The legislature checks the excesses of the executive through

1. Analyze the question The question asks how the legislature (the lawmaking arm, e.g., the National Assembly) keeps the executive (President, governors, ministers) from abusing power. This is the principle of checks and balances under separation of powers.

2. Explain the concept In a presidential system like Nigeria's, each arm of government has powers to limit the others. The legislature's main checks on the executive include:

• Approving or amending the budget (Appropriation Bill) and scrutinizing how money is spent
• Confirming key appointments (ministers, ambassadors, etc.)
• Investigating the executive through committees
• Overriding a presidential veto
• Impeachment

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Appointment of civil servants: Wrong. Civil servants are appointed by the Civil Service Commission and the executive, not the legislature.
• B. Screening of governors: Wrong. Governors are elected by the people. The legislature does not screen them. (It screens ministers and commissioners, not governors.)
• C. Scrutiny of the budget: Correct. The executive proposes the budget, but the legislature must examine, amend, and approve it. It also oversees spending through committees such as the Public Accounts Committee. This directly limits the executive's control over public funds.
• D. Nomination of judges: Wrong. Judges are nominated by the National Judicial Council and appointed by the executive, with Senate confirmation. The legislature does not nominate them.

4. Answer The correct option is C. scrutiny of the budget.

5. Exam tip When you see "legislature checks the executive," think money and oversight: budget approval, committee investigations, confirmation of appointees, and impeachment. Remember the phrase: "Legislature holds the purse."