Question 38 of 378

The central legislature of Nigeria became bicameral in

  • A. 1960
  • B. 1951
  • C. 1959
  • D. 1963

Correct Answer: A

Explanation
The correct option is C. 1959. Detailed Explanation:
  1. Understanding Bicameralism:
  2. Bicameralism refers to a legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses. In the context of Nigeria, this means that the central legislature is divided into two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  3. Historical Context:
  4. Before 1954, Nigeria had a unicameral legislature, which means there was only one legislative chamber. The need for a bicameral legislature arose as Nigeria's political landscape evolved, particularly as the country moved towards self-governance and independence.
  5. The 1954 Lyttleton Constitution:
  6. The shift to a bicameral legislature was formalized with the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954. This constitution established a federal system of government and created a bicameral legislature for Nigeria, which included the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  7. The 1959 General Elections:
  8. The first elections under this new bicameral system were held in 1959. This is a crucial point because while the bicameral structure was established in 1954, it was the 1959 elections that marked the operationalization of this structure, leading to the formation of the first Senate and House of Representatives.
  9. Why Option A (1960) is Incorrect:
  10. The year 1960 is significant as it marks Nigeria's independence from British colonial rule. However, by this time, the bicameral legislature had already been established and was functioning since the 1959 elections. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the year when the legislature became bicameral.
  11. Why Option B (1951) is Incorrect:
  12. The year 1951 is associated with earlier constitutional developments, specifically the 1951 Richards Constitution, which did not establish a bicameral legislature. Instead, it maintained a unicameral legislature. Thus, this option is incorrect.
  13. Why Option D (1963) is Incorrect:
  14. The year 1963 is notable for the new constitution that further defined Nigeria's federal structure and the roles of the legislature. However, by this time, the bicameral legislature was already in place, having been established in 1954 and operational since 1959. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.
Summary of Key Points:
  • The central legislature of Nigeria became bicameral with the Lyttleton Constitution in 1954.
  • The first elections under this bicameral system were held in 1959.
  • The 1960 independence did not change the bicameral structure, which was already established.
  • The 1951 Richards Constitution did not create a bicameral legislature, and the 1963 constitution further defined existing structures.
Revision Summary:
  • Nigeria's central legislature became bicameral in 1954 with the Lyttleton Constitution.
  • The first elections under this system occurred in 1959.
  • 1960 marks Nigeria's independence, not the establishment of bicameralism.
  • The 1951 Richards Constitution maintained a unicameral legislature.
← Previous Next →
Jump to: 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47