WAEC Government 2019 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

(a) Local Government is a sub-government unit created by the central/state government through an Act of Parliament to administer a local area. (b) Reasons for the creation of local government include: (i) To bring government closer to the people at the grassroots, helping to formulate policies and programmes that benefit the people at that level. (ii) To serve as a link or contact between the central authority and the local people — helping to transmit local needs to central government and communicate central government's responses back to the community. (iii) To provide an avenue or platform for people at the community level to participate in the governance of their area, contributing to decision-making and enhancing democracy and participatory governance locally. (iv) To allow the people to choose their own leaders — local government gives people the opportunity to elect representatives who are accountable and responsive to them. (v) To ensure the equitable distribution of the country's resources, with local governments serving as units for resource allocation among the people.