“Political problems were not a significant challenge to new states in the first 10 years of independence.” With reference to two new states, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that political problems were not a significant challenge to new states in the first ten years of independence. The two states may or may not be drawn from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two states or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both states will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. There may be discussion of the extent to which political stability was established after independence, and the ability of pre-independence movements to provide effective government once in power. The challenge of establishing new political structures may be considered. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

The question required candidates to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that political problems were not a significant challenge to new states in the first ten years of independence. Most responses dealt quite well with the demands of this question with some relevant knowledge demonstrated.