nigeria test (q+a set)

What is Nollywood?

One of the largest film producers globally, rivaling Hollywood in output.

What is a key characteristic of Nollywood's production?

Low-cost production and distribution, reaching wider audiences.

How does Nollywood contribute to Nigerian and African identity?

It explores social and political themes.

What role can Nollywood play in society?

It can promote dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to democratization.

How was pre-colonial Northern Nigeria?

Predominantly Muslim, powerful emirates, influenced by Islamic law

How was pre-colonial Southern Nigeria?

Diverse ethnic groups (Yoruba, Igbo), distinct political/social systems

Did slavery exist in Pre-Colonial Nigeria?

Yes, slavery existed in Pre-Colonial Nigeria.

How did slavery in Pre-Colonial Nigeria differ from chattel slavery?

Enslaved individuals were often integrated within households.

What role did Nigerian ports play in the context of slavery?

Nigerian ports were crucial for the slave trade.

What was the economic impact of slavery in Pre-Colonial Nigeria?

The economy became dependent on slavery.

What were the social consequences of slavery in Pre-Colonial Nigeria?

Slavery had devastating social consequences.

What was the Scramble for Africa?

A period during which European powers partitioned Africa.

Which country claimed Nigeria during the Scramble for Africa?

Britain

What was a consequence of the arbitrary borders created during the Scramble for Africa?

They were drawn without regard for existing ethnic/cultural groups and led to future conflicts.

Where was Indirect Rule mostly implemented?

In the North

How did the British preserve Islam in the North under Indirect Rule?

By using existing emirs

Where was Direct Rule mostly implemented?

In the South

When was Direct Rule used?

When there were no existing leaders

Who would lead under Direct Rule?

Someone appointed by the British

What was education like in the North under British Rule?

Islam was preserved

What was education like in the South under British Rule?

Western education/Christianity was expanded

Cleavages in the anti-Colonial Nationalist Movement?

United against colonialism, divided along ethnic/religious lines

What type of political system does First Republic have?

Parliamentary system

What type of legislature does First Republic have?

Bicameral legislature

Which house of the legislature is more powerful in First Republic?

Lower house

Who is the head of government in First Republic?

Prime minister

From where is the cabinet in First Republic drawn?

Majority/coalition

How many regions are there in the federal system of First Republic?

3 regions

What are the three main ethnic groups in First Republic?

Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo

What type of political parties are present in First Republic?

Ethnic-based parties

What are some challenges faced by First Republic?

Weak institutions, corruption, political instability

Which region has dominance in First Republic?

North

What was the 1966 Coup?

Igbo military officers seized power, backlash against Igbos

What was the Biafran Sucession (1967)?

Igbo-dominated region tried to secede, led to civil war

Who was Yakubu Gowon?

Military leader, unified North and West, defeated Biafra, and postponed the transition to civilian rule

Who was Murtala Muhammed?

Overthrew Gowon in 1975, and was assassinated before he could complete the transition to civilian life

Who was Olusegun Obasanjo?

Continued the transition to democracy, and establish freedom of press, new constitution, new states, and FEDECO

What type of political system does Second Republic have?

Presidential system (US model)

Who was the president during the Second Republic?

Shehu Shagari was president

What were the Second Republic's problems?

Very corrupt

Who led the 1983 Coup in Nigeria?

Buhari

What was a consequence of the 1983 Coup in Nigeria?

It set off a secession of military regimes that would govern Nigeria for the next 15 years.

What was a reason for the 1983 Coup in Nigeria?

Corruption

Who was the president during the Fourth Republic in Nigeria (1999)?

Obasanjo

What type of efforts were made during the Fourth Republic in Nigeria?

Anti-corruption efforts (limited)

What political challenge did Obasanjo face during his presidency in the Fourth Republic?

Impeachment attempts

What did the PDP do in the 2003 election regarding Obasanjo's second term?

Rigged the election

What constitutional change did Obasanjo attempt during the Fourth Republic?

To allow for a 3rd term

What was the outcome of Obasanjo's attempt to change the constitution for a 3rd term?

It was shot down by the National Assembly

Who won the 2007 election in Nigeria?

Yar'Adua

What did Yar'Adua do regarding Obasanjo's controversial decisions?

He reversed many of them.

What happened to Yar'Adua in 2010?

He died of illness.

Who assumed power after Yar'Adua's death?

VP Goodluck Jonathan

What is Zoning?

unwritten political tradition of alternating the presidency between Christian and Muslim candidates

Who won the presidency of Nigeria in 2011?

Goodluck Jonathan

Who did Goodluck Jonathan lose to in the 2015 presidential election?

Muhammadu Buhari

What happened in the 2015 Election?

First peaceful power transfer between parties (big win for Nigeria's democracy), least fraudulent election

What party was Muhammadu Buhari from?

The APC, and he helped rebrand the party

When was Buhari's presidency?

2015-2023

What is the INEC's Role?

Oversees elections, reduced fraud, but challenges remain

What is Sharia Law?

the system of Islamic law

Who has adopted Sharia Law?

some Northern states

What does Boko Haram mean?

Western education is forbidden

Where is Boko Haram primarily based?

Northeastern Nigeria (Borno state)

What does Boko Haram want to replace the Nigerian government with?

An Islamic regime

What does the Federal Structure look like in Nigeria?

36 states, each with own government and local laws

How are the states divided?

States roughly along ethnic lines, reduces conflict but can cause disunity

What is a Rentier State?

Economy dependent on oil revenue, unpredictable state budgets

What is state dependence in the context of government?

States rely on national government funding.

How do states compete in a unitary system?

States compete for resources.

What effect does state dependence have on the system of government?

It causes the system to be unitary in practice.

What is the Federal Character Principle?

Aims for diversity in government jobs, prevents dominance by major groups

What is a major challenge to legitimacy in governance?

Corruption

How does corruption affect institutions and development?

It weakens institutions, hinders development, and fuels unrest.

What is Nigeria's corruption ranking out of 180 countries?

145

How often is the President elected?

Every 4 years

What is the term limit for the President?

2 terms

What percentage of the vote must a President win in 2/3 of states to ensure broad support?

25%

What are the President's powers?

Budget, legislation, appointments (cabinet, judges), armed forces command

What is the Patronage System (Prebendalism)?

A system where oil revenue is used to reward supporters.

What is a cause of corruption in the context of Prebendalism?

The Patronage System.

What is a key idea behind the Patronage System?

Giving back to your ethnic group.

What are the checks on President?

Legislature can: override vetoes, confirm appointments of the Supreme Court, impeach President

What is an example of a Check on the President?

2006: Senate blocked Obasanjo's attempt to remove term limits

What is the National Assembly?

Bicameral: House of Representatives and the Senate

How is the House of Representatives organized?

360 seats, SMD/FPTP, represents population, 4-year terms, 2-term limit

How is the Senate organized?

109 seats (3 per state + 1 for Abuja), represents states, 4-year terms, no term limits

What is the legislature's powers?

Lawmaking, impeachment, budget approval, can override Presidential vetoes (2/3 majority)

What are the Senate's additional powers?

Confirms cabinet heads and Supreme Court justices

What is the Committee System?

Bills must pass through committees in both chambers

What are some challenges in the legislature?

Public dissatisfaction, poor executive-legislative relations, disconnect between wealthy lawmakers and poor citizens

How is the court system organized?

Separate courts at state and national levels

What are the requirements to become a judge?

Formal legal training, 10+ years in profession

How is a Supreme Court justice chosen and what are it's powers?

Appointed for life by president, up to 21 judges, judicial review

What challenges does Judiciary have?

Lacks full autonomy, potential for executive influence

What is the Judicial Council?

Aims to professionalize judiciary, unclear if effective

What is the INEC?

Independent National Electoral Commission, oversees elections

What are some issues regarding elections?

Past problems with fraud, voter intimidation, improvements with INEC

What happened in the 2019 Election?

Declared valid by INEC, but many disputes

What is the party system in Nigeria?

Two-party system (APC, PDP) has emerged