An electoral system in which the electorate elects a small group of people who in turn elects political office holders is known as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question describes a system with two stages. First, the voters (the electorate) choose a small group of people. Then that small group elects the political office holders. This is an indirect election.

Step 2: Explain the concept An electoral college is a body of chosen representatives (electors) who vote on behalf of the people to select a head of state or other office holders. The best-known example is the United States presidential election. Citizens vote for electors, and the electors then formally elect the President and Vice President.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. General election: This is a direct election where all eligible voters vote for candidates for office in a country-wide exercise. There is no middle group.
• B. Second ballot system: This is a run-off. If no candidate gets the required majority in the first round, a second vote is held between the top candidates. Voters still vote directly.
• C. Electoral college: Voters elect a small group, and that group elects the office holders. This matches the question exactly.
• D. Local election: This is an election held at the local government level, such as for councillors or chairmen. It describes the level of the election, not the method.

Step 3b: Agreement with the key

Answer: C. Electoral college

Exam tip: When you see "a small group elected to elect others," think indirect election = electoral college. Remember: College = a small group of electors. Nigeria's 1979 constitution did not use an electoral college, but the idea often appears in WASSCE, NECO and JAMB Government questions on electoral systems.