2003 - JAMB Government Past Questions and Answers - page 5

Removal by impeachment applies to the position of a president.

Impeachment means the process by which the chief executive is removed from office by the parliament.

Basically, the functions of the legislature under our constitution extend to the following key areas: a. lawmaking, b. control over state funds, c. oversights over the other branches of government in areas that are coterminous with the legislative powers, d. receipts and disposal of petitions, e. screening of nominees for executive appointments, f. quasi-judicial functions in indicting and impeaching the executive and g. protecting democracy by emphasizing representation as well as open debate of State affairs.

A common feature of government is the making of public policy.

Government is made up of three arms the legislature, the executive and judiciary. The main function of the legislature is law making while that of the executive is formulation and implementation of policies

The best form of government for a heterogeneous society is a federal system.

It should also be noted that heterogeneity, different languages, customs and levels of political economic and social developments among the tribes play a prominent role in forcing confederal system of government on the people.

Capitalism is a system of economic organization based on individual ownership of means of production.

It is an economic and political ideology which allows individual ownership and control of the means of production and to produce what they like. The guiding principle is profit maximization.

Election as a political process is significant because it facilitates constitutional change of government.

This should be observed when noting some of the reasons for conducting elections which are as follows:

1. Elections act as a forum for political parties to give political education to the citizens.

2. Elections help to check the excesses of government and to ensure accountability.

3. Elections act as a basis for testing the popularity of the government in power.

4. Elections are conducted to fulfill the provisions of the constitution

5. Elections ensure smooth change of government

6. Elections confer legitimacy on the government and the leader.

Associations whose main interest is to influence public policy without having to capture power are pressure groups.

Pressure groups are defined as association of people who seek to influence government actions and policies to the benefit of their members.

Constitutional disputes in a state with written constitution are resolved by the Judiciary.

One of the main functions of the judiciary is to interpret the laws of the land in courts.

It settles disputes between the executive and the legislature; between individuals and the state, etc.

The judiciary interprets and defends the constitution. It has also full power to declare any action unconstitutional if such action goes against the dictates of the constitution especially in a state with written constitution.

The citizenship of a country could be acquired through birth and naturalization.

According to Ofoegbu (1999) acquisition of citizenship could come through:

1. Birth

2. Marriage and Registration

3. Naturalization

4. Conferment.