IJMBE Government Past Questions and Answers

 

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO IJMBE GOVERNMENT (PAPERS 101 AND 102): PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

QUESTION 1

DISCUSS THE NECESSITY OF GOVERNMENT TO THE NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF A SOCIETY

Answer

Government is an indispensable instrument through which the goals and collective aspirations of the state are articulated, implemented and safeguarded. In political science, the state cannot function meaningfully without government; without it, society descends into anarchy, a condition vividly described by Thomas Hobbes as a state where life becomes “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

Government is generally understood as the machinery or agency responsible for making, enforcing, and interpreting laws for the wellbeing and orderly coexistence of the people. It consists of three arms: The Legislature (law-making), the Executive (law-execution and implementation) the Judiciary (law-interpretation and adjudication).

Be that as it may, several scholars have offered insightful definitions:

Appadorai (1975) defines government as “the agency or machinery through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and realized.”

Harold Laski (1893–1950) views government as “a system of institutions through which the state maintains its authority, exercises its functions and fulfills its purposes.”

Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) describes it as “the organization of the state created to promote the general welfare.”

Sequel to the above, the necessity of government for the normal functioning of society can be explained as follows:

1. Maintenance of Law and Order: A fundamental function of government is to maintain internal peace by enforcing laws. Through agencies such as the police, civil defense corps, and judiciary, government ensures societal order, prevents chaos, and resolves conflicts.
2. Policy Formulation and Implementation: Government is responsible for enacting policies, rules, and regulations that guide social behaviour and promote development. It also ensures the effective execution of such policies through its ministries, departments, and agencies.

3. Protection of Lives and Property: Every government has the responsibility to defend citizens from internal disorder and external aggression. This is achieved through the armed forces and other security apparatus. John Locke (1632–1704) emphasizes that the primary ends of government are the preservation of life, liberty, and property.
4. Provision of Social and Welfare Services: Government provides public goods and social amenities that are either too costly or impractical for private individuals to supply - such as quality healthcare, good roads, electricity, potable water, schools, and other essential services.
5. Promotion of Economic Stability and Development: Through budgeting, taxation, economic planning, and regulation, government ensures economic balance, encourages investment, and fosters national development.
6. Maintenance of External Relations: Government manages diplomatic relations with other states by establishing embassies and high commissions. This facilitates cooperation, trade, peacekeeping, and global interdependence.

In conclusion, no society can maintain stability, development, or peaceful coexistence without a functioning government. Government is a reflection of the society it serves, and history shows that no human community has survived for long without some form of organized governmental authority.

 

QUESTION 2

THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEMOCRATIC STATE IS “GOVERNMENT BY THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED.” DISCUSS.

Answer

The assertion that the defining feature of a democratic state is government by the consent of the governed reflects the foundational principle of democracy. Democracy derives from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (authority/rule), meaning “rule by the people.” Abraham Lincoln famously described democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

This concept implies that political authority originates from the people and that leaders govern only with the permission or consent of the electorate. This consent is expressed primarily through elections, participation, and adherence to constitutional norms.

The Idea of consent-based governance is grounded in several democratic principles:

1. Periodic Free and Fair Elections: Democracy rests on the ability of citizens to choose their leaders at regular intervals. Elections must be transparent, competitive, and credible. In Nigeria, for example, presidential and gubernatorial elections are held every four years.
2. Rule of Law: Consent cannot exist in the absence of the rule of law. Both the leaders and the governed are subject to the constitution. No one is above the law, and all governmental actions must conform to legal and constitutional provisions.
3. Protection of Fundamental Human Rights: Democratic governance requires respect for civil liberties such as freedom of speech, association, movement, and the right to fair hearing. These rights empower citizens to hold leaders accountable and participate meaningfully in public affairs.
4. Popular Sovereignty: In a democracy, sovereignty ultimately resides in the people. The electorate determines who governs and can remove leaders who fail to represent their interests. Public policies must therefore reflect the will of the majority while protecting minority rights.
5. Independence of the Judiciary: For democracy to thrive, the judiciary must be impartial and free from executive or legislative interference. Judicial independence guarantees fairness, protects rights and ensures that elections and political disputes are resolved justly.

In conclusion, Democracy is fundamentally anchored on the consent of the governed. Although other regimes may claim to rule in the interest of the people, only democracy provides institutional mechanisms - such as elections, rule of law and rights protection - through which such consent can be measured. However, challenges like electoral malpractice, corruption, and human rights abuses in many African democracies continue to raise questions about whether these governments truly operate with the people’s consent.

 

QUESTION 3

HOW HAS THE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT BROADENED YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR SOCIETY?

ANSWER

Government, as a field of study, encompasses the structures, processes, and institutions through which public affairs are managed. It examines how decisions are made, who makes them, and how power is distributed and exercised. Studying government significantly deepens one’s understanding of society in several ways:

To start with, the study of government educates citizens about their fundamental human rights, civic duties, and obligations to the state. These enable individuals to understand what they are entitled to and what is expected of them in maintaining a functional society.

Additionally, government exposes learners to various forms and systems of government - such as democracy, monarchy, federalism and unitary systems, allowing them to appreciate political diversity and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each model.

Moreover, the study provides knowledge about how states interact globally - whether through cooperation, diplomacy, alliances, or conflict. This helps explain why some relations are peaceful while others involve tension or war.

By studying government, individuals gain the ability to interpret government actions, policies, and political events critically. This enhances civic participation and fosters informed political decision-making.

Furthermore, government as a discipline help individuals comprehend how power is distributed among institutions - legislature, executive and judiciary; and how interest groups, political parties and elites influence public policy.

Ultimately, the study of government greatly enriches one’s understanding of society by deepening awareness of political processes, rights, responsibilities, and global relations. It encourages responsible citizenship and contributes to a more politically conscious and active population.

 QUESTION 5

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)? RECOMMEND MEASURES FOR THEIR SOLUTION

ANSWER

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organization established on 28th May, 1975, with the primary objective of promoting economic integration, cooperation, unity, and development among West African states. Despite these laudable objectives, ECOWAS has not fully achieved its aims due to several persistent challenges.

One major shortcoming of ECOWAS is political instability among member states. Frequent military coups, civil conflicts, and weak democratic institutions in some countries disrupt collective decision-making and hinder effective participation in regional programs. Political instability often diverts attention and resources away from regional integration toward domestic crisis management.

Another significant problem is poor communication and coordination. Differences in official languages (English, French, and Portuguese), weak institutional frameworks and inadequate information-sharing mechanisms have limited mutual understanding and smooth cooperation among member states.

Inadequate funding is another potent challenge of the ECOWAS. Many member states are economically weak and often fail to meet their financial obligations to the organization. This shortage of funds affects the implementation of policies, peacekeeping operations, infrastructural development and other regional projects.

There is also the fear of domination by stronger member states. Smaller or weaker countries sometimes perceive ECOWAS policies as being influenced disproportionately by larger or economically stronger states. This perception breeds suspicion, reduces trust, and weakens commitment to regional initiatives.

Additionally, low level of economic development and infrastructural disparity among member states has slowed down integration. Poor road networks, weak industrial bases, and limited technological capacity reduce intra-regional trade and economic cooperation.

Be that as it may, to address these challenges, several measures can be adopted:

First, ECOWAS should strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance among member states. Firm sanctions against unconstitutional changes of government and stronger conflict-prevention mechanisms will help ensure political stability.

Furthermore, the organization should improve communication by harmonizing policies, strengthening its institutions, and investing in translation, information technology, and regular intergovernmental consultations.

Additionally, ECOWAS should explore sustainable funding mechanisms, such as strict enforcement of community levies, diversification of revenue sources and partnerships with international development agencies.

The gradual introduction of a common regional currency—when economic conditions permit—would also enhance trade, reduce transaction costs, and promote economic unity.

Moreover, stronger states should provide technical, financial and humanitarian assistance to weaker member states to reduce inequality and the fear of domination. Joint execution of regional projects, especially in infrastructure, energy and transportation, will also foster collective development.

In conclusion, although ECOWAS faces numerous challenges, effective implementation of these measures will significantly enhance its performance and contribute to economic integration and political stability in West Africa.

 

QUESTION 6

WHAT IS A POLITICAL SYSTEM? BRIEFLY DISCUSS ANY TWO TYPES OF POLITICAL SYSTEM OF YOUR CHOICE

ANSWER

A political system refers to the structured arrangement of institutions, processes, and interactions through which authoritative decisions are made and implemented for a society. It encompasses the government, political institutions, political parties, laws, norms and processes that regulate the allocation of values and resources within a state.

According to David Easton, a political system is a system of interactions through which authoritative decisions are made and enforced for a society. He views the political system as a continuous process involving inputs (demands and supports), conversion mechanisms, outputs (decisions and policies) and feedback.

Extrapolating from David Easton’s framework of a political system, inputs consist of demands and supports from the citizens. These inputs pass through a gatekeeping process, where institutions and elites regulate which demands enter the political system. The political system then converts these inputs into authoritative decisions and policies (outputs). Feedback from society helps determine whether these decisions are accepted or resisted, thereby influencing future inputs.

There are several types of political systems, including democracy, authoritarianism, military rule, fascism and totalitarianism. However, this discussion focuses on Democracy and Military System.

Democracy

Democracy is a system of government in which sovereignty resides with the people, who exercise power either directly or through their elected representatives. Abraham Lincoln famously defined democracy as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Key characteristics of democracy include regular and periodic elections, rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, political participation, freedom of expression, equality before the law and accountability of leaders to the people. In a true democracy, government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

However, the practice of democracy in many developing states, including Nigeria, has generated debate regarding the extent to which it conforms to democratic ideals, particularly in areas such as electoral credibility, transparency and good governance.

Military System

The military system refers to a form of government in which political power is seized and exercised by the armed forces, usually through a coup d’état. In this system, the military suspends or replaces civilian authority, often justifying its intervention on grounds of restoring order, national security, or correcting civilian misrule.

Characteristics of military rule include suspension or abrogation of the constitution, rule by decrees, absence of competitive elections, centralized authority, restriction of civil liberties and limited political participation. Although the military plays an essential role in defending national sovereignty, prolonged military rule often undermines democratic development and civil institutions.

In the final analysis, a political system provides the framework through which societies are governed and decisions are made. While democracy emphasizes popular participation and accountability, the military system prioritizes order and security, often at the expense of civil liberties and democratic principles.

 

 QUESTION 7

WOULD YOU SAY THAT THE FREQUENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA IS AN INDICATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF SEPARATION OF POWER?

ANSWER

The principle of separation of powers advocates the division of governmental authority among the three main organs of government—namely the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Each arm is assigned distinct functions: the legislature makes laws, the executive implements laws, and the judiciary interprets laws. This division is designed to prevent abuse of power and to promote efficiency, accountability, and liberty through a system of checks and balances.

In Nigeria, the frequent conflicts between the executive and legislative arms of government can, to a considerable extent, be interpreted as an indication of the application of the principle of separation of powers. Such conflicts often arise when each arm seeks to protect its constitutional powers and resist encroachment by the other. In this sense, conflict may signify vigilance, independence and functional autonomy.

Several factors account for these conflicts. One major cause is the non-implementation or selective implementation of budgets by the executive arm. The legislature, constitutionally empowered to appropriate public funds, often clashes with the executive when approved budgets are altered or inadequately implemented.

Another source of conflict is unilateral decision-making by the executive without adequate legislative consultation or approval. Actions such as foreign agreements, financial commitments, emergency declarations, or asylum grants without legislative consent have historically generated tension between both arms.

Furthermore, conflicts may arise from the collective agenda of the legislature, especially when legislative oversight or policy initiatives threaten executive interests. Legislative investigations, impeachment proceedings and anti-corruption laws often provoke resistance from the executive.

However, it is important to note that conflict does not always indicate healthy separation of powers. In some cases, it reflects the non-functionality of separation of powers, where constitutional provisions are ignored, misunderstood, or deliberately violated. Poor political culture, weak institutions and personalization of power also intensify such conflicts.

Conversely, conflict may also reflect the functionality of separation of powers, where each arm actively checks the excesses of the other. For example, the legislature may check the executive through impeachment, budgetary control and oversight functions, while the executive may exercise veto powers or initiate bills.

 In conclusion, frequent conflict between the executive and legislative arms in Nigeria is both a sign of the application and, at times, the malfunctioning of the principle of separation of powers. The determining factor lies in whether such conflicts strengthen constitutional governance or undermine democratic stability.