A set of principles enshrined in a constitution that guide the government in making laws and policies for the welfare of the people is referred to as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of a set of principles in a constitution that guide government when making laws and policies for the welfare of the people.

Key phrases: "principles," "guide the government," "welfare of the people."

Step 2: Explain the concept Many constitutions, including Nigeria's, contain a chapter called the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy (Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution). These are:

• Guidelines for government at all levels in making laws and policies.
• Aimed at the welfare of citizens (e.g., education, health, economic well-being, social justice).
• Non-justiciable, meaning you cannot take the government to court for failing to follow them (Section 6(6)(c)).

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Directive principle of state policy: It matches exactly. It is a set of principles that guide government policy for the people's welfare.
• B. Constitutional provisions: Too general. This refers to any part of a constitution, not specifically the guiding principles.
• C. Human Rights and Administrative Justice: This relates to protecting individual rights and fair treatment by administrative bodies, not guidance on policy-making.
• D. Edicts, customs and traditions: Edicts are laws made by military governments, and customs and traditions are unwritten social practices. Neither fits.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. directive principle of state policy.

Exam tip: When you see "guide the government" or "welfare of the people" in a Government question, think Directive Principles. Remember that they direct (guide) but cannot be enforced in court. That non-justiciable feature is a favourite follow-up question in WASSCE, JAMB and NECO.