Government 2012 Objective — Question 1
Which Question Paper Type of Government is given to you?
- A. Type Green
- B. Type Purple
- C. Type RedCorrect
- D. Type Yellow
Explanation
This is a type Red Government question paper (as indicated on the paper).
JAMB Government 2012 Objective Past Questions
All 50 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Government 2012 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
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Government 2012 Objective — Question 2
The distinctive attribute of a state is the monopoly of
- A. control
- B. power
- C. violenceCorrect
- D. justice
Explanation
A defining feature of the state, as classically theorized (e.g. by Max Weber), is its monopoly of the legitimate use of violence/force within its territory.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 3
State as a political entity refers to
- A. an organized group within a definite territoryCorrect
- B. an association of men in a given society
- C. a branch of a nation
- D. a geographical location
Explanation
A state, as a political entity, refers to an organized group of people within a definite territory, under a sovereign government.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 4
Political values are acquired in any given society through
- A. political re-orientation
- B. political campaign
- C. political socializationCorrect
- D. political indoctrination
Explanation
Political socialization is the process through which individuals acquire their political values, beliefs and attitudes, typically from agents such as family, school, media and peer groups.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 5
In a democratic government, political sovereignty is vested in the
- A. legislature
- B. elite
- C. executive
- D. electorateCorrect
Explanation
In a democracy, political (popular) sovereignty ultimately resides with the electorate (the people), who confer authority on their representatives through elections.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 6
One judicial function performed by the executive is
- A. granting of amnesty
- B. implementing judicial orders
- C. ensuring obedience to the Law
- D. appointing judgesCorrect
Explanation
The appointment of judges, though a judicial-related matter, is typically carried out by the executive (e.g. the president/governor), making it a judicial-type function performed by the executive arm.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 7
A government system in which constitutional supremacy resides in the centre is
- A. federal
- B. confederal
- C. unitaryCorrect
- D. parliamentary
Explanation
In a unitary system, constitutional supremacy and political power reside in the central government, which may delegate some functions to local units but retains overriding authority.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 8
A political system which empowers the leader with the ultimate responsibility to execute laws is
- A. parliamentarianism
- B. presidentialismCorrect
- C. dictatorship
- D. autocracy
Explanation
In a presidential system, the president, as both head of state and head of government, bears ultimate responsibility for executing the laws.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 9
A bill is a draft which is awaiting the consideration of the
- A. executive
- B. party caucus
- C. legislatureCorrect
- D. judiciary
Explanation
A bill is a proposed piece of legislation awaiting debate, amendment and passage by the legislature before it can become law.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 10
The private ownership of the means of production is a feature of
- A. capitalismCorrect
- B. socialism
- C. communalism
- D. communism
Explanation
Capitalism is characterized by private ownership of the means of production, with resource allocation largely determined by market forces.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 11
In a feudal system, the two major classes are the serfs and the
- A. masses
- B. vassals
- C. lordsCorrect
- D. elite
Explanation
In feudalism, the two major classes are the lords (who owned and controlled land) and the serfs (peasants who worked the land in exchange for protection and the right to farm).
Government 2012 Objective — Question 12
An example of a country with a flexible constitution is
- A. South Africa
- B. BritainCorrect
- C. Benin Republic
- D. the United State of America
Explanation
Britain is the classic example of a country with a flexible (unwritten, easily amendable) constitution, which can be changed through ordinary acts of parliament.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 13
The rule of law is a negation of
- A. equality before the law
- B. supremacy of the law
- C. limited power
- D. absolute powerCorrect
Explanation
The rule of law stands opposed to absolute (arbitrary/unchecked) power, insisting instead that all persons, including those in government, are subject to and accountable under the law.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 14
To ensure the rights and freedom of citizens, the powers of the arms of government must be
- A. fused
- B. incorporated
- C. separatedCorrect
- D. rotated
Explanation
The separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary is a key safeguard for citizens' rights and freedoms, preventing the concentration and abuse of power.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 15
Delegated legislation is made by bodies other than the
- A. president
- B. governor
- C. parliamentCorrect
- D. judiciary
Explanation
Delegated legislation refers to laws/rules made by bodies (such as ministries or agencies) other than the parliament (legislature), under authority granted to them by an enabling Act.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 16
The bringing of a session of a parliament to an end through royal proclamation is known as
- A. political impasse
- B. dissolution of parliament
- C. vote of no confidence
- D. prorogation of parliamentCorrect
Explanation
Prorogation is the formal ending of a parliamentary session (without dissolving the parliament itself), traditionally done through royal proclamation in Westminster-style systems.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 17
The right of citizens to participate in the affairs of government of their country is called
- A. economic right
- B. civil right
- C. political rightCorrect
- D. social right
Explanation
The right of citizens to participate in the government and political affairs of their country (e.g. voting, contesting elections) is a political right.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 18
The commission charged with the conduct of federal elections in Nigeria is
- A. NEC
- B. FEDECO
- C. INECCorrect
- D. NECON
Explanation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the body currently charged with conducting federal elections in Nigeria.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 19
An electoral system in which parties are assigned seats in the parliament commensurate to the number of votes polled is
- A. absolute majority
- B. simple majority
- C. proportional representationCorrect
- D. indirect election
Explanation
Proportional representation is an electoral system in which parties are allocated parliamentary seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 20
An intra-party activity for the selection of candidates for elective positions is known as
- A. primary electionCorrect
- B. general election
- C. mid-term election
- D. bye-election
Explanation
A primary election is an intra-party process through which a political party selects its candidates for subsequent elective positions/general elections.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 21
The primary aim of pressure groups is to
- A. attract people's attention
- B. protect the interest of membersCorrect
- C. capture political power
- D. fight corrupt officials
Explanation
Unlike political parties (which seek to capture political power), pressure groups exist primarily to protect and advance the interests of their members by influencing government policy.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 22
Which of the following is used in gauging public opinion?
- A. Constitution
- B. Educational institution
- C. Mass mediaCorrect
- D. Electoral college
Explanation
The mass media (press, radio, television etc.) is a key instrument used for gauging and shaping public opinion on issues of governance.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 23
A permanent structure that facilitates continuity and guarantees orderly conduct in governance is
- A. bureaucracyCorrect
- B. public corporation
- C. ombudsman
- D. political party
Explanation
The bureaucracy (civil service) is the permanent administrative structure of government, ensuring continuity of governance regardless of changes in the political administration.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 24
In the Hausa pre-colonial political system, a district was headed by
- A. a hakimiCorrect
- B. a dagaci
- C. an alkali
- D. a waziri
Explanation
In the Hausa/Fulani traditional political system, a district was headed by a hakimi (district head), who reported to the Emir.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 25
Which of the following ensured the practice of democracy in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system?
- A. Checks and balancesCorrect
- B. Fusion of power
- C. Individual responsibility
- D. The rule of law
Explanation
The pre-colonial Yoruba political system practiced a form of checks and balances, with the Oba's powers checked by councils of chiefs (e.g. the Oyo Mesi), ensuring a degree of democratic practice.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 26
Colonization of Africa was mainly motivated by
- A. security considerations
- B. economic reasonsCorrect
- C. religious reasons
- D. cultural factors
Explanation
The colonization of Africa was mainly driven by economic reasons — the search for raw materials, markets for manufactured goods, and investment opportunities for European powers.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 27
The French colonial system was underlined by the policy of
- A. assimilationCorrect
- B. paternalism
- C. socialism
- D. indirect rule
Explanation
The French colonial administration was underlined by the policy of assimilation, which aimed to turn colonial subjects into French citizens by adopting French culture, language and institutions.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 28
Radical nationalism in Nigeria is generally attributed to the influence of
- A. Aminu Kano
- B. Herbert Macaulay
- C. Nnamdi AzikiweCorrect
- D. Mbonu Ojike
Explanation
Radical nationalism in Nigeria is generally attributed to the influence of Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose journalism and political activities energized a more assertive, mass-based nationalist movement.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 29
Two foreigners that directly aroused nationalist feelings among Nigerians are
- A. Edward Blyden and Payne Jackson
- B. Casely Hayford and James Horton
- C. W. E. du Bois and H.O. Davies
- D. Marcus Garvey and Casely HayfordCorrect
Explanation
Marcus Garvey and Casely Hayford (both from outside Nigeria) are credited with directly influencing and arousing nationalist sentiments among Nigerians through pan-Africanist ideas.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 30
Members of the Senate in Nigeria's First Republic were
- A. elected directly by the people
- B. elected by electoral college
- C. nominated by regional and federal governmentsCorrect
- D. nominated by the president of the house
Explanation
In Nigeria's First Republic, members of the Senate were nominated by the regional (and federal) governments, rather than being directly elected by the people.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 31
In Nigeria, the agency mainly responsible for the maintenance of internal peace and security is the
- A. Army
- B. Navy
- C. Civil Defence Corps
- D. PoliceCorrect
Explanation
The Nigeria Police Force is the agency primarily responsible for the maintenance of internal peace, law and order and security.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 32
The National Assembly in Nigeria is primarily responsible for
- A. executing laws
- B. interpreting laws
- C. ratifying appointments
- D. making lawsCorrect
Explanation
The National Assembly, as the federal legislature, is primarily responsible for making (enacting) laws for the federation.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 33
The major factor militating against the efficient operation of electoral commissions in Nigeria is
- A. inadequate public support
- B. population size
- C. inadequate skilled manpower
- D. excessive political interferenceCorrect
Explanation
Excessive political interference (from the executive, political parties, and other actors) is widely regarded as the major factor militating against the efficient, independent operation of electoral commissions in Nigeria.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 34
A major objective of the Public Complaints Commission is
- A. training and promotion of public servants
- B. settlement of disputes among individuals
- C. addressing the grievances of individuals and groupsCorrect
- D. fighting corruption and indiscipline
Explanation
The Public Complaints Commission (Ombudsman) exists mainly to receive and address the grievances of individuals and groups against maladministration by public officials/agencies.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 35
The three registered political parties at the inception of Nigeria's Fourth Republic were
- A. PDP, DPP and PPA
- B. PDP, AD and APPCorrect
- C. PDP, AD and PPA
- D. PDP, APP and AC
Explanation
At the inception of Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999), the three registered political parties were the PDP, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), and the All People's Party (APP).
Government 2012 Objective — Question 36
The Sharia legal system was first introduced in the Fourth Republic in
- A. Kano State
- B. Katsina State
- C. Zamfara StateCorrect
- D. Sokoto State
Explanation
Zamfara State was the first state to introduce (fully implement) the Sharia legal system in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, in the year 2000.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 37
Quota system and federal character principles were entrenched in the 1979 Constitution to ensure
- A. loyaltyCorrect
- B. economic empowerment
- C. equity
- D. even development
Explanation
The quota system and federal character principle were entrenched in the 1979 Constitution primarily to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty to the Nigerian federation among its diverse ethnic groups, by ensuring fair representation.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 38
Workers in the public corporations are known as
- A. civil servants
- B. private employees
- C. public servantsCorrect
- D. professional employees
Explanation
Workers in public corporations (as distinct from the core civil service) are generally referred to as public servants.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 39
The central objective of privatization in Nigeria is to
- A. reduce the retrenchment of workers
- B. encourage prompt payment of salaries
- C. improve standard of living
- D. improve the efficiency of enterprisesCorrect
Explanation
The central objective of privatization is to improve the efficiency and productivity of enterprises, by transferring them from government to private ownership/management.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 40
Military intervention in Nigeria arose from
- A. perceived incapability of civilians to governCorrect
- B. international pressure for change
- C. the desire for a military government
- D. civilians desire to relinquish power
Explanation
Military intervention (coups) in Nigeria has typically been justified by the military as arising from the perceived incapability, corruption, or failure of the civilian government to govern effectively.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 41
The first institution introduced by the military to exercise legislative power was the
- A. Supreme Military CouncilCorrect
- B. Armed Forces Ruling Council
- C. Federal Executive Council
- D. Provisional Ruling Council
Explanation
The Supreme Military Council was the first institution introduced by the military (under General Aguiyi-Ironsi/Gowon) to exercise legislative (and executive) power in Nigeria.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 42
The main focus of Nigeria's foreign policy since independence centres on
- A. south-south cooperation
- B. sub-regionalism
- C. globalism
- D. afrocentrismCorrect
Explanation
Nigeria's foreign policy since independence has been centred on Afrocentrism — Africa as the centrepiece of its foreign policy.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 43
The country that championed decolonization in Africa was
- A. Nigeria
- B. South Africa
- C. GhanaCorrect
- D. Kenya
Explanation
Ghana, under Kwame Nkrumah (the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence), championed the cause of decolonization across Africa.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 44
A major drawback to the NEPAD initiative is its
- A. articulation by few African leaders
- B. affiliation to the African Union
- C. inability to empower the youth
- D. reliance on Western donors for fundsCorrect
Explanation
A major criticism/drawback of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is its heavy reliance on funding from Western donor countries and institutions.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 45
The structure of the African Union includes
- A. The Court of Justice, Pan African Congress and People's Assembly
- B. Pan African Parliament, the Court of Justice and the Peace and Security CouncilCorrect
- C. Specialized Technical Commission, the Court of Justice and Humanitarian Board
- D. People's Assembly, Humanitarian Board and the Peace and Security Council
Explanation
The structure of the African Union includes organs such as the Pan African Parliament, the Court of Justice, and the Peace and Security Council, among others.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 46
ECOMOG at the initial stage of its intervention in Liberia was perceived as
- A. neutralCorrect
- B. incompetent
- C. partisan
- D. invaders
Explanation
At the initial stage of its intervention in the Liberian civil war, the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) was perceived by many as a neutral peacekeeping force.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 47
The African leader mostly credited for spearheading the formation of the African Union is
- A. Muammar GhaddafiCorrect
- B. Abdoulaye Wade
- C. Thaho Mbeki
- D. Abdelaziz Bouteflika
Explanation
Libyan leader Muammar Ghaddafi is widely credited as a key driving force behind the transformation of the OAU into the African Union.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 48
One of the programmes binding members of the Commonwealth is the
- A. food and aid programme
- B. cultural programmesCorrect
- C. agenda for peace
- D. scholarship scheme
Explanation
Cultural programmes/exchanges are among the initiatives that bind the diverse member states of the Commonwealth of Nations together.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 49
As part of the reforms in the UN, two slots were proposed in the Security Council for
- A. Asia
- B. AfricaCorrect
- C. America
- D. Europe
Explanation
As part of proposed reforms to expand the UN Security Council's permanent membership, two additional slots were proposed to be allocated to Africa.
Government 2012 Objective — Question 50
The founding members of OPEC are
- A. Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
- B. Nigeria, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia
- C. Venezuela, Nigeria, Libya, Iran and Iraq
- D. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and VenezuelaCorrect
Explanation
The founding members of OPEC (formed in 1960) were Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Venezuela; Nigeria and other members joined later.
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