Processes of Legislation

1. Which of the following is NOT a type of legislative enactment?

A) Act
B) Edict
C) Resolution
D) Decree
Answer: C
Explanation: A resolution is not a legislative enactment; it's typically a formal
expression of opinion or intention.
2. What is the primary function of an act?
A) To declare a war
B) To govern local councils
C) To provide legal authority on specific matters
D) To execute laws
Answer: C
Explanation: An act is a formal decision made by a legislative body that provides legal
authority.
3. Which body is primarily responsible for making laws in Nigeria?
A) The judiciary
B) The executive
C) The National Assembly
D) Local Government
Answer: C
Explanation: The National Assembly (comprising the Senate and House of
Representatives) is responsible for law-making.
4. What is delegated legislation?
A) Laws passed by local authorities
B) Regulations made by executive authorities under the authority of an act
C) Laws passed by the judiciary
D) Constitutional amendments
Answer: B
Explanation: Delegated legislation allows executive authorities to create regulations
under the authority of an act.
5. Which of the following is an example of bye-law?
A) A law made by the National Assembly
B) A local regulation for a municipality
C) A decree by the President
D) A constitutional amendment
Answer: B
Explanation: Bye-laws are local regulations made by local authorities or councils.
6. What is the first stage in the legislative process?
A) Committee stage
B) Second reading
C) First reading
D) Assent
 Answer: C
Explanation: The first reading introduces the bill and involves a formal presentation
without debate.
7. In the legislative process, what occurs during the committee stage?
A) The bill is debated and voted on
B) The bill is revised and amended
C) The bill is introduced
D) The President gives assent
Answer: B
Explanation: During the committee stage, detailed examination and potential
amendments to the bill occur.
8. Which document is necessary for a bill to become law in Nigeria?
A) Presidential decree
B) Assent from the President
C) A public referendum
D) Approval from the Senate alone
Answer: B
Explanation: A bill must receive assent from the President to become law.
9. What is a decree?
A) An executive order with legislative power
B) A local council regulation
C) A recommendation by the judiciary
D) A constitutional provision
Answer: A
Explanation: A decree is an order that has the force of law, typically issued by an
executive authority.
10. How does an act differ from a bye-law?
A) An act is a national law, while a bye-law is local
B) A bye-law has more authority than an act
C) An act is temporary, while a bye-law is permanent
D) There is no difference
Answer: A
Explanation: An act applies at a national level, whereas a bye-law applies at a local
level.
11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of delegated legislation?
A) It is made by an authority other than the legislature
B) It requires the approval of the legislature
C) It can be annulled by the legislature
D) It has the same legal standing as an act
Answer: D
Explanation: While delegated legislation has legal standing, it is not on the same level as
an act since it derives authority from an act.
12. What is the main purpose of legislative enactments?
A) To enforce the constitution
B) To regulate specific areas of society
C) To advise the executive
 D) To appoint judges
Answer: B
Explanation: Legislative enactments aim to provide regulations and legal frameworks
for various aspects of society.
13. Which of the following is TRUE about the assent process?
A) The President can refuse to give assent for any reason
B) Assent is automatic after a bill passes the National Assembly
C) The President must give assent within 30 days
D) Assent can be delayed indefinitely
Answer: C
Explanation: The President is required to give assent within a stipulated time frame,
usually 30 days.
14. In Nigeria, who can introduce a bill in the National Assembly?
A) Only the President
B) Only members of the House of Representatives
C) Any member of the National Assembly
D) Only state governors
Answer: C
Explanation: Any member of the National Assembly can introduce a bill.
15. What happens during the second reading of a bill?
A) The bill is voted on for the first time
B) Detailed examination of the bill takes place
C) The general principles of the bill are debated
D) The bill is rejected
Answer: C
Explanation: The second reading focuses on debating the general principles of the bill.
16. Which of the following is an example of an act?
A) The Local Government Act
B) A city ordinance
C) A ministerial regulation
D) A presidential proclamation
Answer: A
Explanation: The Local Government Act is a formal legislative enactment passed by the
National Assembly.
17. Which statement is FALSE regarding the legislative process?
A) All bills must go through the same stages
B) Public participation is allowed in the process
C) The National Assembly can amend the Constitution
D) Only the Senate can reject a bill
Answer: D
Explanation: Both chambers of the National Assembly (the Senate and the House of
Representatives) must approve a bill.
18. In Nigeria, what is the significance of the Legislative Calendar?
A) It outlines the types of laws to be passed
B) It schedules legislative sessions and activities
C) It determines the length of each bill
 D) It is used for public consultations
Answer: B
Explanation: The Legislative Calendar outlines the schedule for legislative sessions and
activities.
19. What is the role of public hearings in the legislative process?
A) To finalize the bill
B) To gather public opinions and feedback
C) To conduct voting
D) To provide legal advice
Answer: B
Explanation: Public hearings allow citizens to express their views and influence
legislation.
20. Which of the following best describes a legislative edict?
A) A law passed by local governments
B) A formal proclamation by a ruling authority
C) An informal recommendation
D) A non-binding resolution
Answer: B
Explanation: An edict is a formal directive issued by a governing authority, often with
the force of law.
21. What does it mean for legislation to be retrospective?
A) It applies only to future actions
B) It can change existing laws
C) It applies to events that occurred before its enactment
D) It is temporary in nature
Answer: C
Explanation: Retrospective legislation applies to actions or situations that occurred
before the law was enacted.
22. Which body reviews and debates bills before they are passed?
A) The judiciary
B) The executive
C) The National Assembly
D) Local Governments
Answer: C
Explanation: The National Assembly is responsible for reviewing, debating, and passing
bills.
23. Which type of legislation is typically used to address urgent issues without going
through the full legislative process?
A) Act
B) Bye-law
C) Decree
D) Resolution
Answer: C
Explanation: Decrees are often used for urgent matters requiring immediate legislative
action.
24. What is a key feature of primary legislation?
A) It is temporary
B) It is made by local councils
C) It creates new laws
D) It is derived from existing laws
Answer: C
Explanation: Primary legislation creates new laws and is enacted by the legislative body.
25. What is a legislative bill?
A) A proposal for a new law
B) A summary of existing laws
C) An administrative directive
D) A report on law enforcement
Answer: A
Explanation: A legislative bill is a formal proposal to create, amend, or repeal a law.
26. What type of legislation must be published before coming into force?
A) Primary legislation
B) Delegated legislation
C) Constitutional amendments
D) Decrees
Answer: B
Explanation: Delegated legislation typically requires publication for public awareness
and transparency before it can be enforced.
27. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the repeal of laws?
A) A law cannot be repealed once enacted
B) Only the President can repeal laws
C) A law can be repealed by a new law
D) Repealing a law requires public voting
Answer: C
Explanation: A law can be repealed or amended by a subsequent legislative act.
28. What does the term "quorum" refer to in the legislative context?
A) The total number of legislators
B) The minimum number of members required to conduct business
C) The number of votes needed for passage
D) The duration of legislative sessions
Answer: B
Explanation: A quorum is the minimum number of members needed to conduct official
legislative business.
29. What is the purpose of a legislative committee?
A) To draft new laws
B) To conduct hearings and investigations
C) To represent the executive branch
D) To approve budgets
Answer: B
Explanation: Committees conduct hearings and investigations to examine proposed
legislation in detail.
30. Which of the following is a method by which a bill can be killed in the legislative
process?
A) Public consultation
B) Filibustering
C) Presidential assent
D) Committee approval
Answer: B
Explanation: Filibustering involves prolonged debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.
31. What is the effect of a 'veto' by the President?
A) It automatically passes the bill
B) It rejects the bill
C) It requires a public vote
D) It sends the bill back for revision
Answer: B
Explanation: A veto is a formal rejection of a bill by the President.
32. In the context of legislative processes, what does 'germane' refer to?
A) Relevant amendments
B) Non-relevant discussions
C) Unrelated bills
D) General public opinions
Answer: A
Explanation: Germane refers to amendments or discussions that are relevant to the
subject matter of the bill.
33. What is a "whip" in legislative terms?
A) A legislative proposal
B) A member who ensures party discipline
C) A type of voting
D) A legal term for authority
Answer: B
Explanation: A whip is a party member tasked with ensuring party discipline and
coordinating votes.
34. Which term describes the process of reviewing legislation after its enactment?
A) Legislation
B) Oversight
C) Referendum
D) Assessment
Answer: B
Explanation: Oversight refers to the process of reviewing and monitoring legislation
after it becomes law.
35. In legislative terms, what is a 'clause'?
A) A section of a bill
B) A type of vote
C) An agreement between parties
D) A public statement
Answer: A
Explanation: A clause is a specific provision or section within a bill.
36. What role does the judiciary play in the legislative process?
A) It creates laws
B) It enforces laws
C) It interprets laws
D) It amends laws
Answer: C
Explanation: The judiciary interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly.
37. Which stage follows the second reading of a bill?
A) Third reading
B) Committee stage
C) Public hearing
D) Assent
Answer: B
Explanation: The committee stage follows the second reading, where detailed
examination occurs.
38. What does 'sponsorship' mean in the legislative context?
A) The process of financing a bill
B) The act of endorsing a bill
C) The formal introduction of a bill by a member
D) The public promotion of a bill
Answer: C
Explanation: Sponsorship refers to the formal introduction of a bill by a member of the
legislature.
39. Which of the following is a primary source of law in Nigeria?
A) Judicial precedents
B) Customary practices
C) The Constitution
D) International treaties
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constitution is the primary source of law in Nigeria.
40. What is the main purpose of an "amendment"?
A) To reject a bill
B) To create a new law
C) To modify existing legislation
D) To abolish old laws
Answer: C
Explanation: An amendment modifies existing legislation to improve or change its
provisions.
41. Which of the following can initiate constitutional amendments in Nigeria?
A) The President only
B) The National Assembly or State Houses of Assembly
C) Local Governments
D) The judiciary
Answer: B
Explanation: Both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly can initiate
constitutional amendments.
42. What is the 'preamble' of an act?
A) The concluding section of an act
B) The introduction outlining the purpose of the act
C) A list of amendments
D) A financial summary
Answer: B
Explanation: The preamble provides the introduction and context for the act.
43. Which type of legislation is primarily concerned with local governance?
A) Statute law
B) Bye-law
C) National law
D) Federal law
Answer: B
Explanation: Bye-laws govern local authorities and are specific to local governance.
44. What is meant by "legislative intent"?
A) The ultimate goal of a law
B) The legal binding nature of a law
C) The public opinion on a law
D) The historical context of a law
Answer: A
Explanation: Legislative intent refers to the purpose and objectives behind the creation
of a law.
45. Which of the following is an example of primary legislation?
A) A regulation made by a minister
B) An act of the National Assembly
C) A city council resolution
D) A policy statement
Answer: B
Explanation: An act passed by the National Assembly is considered primary legislation.
46. How can a bill become law without the President's assent?
A) By being passed in a referendum
B) By being approved by two-thirds of the legislature
C) By public demand
D) By court order
Answer: B
Explanation: A bill can become law without the President's assent if it is passed by two-
thirds of both chambers of the legislature.
47. What does "lobbying" refer to in the legislative process?
A) The act of making laws
B) The process of persuading legislators to support a specific bill
C) The formal voting process
D) The drafting of legislation
Answer: B
Explanation: Lobbying involves efforts to influence legislators' decisions on specific
bills or policies.
48. Which of the following is a characteristic of constitutional law?
A) It is made by local councils
B) It cannot be amended
C) It is the supreme law of the land
D) It is temporary
Answer: C
Explanation: Constitutional law is the supreme law of a country, guiding all other laws
and legislation.
49. What is the purpose of a "conference committee"?
A) To draft new laws
B) To resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
C) To approve a bill without amendments
D) To conduct public hearings
Answer: B
Explanation: A conference committee works to reconcile differences between the two
versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate.
50. Which of the following best describes the 'third reading' of a bill?
A) The final opportunity to debate and vote on the bill
B) A stage for public consultation
C) A period for amending the bill
D) A discussion on future legislative agendas
Answer: A
Explanation: The third reading is the final opportunity for legislators to debate and vote
on the bill before it is sent for assent.