This was another popular question and many of the candidates who answered
it performed very well. They understand the demand of the question and  scored good marks. However, those who score low marks were ignorant of  federal system of government. The candidates were expected to give the  following points as their answers.
            

(i)         Political Unity - It unites people of different political, social, geographical, ethnic, cultural, religious and historical origin;
            (ii)        Development - It allows each federating unit to develop at its   own pace;
            (iii)       Encouragement of Healthy Competition among the component units;
            (iv)       It brings government nearer/closer to the people;
            (v)        Prevention of the emergence of a dictator as powers are not concentrated in a single authority;
            (vi)       It allays the fear of domination;
            (vii)      Protects the interest of the minority groups - minority groups are
                                    given the opportunity to rule themselves in their own way;
(viii)     It’s rigid constitution guides against arbitrariness;
            (ix)       It guarantees Human Rights in its constitution;
            (x)        Employment opportunities - The duplication of offices makes this   possible;
            (xi)       Existence of constitutional/supreme court: provide a neutral platform   for the resolution of constitutional conflicts/disputes.

            (b)        Shortcomings of Federal System of Government

            (i)         Inter-state friction - This is as a result of differences in opinion
                                    among the component units;
            (ii)        Unnecessary duplication of offices/institutions of government;
            (iii)       It is expensive to operate and maintain;
            (iv)       Difficulty in taking quick decisions.  This is as a result of the
                                    consultations required before decisions are taken;
            (v)        Threat of Secession.  The fear of domination among the various
                                    ethnic groups leads to threat of secession;
            (vi)       Problem of revenue sharing and allocation;
            (vii)      It leads to dual loyalty:  Citizens tend to have loyalty to multiple   governments;
            (viii)     Difficulty in amending the constitution.  This is as a result of the rigid nature of federal constitutions;
            (ix)       It leads to unequal/uneven development;
            (x)        Federalism is prone to legal/judicial friction, tussle over areas of constitutional jurisdiction and competence;
            (xi)       Marked difficulties in attaining national unity/oneness;
            (xii)      It leads to mutual suspicion, mistrust, misgivings and rivalry among    the component units.