The system of government in which the central  and component units possess coordinated powers is

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the system of government where the central government and the component units (states, regions, provinces) have coordinated powers. "Coordinated" means the two levels are equal and independent in their own spheres, and neither is subordinate to the other.

2. Explain the concept Systems of government are classified by how power is distributed between the center and the component units:

• Confederal system: The component units are stronger. The center is weak and depends on the units, which keep their sovereignty (e.g., ECOWAS-type arrangements, the early United States under the Articles of Confederation).
• Unitary system: All power is concentrated in the central government. Local units exist only by the center's permission (e.g., Ghana, the UK).
• Federal system: Power is constitutionally divided between the central government and the component units. Each level is coordinate, meaning independent and equal within its own sphere (e.g., Nigeria, USA).
• Parliamentary system: This is not a way of distributing power between center and units. It describes the relationship between the executive and legislature, where the executive is drawn from and responsible to parliament.

3. Step-by-step solution

• Option B (parliamentary) is about executive-legislative relations, not center-unit relations, so we eliminate it.
• Option C (unitary) has power concentrated at the center, so there are no coordinated powers. Eliminate.
• Option A (confederal) has the units dominant over a weak center, so the powers are not coordinated. Eliminate.
• Option D (federal) has powers divided by the constitution, with each level operating independently in its own sphere. This matches "coordinated powers."

4. Answer The correct option is D. federal system.

5. Exam tip Remember the keywords:

• Unitary = one center holds power.
• Confederal = units hold power.
• Federal = power is shared and coordinated.

In Nigeria, the Exclusive, Concurrent, and Residual legislative lists in the Constitution are a practical example of federal power-sharing.