more stable governments because one of the two major parties usually secures a clear majority, reducing the need for complex coalitions.
- B. promotes governmental stability
According to Dicey, the rule of law excludes A.V. Dicey's concept of the rule of law emphasizes that no one is above the law and that power should not be exercised arbitrarily.
- B. arbitrary exercise of power
Which situation best violates the rule of law? Indefinite detention without legal justification or due process is a direct violation of the rule of law, which requires all actions to be governed by established legal principles.
- B. Suspect detained indefinitely
Indirect Rule succeeded mainly in Northern Nigeria because Northern Nigeria had well-established, centralized emirate systems with existing administrative structures that the British found easy to integrate into their Indirect Rule system.
- B. centralized institutions
The greatest weakness of indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria was Eastern Nigeria largely consisted of decentralized societies without the hierarchical traditional structures found in the North, making it difficult for the British to implement Indirect Rule effectively.
- B. absence of centralized authority
Which would most strengthen constitutional democracy? An independent judiciary ensures fair application of laws, and a free press holds the government accountable, both vital for a robust constitutional democracy. B. Independent judiciary and free press
A government may possess legal sovereignty but lose political legitimacy when it While a government might legally hold power (sovereignty), if it fails to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens, it can lose the public's acceptance and moral right to rule (legitimacy).
- B. fails to protect rights
Best demonstrates checks and balances When a court voids an act (law) passed by the legislature, it demonstrates the judiciary checking the power of the legislative branch, a core aspect of checks and balances.
- B. Court voids Act
Power differs from authority because power Power is the ability to influence, which can be exercised legitimately (authority) or illegitimately (e.g., through force). Authority is power that is recognized as legitimate.
- B. may exist without legitimacy
Popular sovereignty implies Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the ultimate source of political power.
- B. people hold ultimate authority
Strongest safeguard against executive dictatorship An independent judiciary can strike down executive actions that violate the constitution, and constitutional supremacy ensures that the executive is bound by the law, thus preventing dictatorship.
- B. independent judiciary and constitutional supremacy
Constitution evolving via customs is An unwritten constitution (like the UK's) is largely based on customs, conventions, statutes, and judicial precedents rather than a single codified document.
- C. unwritten
Weakness of unwritten constitution Because an unwritten constitution is not codified in a single document, its provisions can be less clear and more open to interpretation, leading to uncertainty.
- B. uncertainty
Essential feature of federal system The constitutional division of powers between different levels of government is the hallmark of a federal system.
- B. constitutional division of powers
Confederation differs because In a confederation, sovereign states delegate limited powers to a central body but retain their ultimate sovereignty. The central body is typically weak.
- B. members retain sovereignty
One-party criticism A one-party system restricts political competition and offers citizens very limited or no choice in terms of political representation.
- B. limits choice
Opposition parties mainly Opposition parties play a crucial role in a democracy by holding the government accountable, scrutinizing its policies, and offering alternative viewpoints.
- B. scrutinize govt
Rule of law impossible where Arbitrary detention (imprisonment without legal cause or due process) is a direct contradiction of the rule of law, which requires all actions to be governed by established legal principles.
- B. arbitrary detention
Not associated with rule of law The rule of law stands against arbitrary power, meaning power exercised without legal basis or restraint.
- C. Arbitrary power
Failure of indirect rule East due to The absence of centralized traditional political structures in Eastern Nigeria made Indirect Rule difficult to implement effectively.
- B. decentralized system
Colonial policy using indigenous institutions Indirect Rule was a colonial administrative system where the British governed through existing indigenous political structures and leaders.
- C. Indirect Rule
Political efficacy refers to Political efficacy is the belief that one's political participation matters and that one can influence the government.
- B. belief one can influence govt
Obeying law because morally right reflects When people obey laws because they believe the government has a moral right to rule and its laws are just, this reflects the government's legitimacy.
- B. legitimacy
Strengthen youth socialization Encouraging civic education helps young people learn about their rights, responsibilities, and the political system, thereby strengthening their political socialization.
- B. encourage civic edu
Violating constitution undermines Constitutionalism is the adherence to a constitutional system of government. Violating the constitution directly undermines this principle.
- A. constitutionalism
Judicial independence enables judges to Judicial independence means judges can make decisions based on the law and facts, free from pressure or influence from other branches of government or external parties.
- B. decide without interference
Constitutional supremacy means Constitutional supremacy means that the constitution is the highest law of the land, and all governmental bodies and laws must conform to it.
- B. all organs derive authority from constitution
Many parties none majority results in In a multi-party system, if no single party wins a majority, parties often form alliances to create a coalition government.
- B. coalition govt
Best example of political participation Voting is a direct and fundamental act of political participation, where citizens choose their representatives.
- B. vote
Relationship rule of law and democracy The rule of law is essential for democracy as it ensures that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law, and it protects individual rights and freedoms.
- B. rule of law protects rights

The primary objective of the doctrine of separation of powers is to

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