The ultimate duty of a citizen is to demonstrate his/her __________

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the ultimate (highest or most fundamental) duty of a citizen. In Government, duties of citizens include paying taxes, obeying laws, voting, and respecting national symbols. One of these sits above the rest as the foundation of citizenship.

2. Explain the concept Citizenship is a relationship between the individual and the state. The state is the permanent political entity that gives citizens rights and protection. In return, the citizen owes it loyalty. All other duties, such as obeying the law, paying taxes, defending the country, and respecting the flag, are ways of showing this loyalty.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Allegiance to the sovereign: This refers to loyalty to a monarch or ruler. It applies in monarchies, not in a republic like Nigeria, so it is not the best general answer.
• B. Loyalty to the state: This is the broadest and most fundamental duty. The other duties flow from it. ✅
• C. Respect for the national flag: This is only a symbolic expression of loyalty, not the ultimate duty.
• D. Contribution to government expenditure: This means paying taxes. It is an important duty, but it is just one specific obligation.

4. Answer The ultimate duty of a citizen is loyalty to the state, which is option B.

5. Exam tip When you see words like "ultimate," "primary," or "most important" in a Government question, look for the broadest option that covers all the others. Loyalty to the state includes obeying laws, paying taxes, and respecting the flag. A specific act like paying taxes or saluting the flag is usually the distractor.

Keep it up! Questions like this are easy marks once you spot the pattern.