Government 2, WASSCE (SC), 2016

Question 2

(a)        What are rights?
(b)        Highlight four limitations on the rights of a citizen.

Observation

This was a popular question and many of the candidates who answered the            question performed above average. They understand the demands of the question and    scored high marks. Some candidates failed in part (b) because of skimpy answers.          However, the candidates were expected to write the following points in order to score           high marks:
           
            (a)        Rights are legal entitlements that citizens of a state enjoy.

            (b)        (i)         Legal limitations e.g. libel, slander, sedition etc.      
(ii)        Declaration of a state of emergency.
(iii)                  Public servants under oath of secrecy have no right to release official information.
(iv)       Remand / Imprisonment by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(v)        Restriction for Health reasons e.g. outbreak of contagious diseases.
(vi)       Violation of the rights of others.
(vii)      Illiteracy, poverty and ignorance.
(viii)     For the purpose of maintaining state security/Restricted areas.
(ix)       Insanity-lunatics are confined.
(x)        Acquisition of individual’s property by the state for public use.
(xi)       Negative traditional practices can limit the right of the individual.
(xii)      The nature and system of government e.g. Military.
(xiii)     Economic and social conditions may limit the enjoyment of rights.
(xiv)    Constitutional limitations - public and civil servants are not allowed to participate in politics, age limitation in voting etc.