Explain the terms ‘inflation’ and ‘deflation’.
Inflation is defined as a period of persistence increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. While deflation is a period of persistent fall in the general price level of goods and services.
Reasons that were responsible for the military incursion into Nigerian politics in 1966
Politicization of the army, Political parties were regionalised, Mismanagement of the economy, Bad and ill-conceived administration, Corruption, tribalism, nepotism, Influence of some foreign powers, etc.
Explain the term Nationalism.
Nationalism refers to a strong feeling of national consciousness and love for one’s country to handle its own affairs devoid of foreign control and domination.
While proto-nationalism denotes the activities of the nationalist movements that were geared towards reforms and participation of the natives in the colonial administration rather than for immediate self-government.
The major features of the rule of law include the following:
(i) The supremacy of the law.
(ii) Equality before the law.
(iii) Absence of arbitrary rule/law or arbitrariness in the application of the law.
(iv) Fundamental human rights.
What is Civil Service?
The Civil Service is the administrative arm of the executive organ of government that is responsible for formulating and executing government policies.
Merits of pressure groups in a democratic state:
1 Serve as check against dictatorship.
2 Help to prevent bribery and corruption through their activities.
3 Provide useful information in the process of law making.
4 Assist in policy formulation and implementation.
5 Provide educational programmes seminar, lectures, debates, etc.
6 Conduct research useful for the administration of the state on technical issues.
7 Serve as link between the people and the government.
8 Serve as yardstick for measuring the popularity of government policies.
9 Assist in championing the cause of the under privileged in the country.
A political party is made up of different organs that work together for the purpose of winning an election. Some of the organs include:
A. Ward branches – smallest unit of the party structure – official chairman, secretary and treasurer.
B. Local government branches
C. Constituency branches – including a chairman, organizing secretary, treasurer etc.
D. Affiliated bodies
E. Regional/State branches – coordinate the activities of all constituency branches.
F. National Conference responsible for National Delegates Conference
G. National Working Committee
H. National Secretariat
I. National Executive Committee
J. Board of Trusties
K. General Convention or Congress
Challenges to ECOWAS’s AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
A. Intra and inter states conflicts / political instability, e.g. Mali; DR Congo etc.
B. Fear or domination of smaller states by larger ones.
C. Inability of member states to pay their dues.
D. Inability to implement most of its policies.
E. Language barrier.
F. The absence of an Africa High Command / standing army.
G. Over-reliance of member states on their colonial masters.
H. The use of different currencies among member states.
I. Membership of other international organisations e.g. OPEC, Commonwealth etc.
Challenges facing the Commonwealth of Nations:
A. Economic inequality among member states.
B. Inability to enforce its resolutions (or sanctions).
C. Divided loyalty resulting from the membership of other international organization.
D. Ideological differences of members states.
E. Political instability of some members states.
F. Inability of some member states to meet up with the expenses of the Commonwealth.
G. Introduction of visas by Britain discouraged free movement of people and technology.
H. Inadequate funds for the execution of its projects
I. Free entry and exit of member states from the organization.
What is Foreign Policy?
Foreign policy is the principles, guidelines and strategy adopted by a country in conducting her relationship with other states while pursuing her national interest.
What is National Interest?
The national interest of a nation is the summation or totality of what a nation seeks to pursue or achieve in its relationship with others e.g. preservation of territorial integrity, national welfare, national economic and industrial development, etc.