One of the defects associated with most pre-independence constitutions in British West Africa was ________

Analyze the question: It asks for a defect (weakness) common to the pre-independence constitutions of British West Africa, such as the Clifford (1922), Richards (1946), Macpherson (1951), and Lyttleton (1954) constitutions.

Concept: Under colonial rule, the British Governor was the representative of the Crown and held very wide powers. Even when Africans were admitted into the legislative councils, the Governor kept control. He could:

• reject (veto) bills passed by the Legislative Council
• appoint official members to guarantee a colonial majority
• legislate by ordinance or decree
• preside over the Executive Council

Evaluate the options:

• A. Veto power of the Governor: This was a real defect. It made the elected or nominated African representatives ineffective, because the Governor could override their decisions. ✔
• B. All-inclusive franchise: This is incorrect. The franchise was restricted, based on income and residence, and limited to a few urban areas such as Lagos and Calabar under Clifford. It was not all-inclusive.
• C. African domination of the executive council: This is incorrect. The Executive Council was dominated by British officials, and Africans only gradually gained seats in the 1950s.
• D. African domination of the legislative council: This is incorrect. Africans did not dominate the Legislative Council until the later constitutions, and by then independence was close. In the earlier ones, the official and nominated members kept the British in control.

Answer: The defect was the veto power of the Governor.

Exam tip: In questions on colonial constitutions, look for words showing British control, such as "Governor's veto," "restricted franchise," or "official majority." These usually point to the defects. Options saying "African domination" or "universal franchise" are usually wrong for the pre-independence period.