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Difficulty: EasyThe Richards Constitution of 1946 and Regionalism

Which major administrative and constitutional change was introduced in Nigeria by the Richards Constitution of 1946?

  1. The division of the country into Northern, Western, and Eastern regionsAnswer
  2. B
    The formal establishment of a federal system of government with divided legislative powers
  3. C
    The introduction of the elective principle for legislative representatives
  4. D
    The delegation of constitutional sovereignty to regional local authorities

Answer

The division of the country into Northern, Western, and Eastern regions
The Richards Constitution of 1946 officially introduced regionalism by dividing Nigeria into three administrative regions (Northern, Western, and Eastern), establishing Regional Houses of Assembly to deliberate on local matters while maintaining a single central government.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary constitutional feature introduced under Governor Arthur Richards in 1946.
The 1946 Richards Constitution formally established regionalism in Nigeria.
It created three administrative regions (Northern, Western, and Eastern) to reflect Nigeria's diverse social and political structure while keeping central authority unified.
2
Distinguish regionalism (1946) from true federalism (1954).
The regional councils created in 1946 were mainly advisory and subordinate to the central Legislative Council.
Constitutional federalism with autonomous legislative powers for regions was later instituted by the Lyttelton Constitution of 1954.

Key Concept

Introduction of Regionalism under the Richards Constitution of 1946
Estimated Time:45s
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The Richards Constitution of 1946 and Regionalism

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