When a constitution requires a special organ or a more difficult amendment procedure, such constitution is applicable in which system of government?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which system of government has a constitution that is hard to amend, one that needs a special organ or a more difficult procedure. This describes a rigid constitution.

2. Explain the concept

• A rigid constitution can only be changed through a special, difficult process. Examples are a two-thirds or three-quarters majority in the legislature, approval by state legislatures, or a referendum.
• A flexible constitution can be amended by the ordinary legislature using the normal law-making process.

Rigid constitutions are typical of federal systems. In a federation, power is shared between the central government and the component units (states or regions). The constitution is the supreme document that protects this division. If the central government could change it easily, it could take away the powers of the states. So a more difficult amendment procedure is needed.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Parliamentary: This describes the relationship between the executive and the legislature. A parliamentary system can have a flexible constitution (as in the UK) or a written one, so it is not defined by a difficult amendment process.
• B. Unitary: Power is concentrated in the central government, which can usually amend the constitution easily. Unitary systems are typically flexible.
• C. Federal: Power is shared between levels of government, so the constitution is usually rigid. Amending it needs a special majority and often the approval of the states. In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly.
• D. Confederation: This is a loose union of sovereign states. The central body is weak and depends on the member states, so it is not the best fit.

4. Answer The correct option is C. Federal.

5. Exam tip Link the words: Federal → Rigid → Special procedure, and Unitary → Flexible → Easy amendment. When you see "special organ" or "difficult amendment procedure" in a JAMB Government question, think "rigid constitution", which points to federalism.