Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Richards Constitution of 1946 and Regionalism

Match each key feature of the Richards Constitution of 1946 on the left with its corresponding constitutional significance or administrative outcome on the right.

  • Division of Nigeria into Northern, Western, and Eastern RegionsInstitutionalized regionalism and laid the groundwork for Nigeria's political tripartism
  • Inclusion of Northern representatives in the central Legislative CouncilIntegrated Northern and Southern regions into a single central legislative body for the first time
  • Provision for an unofficial majority in the central Legislative CouncilGave nominated non-officials numerical superiority over colonial official members in law-making debates
  • Establishment of the House of Chiefs alongside the House of AssemblyCreated a bicameral legislative arrangement specifically within the Northern Region

Answer

Division of Nigeria into Northern, Western, and Eastern Regions matches with institutionalizing regionalism and political tripartism; Inclusion of Northern representatives in the central Legislative Council matches with integrating Northern and Southern regions into a single central legislative body for the first time; Provision for an unofficial majority matches with giving non-officials numerical superiority over colonial official members; Establishment of the House of Chiefs matches with creating a bicameral legislative arrangement specifically within the Northern Region.
Each feature correctly matches its historical outcome: regional division introduced regionalism; Northern inclusion unified Nigerian central legislative representation; the unofficial majority gave non-official members numerical dominance in the central council; and the House of Chiefs created a bicameral legislature in the Northern Region.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the administrative structural changes under the 1946 Richards Constitution
Identify that dividing the country into three regions introduced formal regionalism into Nigerian governance.
Sir Arthur Richards aimed to accommodate the diverse ethnic and cultural groups in Nigeria by creating Regional Assemblies.
2
Examine the territorial coverage of the central legislature
Recognize that for the first time since the 1914 amalgamation, Northern Nigeria was directly represented in the Lagos central Legislative Council.
Under the previous 1922 Clifford Constitution, the central council legislated only for the Southern Provinces, while the Governor legislated for the North by proclamation.
3
Evaluate council composition and regional legislative structures
Connect the unofficial majority to non-official member numerical superiority, and the House of Chiefs to Northern regional bicameralism.
The Northern Region was unique in having traditional rulers formalized into a second legislative chamber (House of Chiefs).

Key Concept

Features and Implications of the Richards Constitution of 1946
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