WAEC Government Past Questions & Answers - Page 202

1,006.

The constitutional reforms in West Africa after the Second World War were geared towards

A.

the assimilation of the people

B.

the evaluation of colonialism

C.

making the colonies independent states

D.

making the people support their economic interests

Correct answer is C

The Second World War brought into focus the illegality of colonialism in Africa. It is true that most African nations became related after the war in the attempt to regain their lost so vereignty. The effect of the Second World War on Africa situation especially in the area of self-government and self-determination was very vital, it contributed more to a new political climate, the rise of nationalism and the waging of independence campaigns in various colonies as well as the new domestic priorities in the post-war period for colonial rulers. The war however saw the rise and demand for hurriedness in the process of administrative government. By the end of the Second World War, Africa has been well- equipped for the task of nation building. A quite number of African leaders played vital roles in the struggle of political independence in the 1950s. Lots of African countries gained their independence later either through decolonisation or liberation.

1,007.

The policy of Assimilation was abandoned because

A.

it was too expensive to maintain

B.

the French were fed up

C.

the Africans liked it

D.

it was less expensive

Correct answer is B

Assimilation in Africa has to do with the French attempting to turn Africans into model French citizens. They did this by teaching the French language at schools and churches, along with French history and other aspects of the French culture.

The French abandoned the policy of assimilation partly because the policy itself contravened with their original pre-occupations of their colonial policy in several ways.

1,008.

The West African Students' Union worked towards

A.

the end of colonial rule

B.

the end of indirect rule

C.

getting accommodation for West African Students

D.

the end of the policy of direct rule

Correct answer is C

The West African Students' Union, founded in London in 1925 and active into the 1960s, was an association of students from various West African countries who were studying in the United Kingdom. , it had begun to campaign for improved welfare for all African students in London, and for assorted measures for progress in Britain's African colonies.

The organisation made opposition to the colour bar its first priority, while also including the promotion of political research, support for the NCBWA and the provision of a student hostel in its founding aims

The aim of founding a hostel was taken directly from USAD and the NPU. Many African students in Britain found that, due to racism, it was difficult to secure satisfactory lodgings. While the Colonial Office showed some interest in establishing such a hostel, WASU was keen to maintain control of the project, and in 1929, Solanke left for a fundraising journey through West Africa. Despite this, the Colonial Office assembled a secret committee to plan for a hostel under its control, and attempted to secure private funding for its construction.

1,009.

Before the Second World War, the British Colonial Executive Council consisted of

A.

only elected Africans

B.

only White officials

C.

unofficial members

D.

official and unofficial members

Correct answer is B

No explanation has been provided for this answer.

1,010.

Which of following best describes the status of Governor-General in British West African countries at independence? They

A.

were representing the Queen of England

B.

were above the law

C.

maintained friendly relations with France

D.

were the heads of government

Correct answer is A

 Governors-general were British subjects, appointed on the advice of the British government, who acted as agents of the British government in each Dominion, as well as being representatives of the monarch. As such they notionally held the prerogative powers of the monarch, and also held the executive power of the country to which they were assigned. In these countries the governor-general acts as the monarch's representative, performing the ceremonial and constitutional functions of a head of state.