2024 NECO GCE CIVIC: NABTEB GCE Civic (Civic Education) Verified Ans. (8748)

(1a)

Values are the principles, ideals, and beliefs that people in a society hold dear and consider important. It is the moral standards and behaviors widely accepted within a community, guiding how individuals think, act, and interact with one another, such as honesty, contentment, justice, and tolerance.

(1b)

(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Peace: Values help to promote peace in society by encouraging individuals to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. People with good moral values tend to prefer non-violent methods of resolving disputes, such as dialogue and compromise. This leads to reduced violence and fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding in the community.

(ii) Cooperation: Values promote the spirit of cooperation by encouraging individuals to work together towards common goals. Values such as teamwork, respect, and empathy enable people to collaborate effectively, whether in the workplace, schools, or communities. When people share common values, they are more likely to support and assist one another, leading to stronger social bonds and a more harmonious society.

(iii) Law and Order: Values are essential in maintaining law and order in society. When individuals hold values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for authority, they are more likely to obey laws and support law enforcement agencies. This adherence to rules and regulations creates a structured and orderly society, where 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' citizens feel safe and secure, and the government can function effectively.

(iv) Development: Values like hard work, perseverance, and cooperation contribute to the development of society. When individuals value education, skill development, and diligence, they contribute to the progress of the nation through their productive activities. Additionally, values such as peace and unity foster a conducive environment for sustainable development, where resources are used efficiently and the society progresses collectively.

(v) Unity: Values promote unity by fostering tolerance and mutual respect among diverse groups. For instance, in a multicultural society like Nigeria, values such as tolerance, understanding, and respect for differences can help bridge divides between ethnic and religious groups. These values encourage peaceful coexistence and help individuals appreciate the importance of unity despite their differences, ultimately promoting national cohesion.

(2ai)

Bicameralism: Bicameralism is a system of government in which the legislature is divided into two separate chambers or houses, such as the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK, or the Senate and House of Representatives in the USA and Nigeria.

(2aii)

Unicameralism: Unicameralism is a system of government where the legislature consists of only one chamber, with all legislative functions carried out by that single body, as seen in countries like Bulgaria and Israel.

(2b)

(i) Law-making: The primary function of the legislature is law-making, which is carried out through a structured legislative process. This process involves the proposal, debate, and passage of laws that govern the country or state, addressing various issues such as security, health, education, and the economy.

(ii) Financial Control: The legislature plays a crucial role in controlling the raising and spending of government funds. It scrutinizes the budget proposed by the executive, approves or adjusts expenditure plans, and ensures that government financial activities align with national priorities and are in the public’s best interest.

(iii) Powers of Investigation: The legislature holds the power to investigate government departments and agencies to ensure proper use of public funds and resources. Through investigative committees, the legislature can uncover corruption, inefficiency, or misuse of 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' resources and take corrective actions.

(iv) Power of Approval: The legislature has the authority to approve, reject, or amend the appointments of senior public officials, such as ministers, ambassadors, and heads of public corporations. This power helps ensure that only qualified and competent individuals are entrusted with public office.

(v) Control of Activities: The legislature has the responsibility to oversee the activities of the other branches of government. Through legislative committees, it monitors the implementation of laws, evaluates government policies, and ensures that the executive and judiciary operate within their constitutional limits.

(vi) Power of Questioning: The legislature has the power to receive petitions from the public and question government officials on their policies and actions. Legislators hold the executive accountable by demanding explanations, receiving or rejecting their responses, and ensuring transparency and integrity in governance.

(3a)

Political apathy refers to the lack of interest, concern, or participation by citizens in political activities such as voting, decision-making, and governance. It occurs when people are indifferent to political matters and do not engage in their civic duties.

(3b)

(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Promotion of Electoral Malpractice: When citizens refuse to vote despite being registered, it creates opportunities for political parties to rig elections and falsify results. It also allows parties to bribe voters more easily to manipulate the process.

(ii) Non-Accountable Government: Political apathy can lead to the election of leaders who do not feel accountable to the people. Such leaders may believe they attained office through manipulation or financial influence rather than the will of the people, resulting in poor governance and disregard for citizens’ needs.

(iii) Threat to Democratic Principles: Democracy thrives on the active participation of the majority. When political apathy prevails, governments no longer reflect the people’s choice, undermining the essence of democracy and leading to governance that lacks legitimacy.

(iv) Promotion of Corruption and Delay in Delivering Dividends of Democracy: Leaders in politically apathetic societies may become corrupt, misusing public funds and diverting resources for personal gain. This delays the provision of essential services and hinders 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' improvements in citizens’ quality of life.

(v) Denial of Fundamental Human Rights: When political apathy leads to the election of unqualified or oppressive leaders, citizens risk losing their fundamental rights. Such leaders often abuse their powers, neglecting or violating the rights of the populace.

(3c)

(PICK THREEE ONLY)

(i) Bad Government: When a government fails to fulfill its responsibilities, such as providing social amenities and infrastructure, citizens may lose trust and interest in political activities. Additionally, a government that disregards democratic principles like the rule of law, constitutionalism, and majority rule, and instead resorts to oppression and arbitrariness, discourages citizens from participating in politics.

(ii) Election Malpractices: In societies where elections are marred by irregularities, such as rigging or manipulation of results by powerful individuals, citizens often lose faith in the electoral process. This loss of trust may lead to mass boycotts of elections and a general lack of interest in political activities.

(iii) Unfulfilled Political Promises: Politicians often make promises during election campaigns to gain public support, but many fail to fulfill these promises once in power. This betrayal erodes the trust of the people, causing them to disengage from political matters and become apathetic.

(iv) Violence: Elections in some 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' developing countries are often marked by violence, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property. Such hostile environments discourage citizens from participating in political activities, including voting, out of fear for their safety.

(v) Weak Security Measures: Inadequate security during election campaigns, protests, or demonstrations can create fear and a sense of insecurity among citizens. This lack of protection can deter people from engaging in political activities, contributing to political apathy.

(4a)

Responsible parenthood is the ability of parents to effectively perform their duties by providing for the physical, emotional, social, and moral needs of their children. It involves nurturing and guiding children to become responsible and productive members of society.

(4b)

(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Providing for the Household: Parents are the foundation of the family and must ensure that the material and financial needs of their children are met. This includes providing food, shelter, and clothing, especially as children are too young to provide for themselves. Ensuring their well-being is a core aspect of responsible parenthood.

(ii) Caring for Children: Parents must show love and affection to make their children emotionally happy. This involves spending quality time with them, assisting with schoolwork, and maintaining open communication. It also includes protecting them from verbal and physical abuse, monitoring their friendships, and guiding their choice of clothing and behavior.

(iii) Education: Education is one of the greatest legacies parents can give their children. Parents must ensure their children are enrolled in good schools, pay their school fees on time, and provide essential learning materials like textbooks. This equips children with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life.

(iv) Good Home Training: Parents have a responsibility to instill moral values and 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' proper behavior in their children. This includes teaching them respect, good manners, and social skills, while also regulating their interactions and conduct in society. Proper home training also covers health, hygiene, and sex education to help children make informed decisions.

(v) Medical Care and Security: It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s health and safety by providing regular medical check-ups and treatment when necessary. Parents must educate their children about hygiene, cleanliness, and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent illness. Additionally, they should provide a safe environment that protects their children from harm.

(5a)

Direct Democracy: Direct democracy is a system of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making and law-making. Instead of electing representatives, the people vote on laws, policies, and other key issues themselves. This system is most effective in small communities or states where the entire population can be directly involved in governance.

(5b)

Representative Democracy: Representative democracy is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and create laws on their behalf. The elected officials are accountable to the people, and they represent the interests of the voters in legislative processes. This system is more common in larger nations where direct participation by all citizens is impractical.

(5c)

(PICK THREE ONLY)

(i)Free Choice of Leaders: Democracy allows citizens to freely and transparently elect leaders of their choice through periodic, free, and fair elections. This ensures that governance reflects the will of the people and strengthens public confidence in the political system. It also empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable.

(ii) Equal Opportunity: Democracy promotes equality by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, gender, religion, or social status, have the same opportunities in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and participation in governance. This helps to 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' reduce social and economic inequality.

(iii) Stability: Democracy provides a peaceful means to change ineffective or corrupt governments through elections rather than violence or uprisings. This promotes political stability, reduces social unrest, and creates a conducive environment for development.

(iv) Legitimacy: Governments elected through democratic processes gain legitimacy because they are chosen by the people. This fosters public trust, support for government policies, and cooperation among citizens, which are essential for national unity and progress.

(v) Tolerance: Democracy encourages tolerance of diverse opinions, beliefs, and perspectives. While the majority decides policies, the views of the minority are respected and considered, fostering unity, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence among citizens with different backgrounds and ideologies.

(6a)

(i) Supremacy of the Law

(ii) Equality Before the Law

(iii) Respect for Fundamental Human Rights

(6b)

(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Supremacy of the Constitution: The constitution is the supreme law of the land, meaning all other laws, actions, and policies must align with its provisions. It ensures that all government actions are legal, just, and in line with the fundamental principles of the country, thus preventing arbitrary rule.

(ii) Ensures Press Freedom: The rule of law guarantees press freedom, which is vital for the functioning of democracy. It allows the media to operate independently, investigate, report, and express opinions without fear of censorship or punishment, thus fostering transparency and public awareness.

(iii) Guarantees Peace and Unity in Society: The rule of law upholds justice and equality, which are essential for maintaining peace and unity in society. By ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and that everyone is treated equally, it creates an environment where people can coexist peacefully, reducing conflict and division.

(iv) Promotes Democratic Practices: The rule of law supports democratic processes by ensuring that government actions and elections are conducted fairly and transparently. It enforces the rights of citizens to vote, participate in political activities, and hold leaders accountable, which strengthens democracy and the rule of the 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' people.

(v) Allows for the Equality of All Citizens: The rule of law ensures that every individual is treated equally before the law, regardless of their race, gender, economic status, or political influence. This principle prevents discrimination and promotes fairness, providing equal opportunities for all citizens to thrive and contribute to society.

(vi) Gives Room for Appeal: The legal system, under the rule of law, provides mechanisms for individuals to challenge decisions made by lower courts or authorities. This ensures that decisions can be reviewed for fairness and correctness, providing a safeguard against injustices and allowing for the correction of errors in the legal process.

(6c)

(PICK TWO ONLY)

(i) Declaration of state of emergency which denies citizens their rights

(ii) Age limits preventing the arrest or imprisonment of minors

(iii) The action of police in unlawful arrests, detention, torture, raiding, and ill-treatment of people is a hindrance to the application of the rule of law.