Questions.
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Define scientific method and explain the steps of scientific inquiry in the study of politics.
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‘One of the essential features of state is sovereignty’. Discuss any four (4) types of sovereignty in relation to the statement.
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Define Party System and discuss any three (3) of its classification.
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‘Constitutionalism can be entrenched in a democratic system when certain important factors are adhered to’. Discuss any four (4) of such factors.
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Explain any four differences between Parliamentary and Presidential systems of government.
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Define bureaucracy and explain any four of its features.
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Define Political culture and discuss any three types of political culture known to you.
Answers
Question 1: Scientific Method & Steps of Scientific Inquiry in Politics
Definition: The scientific method is a systematic, logical, and empirical approach used to acquire knowledge, test hypotheses, and explain political phenomena through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
Steps of Scientific Inquiry in Politics:
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Identification of a Problem — The researcher identifies a political problem or question worth investigating (e.g., why voter turnout is low).
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Formulation of Hypothesis — A tentative statement or educated guess is made about the relationship between variables.
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Data Collection — Relevant data is gathered through surveys, interviews, observation, or historical records.
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Classification and Analysis — Collected data is organized, categorized, and analyzed using appropriate tools.
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Generalization/Conclusion — Based on analysis, the researcher draws conclusions and determines whether the hypothesis is supported.
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Theory Building — Repeated verified findings lead to the formulation of political theories or laws.
Question 2: Sovereignty — Four Types
Sovereignty is the supreme, absolute, and unchallengeable authority of a state to govern itself without interference from external or internal forces.
Four Types:
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Legal Sovereignty — The authority vested in a body (e.g., parliament) that has the legal power to make, amend, or repeal laws. In Nigeria, this rests with the National Assembly.
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Political Sovereignty — Refers to the will of the electorate or the people behind the legal sovereign. Politicians must respond to the wishes of the people who hold political power through voting.
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Internal Sovereignty — The supreme power of a state over all persons and associations within its territorial boundaries. The state commands obedience from its citizens.
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External Sovereignty — The independence of a state from external control or interference. The state is recognized internationally as equal among other sovereign states.
Question 3: Party System & Three Classifications
Definition: A party system is the network or structure of political parties operating within a country, including their interactions with each other, the government, and the electorate.
Three Classifications:
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One-Party System — Only one political party is legally permitted to operate and govern. There is no opposition. Examples include China (Communist Party) and historical examples like Nazi Germany. It promotes unity but suppresses political freedom.
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Two-Party System — Two dominant parties compete for power, though minor parties may exist. Common in the USA (Democrats & Republicans) and UK (Labour & Conservatives). It provides clear electoral choices and stable government.
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Multi-Party System — Several political parties compete for power. Common in Nigeria, France, and Germany. It represents diverse interests but may lead to unstable coalition governments.
Question 4: Constitutionalism — Four Factors
Constitutionalism is the principle that government authority must be defined, limited, and exercised in accordance with an established constitution.
Four Factors That Entrench Constitutionalism:
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Rule of Law — All citizens and government officials must be subject to and accountable under the law. No one is above the law, ensuring that power is exercised legally.
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Independent Judiciary — Courts must be free from executive and legislative interference, so they can impartially interpret the constitution and check abuses of power.
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Separation of Powers — Government powers must be divided among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to prevent any one arm from becoming too powerful or tyrannical.
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Protection of Fundamental Human Rights — The constitution must guarantee and protect citizens’ basic rights (e.g., freedom of speech, right to fair hearing). This limits government overreach.
Question 5: Four Differences Between Parliamentary & Presidential Systems
| Basis | Parliamentary System | Presidential System |
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| Executive-Legislature Relationship | The executive (Prime Minister + Cabinet) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature | The executive (President) is separate from and independent of the legislature |
| Head of Government | Prime Minister is head of government; a separate ceremonial Head of State may exist | The President is both Head of State and Head of Government |
| Tenure/Removal | The executive can be removed via a vote of no confidence by the legislature | The President serves a fixed term and can only be removed through impeachment |
| Accountability | Ministers are directly accountable to parliament and must answer questions regularly | The President is accountable to the electorate, not directly to the legislature |
Question 6: Bureaucracy & Four Features
Definition: Bureaucracy is a formal, hierarchical system of administration in which government business is carried out by trained, non-elected officials (civil servants) according to fixed rules and procedures.
Four Features:
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Hierarchy of Authority — Bureaucracy operates on a clear chain of command, where each official is subordinate to a higher one, ensuring order and accountability.
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Division of Labour/Specialization — Tasks are divided among officials based on expertise and competence, improving efficiency and professionalism.
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Impersonality — Decisions are made based on rules and regulations, not personal relationships or favoritism. This ensures fairness and consistency.
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Permanence and Neutrality — Bureaucrats are permanent, career officials who serve regardless of which political party is in power, ensuring continuity and political neutrality.
Question 7: Political Culture & Three Types
Definition: Political culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and orientations that members of a society hold toward their political system, its institutions, and their role within it. (Concept developed by Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba.)
Three Types:
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Parochial Political Culture — Citizens have little or no awareness of the national political system. People are only concerned with local affairs and do not participate in national politics. Common in rural, traditional societies.
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Subject Political Culture — Citizens are aware of the political system and government outputs (laws, policies) but play a passive role. They obey laws but do not actively participate in political decision-making.
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Participant Political Culture — Citizens are fully aware of the political system and actively participate in political processes — voting, joining parties, contesting elections, and influencing policy. This is the ideal culture for a healthy democracy.