All 50 questions from the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Government 2024 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
The ultimate source of power and authority which set the state apart from other forms of political organizations is referred to as
A. A. constitutional checks and balances
B. B. rule of law
C. C. sovereigntyCorrect
D. D. federalism
Explanation
Sovereignty is the ultimate source of power and authority that sets the state apart from other forms of political organizations, as it implies the supreme power to govern within a territory.
The institution through which political leaders exercise power to make and enforce laws is the
A. A. governmentCorrect
B. B. judiciary
C. C. political party
D. D. security agency
Explanation
The government is the institution through which leaders exercise power to make and enforce laws, encompassing the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The fundamental principles by which a state is ordered and governed is usually outlined in a
A. A. bill
B. B. constitutionCorrect
C. C. parliamentary proceedings
D. D. state manual
Explanation
A constitution outlines the fundamental principles by which a state is ordered and governed, providing the legal framework for the functioning of the state.
Which one among the following factors greatly restrains the government in a democratic society?
A. A. Consent of the governedCorrect
B. B. Consent of the civil society organization
C. C. Ideology of the party
D. D. Parliamentary debates
Explanation
In a democratic society, the government is greatly restrained by the consent of the governed, as democracy is based on the will and approval of the people.
The following factors are challenges faced by the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Power except
A. A. appointment of judges
B. B. financial autonomy
C. C. removal of judges from office
D. D. poor legal infrastructureCorrect
Explanation
The other options are challenges faced by the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Power, whereas poor legal infrastructure is not directly related to this doctrine.
Accountability in constitutional democracy is best enforced through a system of
A. A. checks and balanceCorrect
B. B. civil society organizations
C. C. subversion of the law
D. D. selection of the right leaders
Explanation
Accountability in constitutional democracy is best enforced through a system of checks and balances, which ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.
The application of the common principles that are important to improve decision-making processes and ultimately strengthen democracy and improve social and economic development is best described as
A. A. fundamental right
B. B. good governanceCorrect
C. C. separation of powers
D. D. social democracy
Explanation
Good governance encompasses the application of common principles that improve decision-making processes, strengthen democracy, and enhance social and economic development.
One of the reasons for having two legislative chambers in the governance structure of a country is to ensure the
A. A. executive is kept under check and control
B. B. powers of the lower chamber is suppressed
C. C. strict control of the affairs of the state
D. D. thorough scrutiny of legislationCorrect
Explanation
One of the reasons for having two legislative chambers is to ensure thorough scrutiny of legislation, providing checks and balances within the legislative process.
Which one of the following factors have contributed largely to the weakened and poor performance of state institutions in many West Africa State?
A. A. CorruptionCorrect
B. B. Globalization
C. C. Low remuneration and wages
D. D. Weak institutional memory
Explanation
Corruption has largely contributed to the weakened and poor performance of state institutions in many West African states, undermining governance and development efforts.
One of the paramount roles to play as a citizen in sustaining the democratic system of governance is to
A. A. avoid criticism of government
B. B. play the partisan card
C. C. pray for a good leader
D. D. register and vote in electionsCorrect
Explanation
One of the paramount roles of citizens in sustaining a democratic system of governance is to register and vote in elections, ensuring participation in the democratic process.
The responsibility of citizens towards nation-building is to
A. A. encourage civil disobedience in the face of hardship
B. B. participate and contribute to decision makingCorrect
C. C. stampede government policies and programmes
D. D. boycott and withdraw services to the state
Explanation
The responsibility of citizens towards nation-building is to participate and contribute to decision making, supporting the development and implementation of policies.
Promoting electoral integrity is the crucial function of which institution of state?
A. A. civil society organizations
B. B. executive arm of government
C. C. electoral management bodyCorrect
D. D. security services
Explanation
Promoting electoral integrity is the crucial function of the electoral management body, which oversees the conduct of elections to ensure they are free, fair, and credible.
Constitutionally, the local government administration is controlled by the state through
A. A. administrators
B. B. legislationCorrect
C. C. native laws
D. D. state bureau
Explanation
Constitutionally, local government administration is controlled by the state through legislation, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of local governments.
Which state institution is referred to as the bureaucratic wing responsible for the running of government offices, agencies and departments?
A. A. Bureau of national affairs
B. B. Civil Services BoardCorrect
C. C. Controller of state services
D. D. Public services board
Explanation
The civil services are referred to as the bureaucratic wing responsible for running government offices, agencies, and departments, ensuring the implementation of policies and programs.
The local government administration in many West African countries is faced with a myriad of problems one of which is
A. A. employee retention
B. B. illiterate traditional authorities
C. C. unavailability of land
D. D. weak institutional lawsCorrect
Explanation
One of the problems faced by local government administration in many West African countries is weak institutional laws, which hinder effective governance and development.
One of the following options does not pass as a means of ensuring the independence of the judiciary which is
A. A. immunity from prosecution
B. B. promotion on merit
C. C. security of tenure
D. D. salary determined by the executiveCorrect
Explanation
Ensuring the independence of the judiciary includes immunity from prosecution, promotion on merit, and security of tenure, but not salary determined by the executive, which could compromise independence.
As part of its constitutional mandate, the Public Service Commission is expected to
A. A. carry out the orders of the president only
B. B. determine salaries of the executive only
C. C. recruit high ranking personnel for the civil serviceCorrect
D. D. review salaries and allowances of staff of the executive only
Explanation
As part of its constitutional mandate, the Public Service Commission recruits high-ranking personnel for the civil service, ensuring a professional and efficient public administration.
The impartiality of the civil servant is important to the governance structure because they work for the interest of the
A. A. bureaucrat
B. B. executive
C. C. presidency
D. D. stateCorrect
Explanation
The impartiality of the civil service is important because their work is for the interest of the state, ensuring the implementation of policies and programs in a non-partisan manner.
Which one of the following cannot be considered as a factor that influences the delimitation of a country into constituencies?
A. A. Administrative convenience
B. B. Geographical proximity
C. C. Historical experience
D. D. Political socializationCorrect
Explanation
Political socialization is not a factor that influences the delimitation of a country into constituencies, which is based on administrative convenience, geographical proximity, and historical experience.
A type of constitution suitable for the governance of a federal state is a
A. A. flexible constitution
B. B. rigid constitutionCorrect
C. C. republican constitution
D. D. parliamentary constitution
Explanation
A rigid constitution is suitable for the governance of a federal state as it provides a stable and consistent legal framework that is difficult to amend, ensuring the protection of federal principles.
A set of principles enshrined in a constitution that guide the government in making laws and policies for the welfare of the people is referred to as a
A. A. directive principles of state policyCorrect
B. B. constitutional provisions
C. C. Human Right and Administrative Justice
D. D. edicts, customs and traditions
Explanation
Directive principles of state policy are a set of principles enshrined in a constitution that guide the government in making laws and policies for the welfare of the people.
Which situation in a democratic state can create an environment where military intervention is perceived as the only option to restore order, protect the population or address grievance?
A. A. Boycott of election
B. B. crises
C. C. Political crisesCorrect
D. D. Youth unemployment
Explanation
Political crises can create an environment where military intervention is perceived as the only option to restore order, protect the population, or address grievances in a democratic state.
Despite the many challenges bedeviling the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), it has managed over the years a promoting
A. A. regime protection and economic stability in member countries
B. B. trade tariff and self-reliance
C. C. regional integration and cooperationCorrect
D. D. collective will against globalization
Explanation
Despite many challenges, ECOWAS has managed to promote regional integration and cooperation among member countries, enhancing economic, political, and social development.
One of the reasons for which United Nations (UN) is considered as the only influential world body is the fact that it
A. A. plays a crucial role in international diplomacyCorrect
B. B. supports the war mission of the member countries
C. C. influences regime change by supporting the opposition
D. D. withholds humanitarian support to military regimes
Explanation
The UN is considered an influential world body because it plays a crucial role in international diplomacy, mediating conflicts and promoting global peace and security.
The African Union (AU) aims at ensuring the following developments in member countries except for
A. A. equal distribution of wealthCorrect
B. B. governance and democracy
C. C. peace and security
D. D. social development
Explanation
The AU aims at ensuring governance and democracy, peace and security, and social development in member countries, but not necessarily the equal distribution of wealth.
What encompasses a range of diplomatic, political economic and security decisions and actions that a state embarks on to protect and promote sovereignty on the global stage?
A. A. Alliances
B. B. Foreign policyCorrect
C. C. National interest
D. D. Constitutionalism
Explanation
Foreign policy encompasses a range of diplomatic, political, economic, and security decisions and actions that a state embarks on to protect and promote sovereignty on the global stage.
Which colonial policy worked against the sovereign power and authority of the traditional political authority and institutions?
A. A. Crown Colony Edict
B. B. Expatriate Edict
C. C. Indirect RuleCorrect
D. D. Protectorate Colony Law
Explanation
Indirect Rule was a colonial policy that worked against the sovereign power and authority of traditional political authority and institutions, as it involved ruling through local leaders under the control of colonial powers.
The surge in nationalism and its related activities was fueled by the oppressive colonial experience and A.
A. A. partition of West African territories
B. B. the strong desire for civilization
C. C. ideology and activities of pan-AfricanismCorrect
D. D. monopoly of mineral resources and land degradation
Explanation
The surge in nationalism and its related activities was fueled by the oppressive colonial experience and the ideology and activities of pan-Africanism, which advocated for the unity and independence of African nations.
Which institution of state enables different groups and interests to be represented as well as actively participate in the political space?
A. A. Advocate Groups
B. B. Democracy
C. C. Judiciary
D. D. Political partyCorrect
Explanation
Political parties enable different groups and interests to be represented and actively participate in the political space, contributing to democratic governance.
Nationalism played a crucial role in the struggle for independence in West Africa by way of fostering a sense of unity among the people and A.
A. A. abhorrence of Western style of governance
B. B. civil disobedience and killings of White officials
C. C. dismantling of artificial borders
D. D. political consciousnessCorrect
Explanation
Nationalism played a crucial role in the struggle for independence in West Africa by fostering a sense of unity among the people and political consciousness, which motivated collective action against colonial rule.
The Crown Colony policy introduced some progressive institutions of governance in West Africa such as the
A. A. creation of the rigid class system
B. B. education of the traditional rulers
C. C. introduction of Western Legal systemCorrect
D. D. introduction of military academy
Explanation
The Crown Colony policy introduced the Western Legal system, which was a progressive institution of governance in West Africa, influencing the legal framework and administration of justice.
The following influential nationalist leaders contributed significantly to shaping the political destiny and nation-states of West Africa except
A. A. Dawda Kairaba Jawara
B. B. Kwame Nkrumah
C. C. Nnamdi Azikiwe
D. D. Oliver TamboCorrect
Explanation
Oliver Tambo was a South African anti-apartheid politician and revolutionary leader, not directly involved in shaping the political destiny and nation-states of West Africa.
Diplomacy plays a vital role in shaping the interactions between states and by extension maintaining
A. A. bipolar world
B. B. global stabilityCorrect
C. C. power blocks
D. D. unipolar world
Explanation
Diplomacy plays a vital role in shaping the interactions between states and maintaining global stability, preventing conflicts and promoting cooperation.
The following constitute the key features of most independent constitutions of most West African States except
A. A. nationalist leaders became army commandersCorrect
B. B. democratic principles of governance
C. C. national unity and diversity
D. D. socio-economic right and development
Explanation
Independent constitutions of West African states typically feature democratic principles of governance, national unity, diversity, and socio-economic rights and development, but not the appointment of nationalist leaders as army commanders.
The grave effect of the French Colonial Policy of Assimilation in her West African Colonies was the
A. A. aggressive development of nationalism
B. B. shortfall in the essential needs of the colonies
C. C. slow pace in their political fortunesCorrect
D. D. waging war on neighbouring colonial territories
Explanation
The French Colonial Policy of Assimilation led to a slow pace in the political fortunes of West African colonies, as it aimed to assimilate Africans into French culture rather than promote self-governance.
The British Colonial policy in her West African territories was marked by the following strategies and structures except
A. A. divide and rule
B. B. economic exploitation
C. C. indirect rule
D. D. investments in the coloniesCorrect
Explanation
The British Colonial policy in West African territories included divide and rule, economic exploitation, and indirect rule, but not significant investments in the colonies.
Globalization impacts the development and progress of West African States by the of
A. A. manipulation of economics of states
B. B. propping of regimes
C. C. protecting state sovereignty
D. D. technology transferCorrect
Explanation
Globalization impacts the development and progress of West African states by facilitating technology transfer, enhancing communication, and fostering economic growth.
Power, authority, legitimacy and sovereignty are described in the study of government as what?
A. A. Basic concepts and PrinciplesCorrect
B. B. Constitutionalism and meanings
C. C. Principles and Structures
D. D. Structure of Governance
Explanation
Power, authority, legitimacy, and sovereignty are described as basic concepts and principles, essential for understanding the structure and function of political systems.
A government with corrupt rulers who use their power to exploit the people and natural resources of their own territory to extend their personal wealth and political power is described as
A. A. autocracy
B. B. capitalism
C. C. kleptocracyCorrect
D. D. oligarchy
Explanation
A government with corrupt rulers who exploit people and natural resources for personal gain is described as a kleptocracy, characterized by widespread corruption and theft.
In what way can the local government system assist in national development?
A. A. By aligning local efforts with broader national goalsCorrect
B. B. depending on the central government for basic needs and development
C. C. encouraging youth movement to industrial centres
D. D. ensuring only top-bottom policies of government are supported
Explanation
The local government system assists in national development by aligning local efforts with broader national goals, ensuring coordinated and sustainable development.
The perceived perennial problem of the United Nations (UN) since its inception is the
A. A. Directive Principles of State Policy
B. B. deep seated diversity among member statesCorrect
C. C. nature of political leaders and their ages
D. D. poor constitutional provisions of member states
Explanation
The perennial problem of the United Nations since its inception is the deep-seated diversity among member states, which often leads to conflicting interests and challenges in decision-making.
For the executive to enjoy the good will of the people in a democratic state, it must adhere to the tenets of
A. A. political equality, exercise fair treatment and equal opportunities for all citizensCorrect
B. B. the Council of State
C. C. unrestrained power
D. D. laissez-faire government
Explanation
For the executive to enjoy the goodwill of the people in a democratic state, it must adhere to political equality, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all citizens.
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