Taking over power, military governments disregard democratic protocols and rule mainly by

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks how military governments mainly rule once they seize power and set aside democratic procedures such as elections, legislatures and constitutional lawmaking.

Step 2: Explain the concept When the military takes over, it usually suspends or abolishes the constitution and dissolves the legislature (the National Assembly). Since there is no parliament to make laws, the ruling body, such as the Supreme Military Council or Armed Forces Ruling Council, makes laws by decree. A decree is an order or law issued directly by the ruler or ruling council without legislative debate or approval. In Nigeria, examples include Decree No. 2 of 1984 (State Security Detention of Persons) under Buhari's first regime, and Decree No. 34 of 1966 (Unification Decree) under Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Decrees: Correct. This is the main legal instrument of military rule.
• B. Popular acclamation: This means approval by public shouting or applause. It is a traditional or informal way of choosing leaders, not how the military governs.
• C. Jury: A jury is a group of citizens who decide verdicts in court trials. It has nothing to do with governing.
• D. Court martial: This is a military tribunal for trying soldiers who break military law. It is a judicial body, not a method of ruling the country.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. decrees.

Tip: Link the words to the system of government:

• Civilian/democratic rule → Acts of the legislature
• Military rule → Decrees (and Edicts at state level)

If you see "military" and "rule/law-making" together, think "decree."