NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE, PLOT 91, CASDASTRAL ZONE, NNAMDI AZIKIWE EXPRESS WAY, JABI, ABUJA.
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
JANUARY 2021 EXAMINATION

COURSE CODE: PAD 403

COURSE TITLE: DEMOCRATIC STUDIES

CREDIT UNIT: 3

INSTRUCTION: 1. Indicate your Matriculation Number clearly

2. Attempt question one (1) and any other three (3) questions; four questions in all

3. Question one (1) is compulsory and carries 25 marks, while the other questions carry 15 marks each.

4. Present all your points in a coherent and orderly Manner

TIME ALLOWED: 2:30 Hours

1. a) There are two broad categories of scholars on the concept of democracy. Discuss the concept of democracy based on the views of principle democrats. 6 marks

b) Discuss the conditions that can make an electoral system or election a worthy exercise based on the views of Dahl and Huntington. 7 marks

c) Of what significance is electoral reform in Nigeria? 7 marks

d) Who are the political elites? 5 marks

2. a) Trace the history and evolution of electoral systems and administration in Nigeria. 7.5 marks

b) Identify and discuss five (5) advantages of single or one party system. 7.5 marks

3. a) Identify and discuss five (5) roles of political parties in the Nigerian democratic system. 10 marks
b) Discuss the majority rule electoral system citing relevant examples. 5 marks

4. a) One of the most radical, though contentious, reforms suggested by the Uwais Panel is the unbundling of INEC. Expatiate 9 marks

b) What were the suggestions of the Uwais Panel on the notion of independent candidacy? 6 marks

5. a) Discuss the concept of political culture. 5 marks

b) Explain vividly the concept of human rights. 5 marks

c) State the key provisions of Section 34-38 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. 5 marks