The arbitrary creation of constituencies by the government to favour its party is termed

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term for the arbitrary or unfair drawing of constituency boundaries by a government to favour its own party.

Step 2: Explain the concept Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral constituency boundaries to give one party or group an unfair advantage. The term comes from Elbridge Gerry, a Governor of Massachusetts, who in 1812 approved a district shaped like a salamander that favoured his party. Combining "Gerry" and "salamander" gave "gerrymander."

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Boundary adjustment: This is a neutral, legitimate process, usually done by an electoral commission such as INEC in Nigeria to reflect population changes. It is not defined by partisan favouritism.
• B. Gerrymandering: Correct. It is the deliberate, arbitrary creation or redrawing of constituencies to favour the ruling party.
• C. Parliamentary whip: This is an official in a legislative party who ensures members attend and vote according to party lines. It has nothing to do with constituencies.
• D. Plebiscite: This is a direct vote by the people on a particular issue, often a territorial or political question. An example is the 1961 plebiscite in the Southern Cameroons.
• E. Referendum: This is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or law. It is not about constituencies.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. gerrymandering.

Tip: Link "gerrymandering" with "Gerry's salamander," and remember that it means manipulating boundaries for political advantage. Also note that a plebiscite and a referendum both involve voting on issues, not drawing boundaries.