In a military regime, the arms of government that are usually fused are _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which two arms of government are combined (fused) under a military regime.

Step 2: Explain the concept In a democracy, power is separated among three arms:

• Legislature makes laws
• Executive implements laws
• Judiciary interprets laws

This is the principle of separation of powers. When the military takes over, the constitution is usually suspended or modified. The Supreme Military Council (or Armed Forces Ruling Council) and the Head of State then make decrees and also carry them out. This is called fusion of powers.

Step 3: Work through the solution

• Nigeria's military regimes (e.g., Gen. Babangida, Gen. Abacha) ruled by decrees. The National Assembly was dissolved.
• The same body, the military council headed by the Head of State, made the laws (legislative function) and enforced them (executive function).
• The judiciary, although often restricted by ouster clauses, generally continued to exist as a separate arm.

Checking the options:

• A. Executive and judiciary: incorrect, because the courts remained distinct.
• B. Legislature and local council: incorrect, because local councils are not an arm of government.
• C. Legislature and executive: correct, because the military issues decrees and also implements them.
• D. Judiciary and the press: incorrect, because the press is not an arm of government.

Step 4: Answer

Tip: Remember "Military = Make and Move." The military makes laws by decree and moves them into action, so legislature and executive are fused. Whenever you see "fusion of powers in a military regime," think "decrees," which means legislative plus executive.