Correct Option: B. People from whom government derives its power and authority.
Detailed Explanation:
- Understanding Sovereignty:
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Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority within a territory. It is the power of a state to govern itself or another state. In the context of a constitution, sovereignty indicates who holds the ultimate power and from whom the government derives its authority.
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1999 Constitution of Nigeria:
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The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which is the current constitution, explicitly states in its preamble that "We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria..." This phrase establishes that the authority of the government is derived from the people.
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Why Option B is Correct:
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Option B states that sovereignty belongs to the people from whom the government derives its power and authority. This aligns with democratic principles where the government is accountable to the citizens. The government is seen as a representative body that acts on behalf of the people, making this option the most accurate reflection of the constitutional framework.
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Analysis of Other Options:
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Option A: President who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces:
- While the president holds significant power and is a key figure in the government, sovereignty does not rest solely with the president. The president is an elected official and operates within the framework established by the constitution, which emphasizes that the ultimate authority lies with the people.
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Option C: National Assembly which has power to make laws and amend the constitution:
- The National Assembly is indeed a powerful body responsible for legislation and constitutional amendments. However, it derives its authority from the people through elections. Therefore, while it plays a crucial role in governance, it does not possess sovereignty independently of the people.
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Option D: Judiciary which interprets the laws of the state:
- The judiciary is essential for upholding the law and ensuring justice. However, like the other branches of government, it operates under the authority granted by the constitution, which is ultimately derived from the people. Thus, the judiciary does not hold sovereignty on its own.
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Conclusion:
- The concept of sovereignty in a democratic society emphasizes that the power of the government is granted by the people. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria reflects this principle, making Option B the correct answer.
Revision Summary:
- Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority within a state.
- The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria states that sovereignty belongs to the people.
- The government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
- Other options (A, C, D) represent branches of government but do not hold sovereignty independently of the people.