Government and Civic Education - Post-UTME Study Guide
Government and Civic Education in the Post-UTME covers constitutions, federalism, the arms of government, electoral processes and civic rights and duties. The civic component rewards applied reasoning about law and citizenship, not party loyalty.
Core rules
- A constitution defines state powers and limits; the 1999 Constitution is Nigeria's supreme law.
- Federalism divides power between federal and state governments; local governments are a third tier.
- Separation of powers assigns law-making to the legislature, execution to the executive and adjudication to the judiciary.
- Checks and balances include judicial review and legislative override.
- Civic rights include life, fair hearing, freedom of expression and association; duties include obeying the law and paying taxes.
Worked example
A bill passed by the National Assembly is sent to the President. If the President withholds assent, the National Assembly can pass it again by a two-thirds majority in each chamber and it becomes law. The reasoning is constitutional: presidential assent is the normal route, but the legislature has a supermajority override under the 1999 Constitution.
Traps
Do not describe Nigeria as a unitary state. Do not confuse the Attorney-General with the Chief Justice. Do not say rights are absolute: many are limited by law and public interest. In civic questions, distinguish a duty from a right; voting is both a right and a civic responsibility.