Citizenship refers to the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the definition of citizenship, a basic concept in Government (Citizenship and the state).

Step 2: Explain the concept Citizenship is the legal status of a person who belongs to a state. It gives the person certain rights (such as voting, holding public office, and protection by the state) and duties (such as paying taxes, obeying laws, and being loyal to the state). It is conferred by law, not by social standing or position.

Ways to acquire citizenship in Nigeria (1999 Constitution):

• By birth
• By registration
• By naturalization

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Legal status of a member of a state: Correct. Citizenship is a legal relationship between an individual and the state, defined by the constitution and other laws.
• B. Indigenous member of a state: Wrong. Citizens include people who acquire citizenship by registration or naturalization, not just indigenes. "Indigene" refers to origin, not legal status.
• C. Highest position in a state: Wrong. That describes a head of state or head of government.
• D. Social status of a person in a state: Wrong. Citizenship is a legal matter, not about social class or standing.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A.

Exam tip: Remember "Citizenship = Legal membership". If you see the word legal paired with member of a state, it is almost always the right choice. Also watch out for "indigene" as a distractor, since a citizen is not always an indigene.