The correct option for the composition of the legislative body in Nigeria under the 1999 Constitution is
B. 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives.
Detailed Explanation:
- Understanding the Structure of the Legislature:
- The Nigerian legislature is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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The Senate is the upper chamber, while the House of Representatives is the lower chamber.
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Composition of the Senate:
- According to the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is composed of 109 senators.
- This includes 3 senators from each of the 36 states of Nigeria (which totals 108) and 1 senator from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
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Therefore, the total number of senators is 108 (from the states) + 1 (from the FCT) = 109 senators.
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Composition of the House of Representatives:
- The House of Representatives is made up of 360 members.
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The number of representatives is determined based on the population of each state, but the total fixed number is 360.
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Why Option B is Correct:
- Option B states that there are 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives, which accurately reflects the composition as per the 1999 Constitution.
Analysis of Other Options:
- Option A: 108 senators and 350 members of the House of Representatives:
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This option incorrectly states the number of senators. There are 109 senators, not 108. Additionally, the number of House members is also incorrect as it should be 360, not 350.
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Option C: 100 senators and 250 members of the House of Representatives:
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This option is incorrect on both counts. The number of senators is significantly underestimated (it should be 109), and the number of House members is also incorrect (it should be 360).
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Option D: 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives:
- This option is actually correct, but it was incorrectly marked as the current recorded correct option. It accurately reflects the composition of the Nigerian legislature.
Common Pitfalls:
- Students often confuse the number of senators and representatives due to the varying structures of legislatures in different countries.
- It is essential to remember that the Senate has a fixed number of senators per state, while the House of Representatives has a total number that can change based on population but is fixed at 360 in this case.
Revision Summary:
- The Nigerian legislature consists of 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives.
- The Senate includes 3 senators from each of the 36 states plus 1 from the FCT.
- The House of Representatives has a total of 360 members.
- Understanding the structure and composition is crucial for questions related to the legislative framework in Nigeria.