NECO 2003 Government · Question 43

An example of a theocratic state is

Options

  1. A.Cameroon
  2. B.Nigeria
  3. C.Saudi Arabia
  4. D.Yemen
  5. E.Zimbabwe

Answer: C. Saudi Arabia

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which country is an example of a theocratic state.

Step 2: Explain the concept A theocratic state is one in which religious law and religious authority form the basis of government. The state's constitution, laws, and legitimacy come from a particular religion, and religious leaders or religious principles have supreme influence over political decisions. Examples often cited include Saudi Arabia (Islamic law/Sharia as the foundation, with the Qur'an as the constitution), Iran, and Vatican City.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Cameroon: A secular republic. Religion is not the basis of government.
  • B. Nigeria: The constitution declares that the government shall not adopt any state religion, so Nigeria is a secular state.
  • C. Saudi Arabia: An Islamic monarchy. The Qur'an and Sunnah are the constitution, Sharia law governs the country, and religious principles guide state affairs. This is the classic textbook example of a theocracy.
  • D. Yemen: Islam is the state religion and Sharia is a source of legislation, but Yemen was run as a republic with a political, not clerical, system. It is not the standard example of a theocracy.
  • E. Zimbabwe: A secular republic.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Saudi Arabia.

Tip: For "theocratic state" questions, think of countries where the holy book is the constitution: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Vatican City. Nigeria's Constitution (Section 10) explicitly forbids a state religion, so Nigeria is always secular. Remember: Theo = God, so a theocracy is "rule by God's law."

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