Nigeria's federalism is often considered a flaw along the standard test of the Classical federalism ideology labelled along with_______

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which scholar is associated with the "classical" (standard) test of federalism, the yardstick against which Nigeria's federal system is often judged as flawed.

Step 2: Explain the concept Federalism is a system in which power is constitutionally divided between a central government and regional or state governments. The classical or orthodox theory of federalism was set out by Kenneth C. Wheare in his book Federal Government (1946). Wheare's main points are:

• There must be a division of powers between the central and regional governments.
• Each level of government must be coordinate (independent) within its own sphere, not subordinate to the other.
• A written, rigid constitution must define the division of powers.
• An independent judiciary or supreme court must act as the arbiter.
• Each level must have enough financial resources to carry out its functions.

Step 3: Apply it to the options

• A. Abraham Lincoln: He was an American president known for "government of the people, by the people, for the people". This is about democracy, not the classical theory of federalism.
• B. K.C. Wheare: He is the main authority on the classical theory of federalism. Nigeria is often criticized under his test because the centre is very dominant, states depend on federal allocations, and the federating units are unequal in size. This makes the system look unitary in practice.
• C. Thomas Hobbes: He wrote about the social contract and absolute sovereignty in Leviathan. He was not a federalism theorist.
• D. Aristotle: He is a Greek philosopher known for his classification of governments. He is not associated with federalism.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is **B. K.C.

Step 5: Exam tip Link names to ideas:

• Wheare → Federalism
• Hobbes → Social contract and the Leviathan
• Aristotle → Classification of states
• Lincoln → Democracy

When you see "classical federalism" in JAMB Government, think Wheare straight away.