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Difficulty: EasyIgbo Acephalous Political Structure and Village Assembly Democracy

Match each institution in the pre-colonial Igbo political system with its primary administrative function in village governance.

  • Oha-na-ezeDirect democratic decision-making in the village assembly
  • Ama-alaPolicy deliberation and judicial functions by lineage elders
  • Age GradesExecutive enforcement of laws and execution of public works
  • UmuadaArbitration of domestic conflicts and moral social control

Answer

Oha-na-eze matches direct democratic decision-making in the village assembly; Ama-ala matches policy deliberation and judicial functions by lineage elders; Age Grades match executive enforcement of laws and execution of public works; Umuada matches arbitration of domestic conflicts and moral social control.
In the pre-colonial Igbo republican political structure, authority was non-centralized and distributed among specialized organs. The Oha-na-eze provided open direct democracy for decision-making; the Ama-ala served as a council of elders for policy guidance and dispute resolution; Age Grades performed executive enforcement and public service duties; and the Umuada exercised social control and family conflict arbitration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legislative forum of the Igbo village political system.
The Oha-na-eze functions as the general assembly where supreme legislative decisions are made via consensus.
In stateless Igbo democracy, sovereign legislative power rests with the collective body of citizens.
2
Identify the primary advisory and judicial body composed of lineage heads.
The Ama-ala consists of elders holding Ofo titles who guide policy decisions and try cases.
Lineage heads represent family units and maintain custom and customary law.
3
Identify the executive body responsible for physical enforcement.
Age Grades execute public works, police the community, and enforce decisions.
Youth cohorts provide compulsory community labor and administrative enforcement.
4
Identify the female socio-political organization.
The Umuada exercises moral authority, settles marital disputes, and maintains social harmony.
Women's lineage organizations hold recognized political standing for social control.

Key Concept

Pre-colonial Igbo acephalous governance, political institutions, and direct village democracy.
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Igbo Acephalous Political Structure and Village Assembly Democracy