Which of the following does not militate against representative government in West Africa?

Analyze the question: The word "militate against" means to work against or hinder. The question asks for the option that does NOT hinder representative government, which is the one that supports or promotes it.

Explain the concept: Representative government is a system in which citizens choose leaders to act on their behalf through free, fair, and regular elections. It needs:

• Free and fair elections
• Civil liberties, including freedom of speech and press freedom
• Civilian rule that follows the constitution
• Participation by all eligible citizens

Evaluate each option:

• A. Electoral irregularities (rigging, ballot snatching, voter intimidation): These distort the people's choice, so they hinder representative government.
• B. Coup d'état: The military takes power unconstitutionally and removes elected representatives, so it hinders representative government.
• C. Gagged media: Suppressing the press denies citizens information and a way to hold leaders accountable, so it hinders representative government.
• D. Universal adult suffrage: This gives every adult citizen who meets the legal requirements the right to vote. It widens participation and strengthens representation, so it does not hinder representative government. It supports it.

Exam tip: Watch for negative wording such as "does not," "except," or "least." Mark each option as helps or hinders first, then pick the one that goes against the pattern. Here, three options are problems for democracy and only one is a democratic feature.