Cameroon GCE O-Level Citizenship Education key terms

The legal status of being a full member of a state, carrying rights, duties and a sense of belonging to that national community.

The legal bond between a person and a state, usually acquired by birth, descent or naturalisation, and the basis for holding a passport.

The legal process through which a foreigner acquires the nationality of a state after meeting conditions such as residence, good conduct and language knowledge.

A situation in which one person lawfully holds the citizenship of two states at the same time, with rights and duties in both.

The set of characteristics, values, language and history through which a person or group recognises itself and is recognised by others.

The existence within one society of many different ethnic, linguistic and religious groups, each with its own customs and traditions.

The process of building unity and shared loyalty among diverse groups within a state while respecting their differences.

The strength of bonds that hold a community together, shown by trust, solidarity and willingness to cooperate for the common good.

Mutual support among members of a group or society, especially when one member faces hardship, risk or disaster.

The supreme body of fundamental rules that establishes a state's institutions, distributes powers and guarantees citizens' rights.

The principle that executive, legislative and judicial functions should be exercised by distinct bodies that check and balance one another.

The branch of government that implements laws and directs the administration, headed in Cameroon by the President and the Government.

The law-making branch of government, in Cameroon consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate sitting as Parliament.

The branch of government that settles disputes and applies the law through courts and tribunals, independent of political direction.

The power of a court or council to examine whether laws and treaties conform to the constitution before they take effect.

The transfer of certain administrative powers and resources from central government to elected local bodies such as councils and regions.

An elected local authority responsible for managing local public services and development within a defined territorial area.

The principle that everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law, which must be clear, public and applied equally and fairly.

The fair procedures owed to any person accused or affected by official action, including notice, hearing and impartial decision.

The rule that a person charged with an offence is treated as innocent until guilt is proved by competent evidence in a fair trial.

The principle that judges decide cases only according to law and evidence, free from pressure by government, money or powerful persons.

The abuse of entrusted public or private power for private gain, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism and influence peddling.

The obligation of public officials to answer for their decisions and use of resources to citizens and to oversight institutions.

The practice of making government decisions, budgets and procedures open and understandable so that citizens can scrutinise them.

The right of citizens to request and receive information held by public bodies, subject only to narrow and lawful exceptions.

The right to hold opinions and to share information and ideas through any medium, subject to lawful limits protecting others' rights.

Basic entitlements belonging to every person by virtue of humanity, such as life, dignity, liberty and fair treatment before the law.

Obligations owed by citizens to the state and community, including respecting laws, paying taxes and defending the nation.

The voluntary and legal obligations of a person towards the community, such as voting, serving on juries and protecting public property.

The involvement of citizens in public affairs through voting, community work, associations, consultation and contact with officials.

The sphere of voluntary organisations, such as associations, unions and NGOs, that organise citizens and engage public authorities.

The right to vote in public elections, which in Cameroon is granted to citizens aged eighteen and above.

A formal process in which eligible citizens choose their representatives or decide an issue by casting votes under rules.

The method of secret voting in which each voter records a choice, counted later to determine the outcome of an election.

Deliberate manipulation of an election, such as ballot stuffing, multiple voting or falsifying results, which undermines democratic legitimacy.

The basic social unit formed by parents and children or by kinship, providing care, upbringing, identity and transmission of values.

The lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values and skills of their society, beginning in the family.

A legally and socially recognised union between partners that creates rights and duties, including support and inheritance.

Organised efforts by society to prevent disease, promote health and prolong life through services, education and sanitation.

The provision of safe waste disposal, toilets and clean water systems needed to prevent disease and protect the environment.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Actions taken by people and authorities to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources and preserve ecosystems for present and future use.

The process of settling disputes peacefully through dialogue, mediation, negotiation or adjudication instead of violence.

A voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach their own mutually acceptable agreement.

Long-term efforts to address the causes of conflict and strengthen institutions, trust and reconciliation in a society.

The sudden, usually illegal seizure of state power by a small group, often the military, replacing the lawful government.

The deliberate use or threat of violence against civilians or non-combatants to create fear for political, religious or ideological ends.

The process by which neighbouring states pool institutions, policies and markets to promote cooperation and mutual development.

The Central African Economic and Monetary Community, a regional body of Central African states sharing a central bank and common currency.

The continental organisation of African states, founded in 2002, promoting unity, peace, development and human rights across Africa.