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JAMB Government 2013 Objective Past Questions

All 40 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Government 2013 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

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Government 2013 Objective — Question 2

Power that is delegated is exercised

  • A. indirectlyCorrect
  • B. by devolution
  • C. directly
  • D. by coercion

Explanation

Delegated power is power given by a superior authority to a subordinate body to exercise on its behalf. Since the body exercising it is not the original source of the power, it is exercised indirectly.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 3

De jure sovereignty is acquired through

  • A. force
  • B. lawCorrect
  • C. grant
  • D. treaty

Explanation

De jure sovereignty is legal sovereignty — the recognised, lawful right to exercise supreme power, acquired through law/constitution. (De facto sovereignty, by contrast, is based on actual control, which can be acquired by force.)

Government 2013 Objective — Question 4

A group of people who live together under a common law within a definite territory is

  • A. state
  • B. community
  • C. nation-stateCorrect
  • D. nation

Explanation

A nation-state combines the political/legal element of a state (common law, government, definite territory) with the cultural unity of a nation (a group of people who see themselves as one). The description given — common law and definite territory — fits a nation-state.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 5

Political socialization is associated with

  • A. free choice of party programmes
  • B. military takeover of civilian government
  • C. the transmission of political valuesCorrect
  • D. political transition

Explanation

Political socialization is the process by which individuals acquire and internalize political values, beliefs and attitudes, i.e. the transmission of political values from one generation/agent to another.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 6

According to Aristotle, a form of government in which the few rule for the benefit of all is

  • A. polyarchy
  • B. diarchy
  • C. aristocracyCorrect
  • D. autocracy

Explanation

In Aristotle's classification, aristocracy is rule by the few (the best-qualified) for the benefit of the whole society. Its corrupted form (rule by the few for their own benefit) is oligarchy.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 7

Rule by the old people is known as

  • A. theocracy
  • B. monarchy
  • C. gerontocracyCorrect
  • D. feudalism

Explanation

Gerontocracy is a system of government in which rule/leadership is held by the elderly.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 8

As an executive, the commissioner is charged with the responsibility of

  • A. making laws
  • B. implementing lawsCorrect
  • C. writing laws
  • D. giving loans

Explanation

The commissioner, as a member of the executive arm (at state level in Nigeria), is responsible for implementing laws and policies, not making them — law-making is the function of the legislature.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 9

Rule adjudication is a primary function of the

  • A. legislature
  • B. executive
  • C. judiciaryCorrect
  • D. government

Explanation

Rule adjudication — interpreting laws and settling disputes arising from them — is the primary function of the judiciary.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 10

The judiciary controls the executive in federal states through

  • A. motions
  • B. delegated legislation
  • C. judicial overview
  • D. judicial reviewCorrect

Explanation

Judicial review is the power of the courts to examine and, where necessary, declare unconstitutional the actions of the executive (and legislature), thereby serving as a check on the executive.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 11

One major advantage of the unitary system is that it tends to make government

  • A. strong and stableCorrect
  • B. free of controversy
  • C. distant from the people
  • D. popular among the masses

Explanation

Because power is concentrated in a single central government in a unitary system, government tends to be strong and stable, with quick and decisive decision-making.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 12

The presidential system differs from the parliamentary system of government in that

  • A. the tenure of office of the president is limitedCorrect
  • B. the principle of collective responsibility applies
  • C. executive and legislative powers are fused
  • D. powers of the three arms of government are merged

Explanation

In a presidential system, the president serves a fixed, constitutionally limited term of office, and there is separation of powers between the executive and legislature — unlike the parliamentary system, where the executive is drawn from and fused with the legislature, and collective responsibility applies.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 13

Which of the following advocates equitable distribution of wealth?

  • A. Plutocracy
  • B. Capitalism
  • C. Aristocracy
  • D. SocialismCorrect

Explanation

Socialism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for collective/state ownership of the means of production and equitable distribution of wealth among members of society.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 14

A constitution that is difficult to amend is

  • A. flexible
  • B. rigidCorrect
  • C. unwritten
  • D. written

Explanation

A rigid constitution is one that requires a special, often lengthy or difficult, procedure to amend — unlike a flexible constitution, which can be amended by ordinary legislative process.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 15

Which of the following constitutions is more suitable for centralization of political power?

  • A. Flexible ConstitutionCorrect
  • B. Unwritten constitution
  • C. Rigid constitution
  • D. Written constitution

Explanation

A flexible constitution, being easier to amend through ordinary legislative processes, makes it easier for political power to be centralized/concentrated, since the constitution can be changed more readily to suit the ruling authority.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 16

The act of transferring autonomous powers to subordinate agencies is

  • A. devolutionCorrect
  • B. concentration
  • C. deconcentration
  • D. delegation

Explanation

Devolution is the transfer of significant, autonomous governmental powers from a central authority to subordinate/regional bodies, which then exercise those powers independently.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 17

Which of the following types of citizenship cannot be withdrawn?

  • A. Citizenship by naturalization
  • B. Citizenship by conquest
  • C. Citizenship by birthCorrect
  • D. Honorary citizenship

Explanation

Citizenship acquired by birth is generally the most secure form of citizenship and, unlike naturalization or honorary citizenship, cannot ordinarily be withdrawn.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 18

The right of citizens to vote is

  • A. adult suffrage
  • B. universal suffrageCorrect
  • C. nationality suffrage
  • D. electoral suffrage

Explanation

Universal suffrage refers to the right of all qualified adult citizens, regardless of race, sex, or social status, to vote in elections.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 19

A political party is different from a pressure group in its

  • A. source of finance
  • B. objectiveCorrect
  • C. organization
  • D. strategy

Explanation

The key distinguishing objective of a political party is to contest elections and gain control of government, whereas a pressure group's objective is to influence government policy without seeking to govern directly.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 20

One of the functions of pressure groups is to

  • A. contest elections to serve the people
  • B. nominate the president
  • C. prepare the budget
  • D. articulate the opinion of their membersCorrect

Explanation

Pressure groups exist to articulate and press for the interests/opinions of their members, influencing government policy, rather than contesting elections (which is the function of political parties).

Government 2013 Objective — Question 21

Public opinion refers to the

  • A. aggregate of attitudes held by members of the national assembly
  • B. aggregate views of groups on particular government activitiesCorrect
  • C. views held by the president of a country
  • D. views of the Chief Justice of a country

Explanation

Public opinion is the aggregate/collective view held by the general public or groups within society regarding particular government activities or issues, not merely the views of a single official or body.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 22

The class that oversees the implementation of government decisions and policies is the

  • A. administrativeCorrect
  • B. executive
  • C. clerical
  • D. Technical

Explanation

The administrative class (the civil service) is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of government decisions and policies.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 23

The performance of ritual rites in the Yoruba empire is the responsibility of the

  • A. Oyo mesiCorrect
  • B. Aare-ona kakanfo
  • C. Oba
  • D. Ogboni

Explanation

In the old Oyo Empire, the Oyo Mesi (the council of kingmakers/chiefs) had responsibility for certain ritual and ceremonial functions, alongside checking the powers of the Alaafin.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 24

Under the emirate system, the commander of the army is the

  • A. AlkaliCorrect
  • B. Hakimi
  • C. Sarkin Fada
  • D. Madawaki

Explanation

In the Hausa/Fulani emirate system, the Madawaki is the traditional title for the commander-in-chief of the emirate's armed forces.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 25

The indirect rule system of administration was more successful in northern Nigeria because

  • A. the people were mainly interested in being governed indirectly
  • B. of the existence of an organized structure in the areaCorrect
  • C. Europeans ensured that the farmlands of the natives were not confiscated
  • D. the natives showed little or no resistance

Explanation

Indirect rule succeeded more in Northern Nigeria because the region already had a well-organized, centralized traditional political structure (the emirate system) which the British could easily use as a framework for indirect administration.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 26

The earliest nationalist activities in Nigeria were spearheaded by

  • A. educated elitesCorrect
  • B. trade unions
  • C. traditional rulers
  • D. political parties

Explanation

The earliest nationalist activities and agitation for self-rule in Nigeria were spearheaded by the educated elite, who had been exposed to Western education and ideas of self-determination.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 27

The first notable nationalist movement in West Africa was the

  • A. National Congress of British West AfricaCorrect
  • B. West Africa Students Union
  • C. Nigeria Youth Movement
  • D. Aborigines Rights Protection Society

Explanation

The National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA), founded in 1920, was one of the earliest and most notable pan-West African nationalist movements.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 28

In Nigeria's First Republic, the Prime Minister was both the

  • A. Head of government and a lawmaker
  • B. Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces
  • C. Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and Party leader
  • D. Head of State and Party leaderCorrect

Explanation

In Nigeria's First Republic (parliamentary system), the ceremonial Head of State was the President/Governor-General, while the Prime Minister was Head of Government and also served as the leader of his political party — per the printed answer key the labelled correct option is D.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 29

Under the 1979 Constitution, statutory allocation of revenue to local government councils is the responsibility of the

  • A. Council of StateCorrect
  • B. Houses of Assembly
  • C. National Economic Council
  • D. Federal Legislature

Explanation

Under the 1979 Constitution, the Council of State had a role in matters relating to statutory revenue allocation, including to local government councils.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 30

Under Nigeria's Second Republic, the Senate was under the leadership of

  • A. John Wash Pam
  • B. J.S. Tarka
  • C. Joseph WayasCorrect
  • D. Godwin Ume-Ezeoke

Explanation

Senator Joseph Wayas served as the President of the Senate during Nigeria's Second Republic (1979–1983).

Government 2013 Objective — Question 31

The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is statutorily empowered to determine the remuneration of

  • A. all civil servants
  • B. only elected representativesCorrect
  • C. political office holders
  • D. employees of public corporations

Explanation

The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is constitutionally empowered to determine the remuneration of political office holders, including the President, governors, legislators and other elected officials.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 32

The primary function of the Code of Conduct Bureau is to

  • A. ensure due process by public officers
  • B. ensure minimum standard of morality
  • C. retain custody of declarations of assets
  • D. receive declaration of assetsCorrect

Explanation

The Code of Conduct Bureau's primary function is to receive declarations of assets from public officers, as a means of ensuring accountability and preventing corruption.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 33

The party system practiced in Nigeria's Third Republic was

  • A. multi-party
  • B. two-partyCorrect
  • C. zero-party
  • D. one-party

Explanation

During Nigeria's Third Republic (under General Babangida), a two-party system was imposed, consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Government 2013 Objective — Question 34

Nigeria adopted a federal system government because of

  • A. the fear of domination of minoritiesCorrect
  • B. uneven development
  • C. the availability of limited resources
  • D. the adoption of a state religion

Explanation

One of the key reasons Nigeria adopted a federal system was to allay the fears of ethnic minorities of being politically dominated by the larger ethnic groups, by granting a measure of self-governance to the constituent regions/states.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 35

The highest policy-making body under the Gowon Regime was the

  • A. Federal Executive Council
  • B. Armed-Forces Ruling Council
  • C. Provisional Ruling Council
  • D. Supreme Military CouncilCorrect

Explanation

Under General Yakubu Gowon's military regime, the Supreme Military Council (SMC) was the highest policy-making body.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 36

Nigeria became a federation of thirty-six states during the era of

  • A. Yakubu Gowon
  • B. Ibrahim Babangida
  • C. Sani AbachaCorrect
  • D. Abdulsalami Abubakar

Explanation

Nigeria's 36th state (Ebonyi, Bayelsa, and others created in the same batch) came into being in 1996 under the regime of General Sani Abacha, bringing the total number of states to 36.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 37

Which of the following headed the committee that recommended the suitability of Abuja as a new federal city?

  • A. Justice Akinola AgudaCorrect
  • B. Justice Buba Ardo
  • C. Justice Atanda Fatal Williams
  • D. Justice Udo Udoma

Explanation

The panel/committee that recommended Abuja as the site for Nigeria's new federal capital was headed by Justice Akinola Aguda.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 38

A public corporation is managed by

  • A. the board of directorsCorrect
  • B. a minister
  • C. a general manager
  • D. the board of governors

Explanation

A public corporation is managed by a board of directors appointed by the government, who oversee its day-to-day administration.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 39

A major source of revenue in the post-1976 local government in Nigeria is

  • A. the joint state-local government account
  • B. internally generated revenue
  • C. the federation accountCorrect
  • D. grants and loans

Explanation

Following the 1976 local government reforms, statutory allocation from the Federation Account became (and remains) a major source of revenue for local governments in Nigeria.

Government 2013 Objective — Question 40

The Provisional Ruling Council was the highest ruling body during the regime of

  • A. Sani AbachaCorrect
  • B. Muhammadu Buhari
  • C. Ibrahim Babangida
  • D. Murtala Muhammed

Explanation

The Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) was the highest policy-making body during General Sani Abacha's regime (1993–1998).

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