These rights which are explicitly protected by the Constitution are referred to as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used for rights (or provisions) that are explicitly protected by the Constitution, meaning they are written in and safeguarded by it, usually so that they are hard to change.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Checks and balances: A system where each arm of government (executive, legislature, judiciary) can limit the powers of the others. It is not about rights.
• Constitutional clauses: A vague, general phrase. It is not a standard technical term in Government.
• Entrenched clauses: Provisions in a constitution that are specially protected, so they cannot be amended easily. They often need a special majority (such as two-thirds or three-quarters of the legislature) or approval by referendum or by state legislatures. Fundamental human rights are typical examples. In Nigeria, Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (Fundamental Rights) is protected in this way.
• Separation of powers: The division of government functions among the three arms to prevent abuse of power. It is not about rights.

Step 3: Apply to the question Rights that are explicitly written into the Constitution and given special protection are called entrenched clauses. The other options describe how government is organised, not how rights are protected.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. entrenched clauses.

Tip: "Entrenched" means firmly fixed, like a deep trench that is hard to move. If a question mentions provisions that are hard to amend or specially protected, think entrenched clauses. Also remember that checks and balances and separation of powers are about power, not rights.