The following constitute the key features of most independent constitutions in West African States except

Analyzing the question

You're asked which option is NOT a key feature of most independent constitutions in West African states. This is an "except" question, so three options are real features and one is not.

Concept

Independence constitutions in West Africa (for example Nigeria's 1960 and 1963 constitutions, Ghana's 1957 constitution, and Sierra Leone's 1961 constitution) were largely drafted with British input during decolonisation. They typically included:

• Democratic principles of governance: parliamentary or representative government, periodic elections, rule of law, separation of powers, and independence of the judiciary.
• National unity amid diversity: many provisions dealt with managing ethnic and regional differences, such as federalism in Nigeria, citizenship clauses, and minority protection.
• Socio-economic rights and development: directive principles and objectives aimed at national development and the welfare of citizens.
• Fundamental human rights: the protection of civil liberties.

Step-by-step evaluation

• A. "Nationalist leaders became army commanders": This is not a constitutional provision. Nationalist leaders were politicians who led the independence struggle, and they became prime ministers, presidents, or ministers. Army command is a military career, and constitutions do not provide for nationalist leaders to become army commanders. Military takeovers came later through coups, which went against the constitutions. So this is not a feature.
• B. Democratic principles of governance: This is a feature.
• C. National unity and diversity: This is a feature.
• D. Socio-economic rights and development: This is a feature.

Answer

Exam tip

For "except" questions, test each option against the topic and eliminate the ones that are clearly true. Anything about the military taking power belongs to the coup era, not to the content of independence constitutions.