(a) Describe the origin of the Commonwealth.
(b) Identify four benefits derived by being a member of the Commonwealth
Explanation
(a) Commonwealth means association of former colonies of Britain.
(i) The origin of Commonwealth could be traced to 1907 when the representatives of governments of these five countries, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa met for the first time.
(ii) The Association was formerly known as British Commonwealth of Nations.
(iii) The modern Commonwealth begin in 1931 when British parliament created Statute of West Minister.
(iv) Commonwealth is composed of 54 countries now.
(v) The British Monarch was/still the Head of the Commonwealth.
(vii) The headquarters of the Commonwealth was /still in London.
(b)(i) Common language: All the member nations of the Commonwealth adopt English language as their official language.
(ii) Common legal system: They all derive their legal system from that of the British.
(iii) Commonwealth scholarship scheme to deserving students.
(iv) Member countries can borrow money from other countries for their development programmes.
(v) Trade: The commonwealth members States used to trade with one another on favourable terms.
(vi) Commonwealth sports: All the commonwealth nations meet every four years for sporting activities.
(vii) Technical, scientific and educational benefits: Experts in various fields are exchanged among Commonwealth members.
(viii) Defence: Training of defence personnel in other military academy e.g. Britain, India.