WAEC 2023 Government · Question 21

Bicameral legislature contributes to the democratic process by

Options

  1. A.recommending the use of force on policy
  2. B.suppressing minority rights
  3. C.imposing programmes and policies on the executive
  4. D.widening the scope of political participation

Answer: D. widening the scope of political participation

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks how a bicameral legislature (one with two chambers) contributes to democracy.

Step 2: Explain the concept A bicameral legislature has two houses. Examples:

  • Nigeria: Senate and House of Representatives (National Assembly)
  • USA: Senate and House of Representatives
  • UK: House of Lords and House of Commons

Why have two chambers?

  • Wider representation: Different houses can represent different interests, such as states or regions (equal representation in the Senate) and population (House of Representatives).
  • Checks and balances: One house reviews and corrects the other, which prevents hasty or poor laws.
  • Protection of minorities: Smaller states or groups get a voice.
  • More participation: More people and interests take part in lawmaking.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Recommending the use of force on policy: Wrong. Democracy relies on debate and consensus, not force.
  • B. Suppressing minority rights: Wrong. Bicameralism tends to protect minorities, not suppress them.
  • C. Imposing programmes and policies on the executive: Wrong. The legislature may check and oversee the executive, but "imposing" is not a democratic function, and it is not the special contribution of having two chambers.
  • D. Widening the scope of political participation: Correct. Two chambers allow more representatives, more interests, and more people to take part in governance.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. widening the scope of political participation.

Tip: For "bicameral" questions, think of "two houses = wider representation + checks and balances." Eliminate options with negative words such as "force," "suppressing," or "imposing," since they usually contradict democratic principles.

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