The rule of law is an essential ingredient of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which system of government has the rule of law as an essential ingredient, meaning a system that cannot work properly without it.

Step 2: Explain the concept The rule of law means that everyone, including rulers and government officials, is subject to the law. No one is above it. Its key principles (popularised by A.V. Dicey) are:

• Supremacy of the law over arbitrary power
• Equality of all persons before the law
• Fundamental human rights protected by the courts
• An independent judiciary

Step 3: Examine each option

• A. Democracy: This is government by the people, with free elections, protection of rights and accountable leaders. These features depend on the rule of law, so it is an essential ingredient. ✔
• B. Aristocracy: Rule by a privileged few, usually nobles. Power rests with a class, not with equal application of law.
• C. Monarchy: Rule by a king or queen. A traditional monarch can rule by personal will, although a constitutional monarchy can also respect the law. It is not the system most closely tied to the rule of law.
• D. Autocracy: One person holds absolute power, often above the law. This is the opposite of the rule of law.

Step 4: Answer Democracy is the system that cannot survive without the rule of law. Without it, elections would be meaningless, rights would be unprotected and leaders would not be accountable.

💡 Exam tip: Link "rule of law" with "democracy", "constitutionalism" and "equality before the law". Link "autocracy" and "dictatorship" with "arbitrary rule". JAMB often tests this contrast.