Below is a list of key provisions established under the Richards Constitution of 1946 alongside their direct political or administrative outcomes in colonial Nigeria. Match each constitutional provision on the left with its corresponding outcome on the right.
- Creation of Regional Houses of Assembly for the Northern, Western, and Eastern regionsLaid the institutional framework for regionalism while maintaining a central unitary state
- Integration of Native Authorities into Regional Assemblies via an electoral college systemEstablished an indirect link between traditional local administration and the central legislature
- Introduction of an unofficial African majority in the central Legislative CouncilExpanded deliberative legislative participation for Nigerians without granting executive control
- Retention of reserve and veto powers by the British Colonial GovernorEnsured supreme imperial authority remained undivided despite regional administrative expansion
Answer
The constitutional provisions correspond to their administrative outcomes as follows: The creation of Regional Houses of Assembly established the framework for regionalism within a unitary state; integrating Native Authorities via electoral colleges linked traditional local rulers to central legislation; introducing an unofficial majority expanded deliberative representation without executive control; and retaining gubernatorial reserve powers preserved imperial executive dominance.
Each provision accurately matches its political outcome under the 1946 Richards Constitution. The constitution created three administrative regions to recognize cultural diversity, bridged traditional native authorities with central legislative bodies through indirect electoral colleges, allowed a majority of unofficial members in council debates, and retained gubernatorial veto powers to keep ultimate authority in British hands.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Provisions and Political Consequences of the Richards Constitution of 1946