WAEC Government 2012 Theory — Question 10

Model answer

Features of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951: I. The Macpherson constitution created the council of minister which was made up of 12 ministers (4 from each of the three regions), and 6 ex-officio members. The council was presided over by the Governor. II. The ministers appointed under the Macpherson constitution did not have portfolio. They had no control over the ministries they headed and were appointed by the governor on the advice of the regional legislature. III. The Macpherson constitution of 1951 also created regional executive council. IV. The Macpherson constitution extended bicameral legislature to the western region. Both the Northern and western region had a house of assembly and house of chiefs. V. The regional legislatures were empowered under the constitution to make laws on certain subjects, subject to the approval of the central legislative council in Lagos.