1. Nigeria Short Answer Practice

2. Short Answer
Define the term “regime” as used in comparative politics. Using Nigeria as an example, describe the difference between regime change and a change in government.

3. 2 points
Part (a): 1 point
One point is earned for a correct definition of regime. Acceptable definitions should address a regime as:
• A political system with a specific pattern of relationship between the state, society, markets, and the world at large.

4. Part (b): 1 point
One point is earned for describing the difference between a change in regime and a change in government, using examples from Nigeria.
Acceptable descriptions of the differences between a change in regime and a change in government include:
• A regime change is a change in the pattern of government; an example of a regime change is the declaration of Nigerian independence and the end of British rule.
• A change in government is a change in leadership/administration. A new administration, led by a new executive officer following a free and fair election, constitutes a change in government.
• An example of regime change occurred when Nigeria went from military-based authoritarian rule to a democratically elected president (Abudakar to Obasanjo)
• An example of a change in Nigerian government occurred when there was a change in presidents, from
Obasanjo to Yar’Adua.