BECECivic EducationDemocracy

Universal suffrage means:

AVoting for all adultsCORRECT
BRestricted voting
COnly men voting
DOnly educated
AI
Toasta AI Explanation
Why the answer is A, and why the others tempt you.
## The reasoning **Universal suffrage** means *everyone* has the right to vote — no barriers based on gender, education, wealth, or social class. The word "universal" means "for all," and "suffrage" means "the right to vote." So when you see "universal suffrage," think: **voting rights extended to all adult citizens**. This is a fundamental principle of modern democracy. In Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999–present), we practice universal suffrage — any citizen 18+ can vote, regardless of whether they're male/female, rich/poor, or educated/uneducated. ## Why the wrong options tempt you - **B) Restricted voting** is the *opposite* — this is when only certain groups can vote (the old system before reforms). - **C) Only men voting** describes how things were before women's suffrage movements fought for equality. - **D) Only educated** sounds "responsible" to some, but it contradicts the "universal" part — education requirements exclude people unfairly. ## Quick takeaway **Universal = Everyone.** If you see "universal suffrage," the answer must include *all adults*, not just select groups.
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →

Practice more Civic Education questions

BECE Civic Education has thousands more questions like this — with AI explanations on every one.