The arm of government responsible for the approval of war is the_____

1. Analyze the question The question asks which arm of government approves war (a declaration of war). Nigeria's government has three arms: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.

2. Explain the concept

• Legislature makes laws, controls public funds, and checks the executive. Its members are the people's representatives, so major national decisions such as going to war need their approval.
• Executive implements laws and runs the day-to-day affairs of government. The President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and can propose or request military action.
• Judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes. It has no role in deciding war.

3. Step-by-step solution

• The judiciary only interprets the law, so A is out.
• The executive may commands the military and may initiate the request for war, but it does not give the final approval on its own. B is not the best answer.
• Under Section 5(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President cannot declare war on another country without the approval of the National Assembly, which is the legislature. A resolution must be passed by a joint sitting (a two-thirds majority is required for such approval). C fits.
• Since one arm clearly has this role, D (none) is wrong.

4. Answer The arm of government responsible for approving war is the legislature, which is option C.

5. Exam tip Remember: Executive proposes, Legislature approves. In questions about approving war, budgets, treaties, or ministerial and ambassadorial appointments, think "legislature" because it acts as the check on the executive's power.