All 50 questions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Government 2020 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
A. a contract between the rulers and the ruledCorrect
B. a preserve of the political party in power
C. monopoly of the major ethnic group
D. alternation of power between the majority and minority tribes
Explanation
Democracy is a form of government where the citizens choose their government periodically through an election. In other words, the government is based on the consent of the people, hence democracy is a contract between the rulers and the ruled.
The ability to make and enforce laws and administer justice constitute the major functions of a
A. nation
B. society
C. governmentCorrect
D. pressure group
Explanation
The machinery that helps to sustain a state is the government. The government is an agency of the state that discharges the core functions of the state. These functions include: law-making; law enforcement and law interpretation (administration of justice).
Executive power in a cabinet system of government is vested in the
A. legislature
B. judiciary
C. civil service
D. Council of MinistersCorrect
Explanation
Cabinet system of government is another name for the parliamentary system of government. In a cabinet system of government, the executive powers and functions are vested in the Prime-Minister and his ministers (that is, Council Ministers).
D. its powers are distributed equally between the centre and units
Explanation
A confederal state is where two or more sovereign and independent countries come together to form a loose political union with the purpose of promoting their common interests. One unique feature of confederalism is that the component units that constitute the confederation can secede or leave the union any time they choose to.
One of the limitations to the principles of rule of law is
A. immunityCorrect
B. equality
C. liberty
D. impartiality
Explanation
Rule of law is hinged on the assumptions that the law or constitution is supreme and that everybody is equal before the law. However, the existence of some immunities which confer preferential treatment on some individuals in the eyes of the law negates the principle of the rule of law. For instance, diplomatic immunity that diplomats enjoy, the immunity from prosecution that some set of political officeholders enjoy are all limitations to the principle of the rule of law.
Countries adopt unitary system of government because it
A. detests dictatorship
B. promotes national integrationCorrect
C. concentrates power only at the centre
D. allows the component units to secede at will
Explanation
Unitary system of government is where there is only one level of government and there is concentration of political powers and functions in a single central-decision making body. One of the reasons why some countries adopted the unitary system of government is because of the belief that it promotes national integration.
Which of the following is an advantage of monocephalous executive?
A. Sharing of power
B. Quick decision makingCorrect
C. Impartial dispensation of justice
D. Enjoyment of press freedom
Explanation
A monocephalous executive is where the executive powers and functions are vested in one person, that is, a single executive. An advantage of monocephalous executive is that it allows for quick decision-making.
A major difference between power and authority is that, authority is
A. scarcely exercised
B. more depended on age of the leader
C. dependent on religious and racial factors
D. legitimate and legally exercisedCorrect
Explanation
Power is the ability to command others and compel obedience from others; while authority is the right to command others. Power is often exercised with the use of force, while authority is popularly acquired and less dependent on force. Authority is legitimate and legally exercised power.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of proportional representation? A. it simplifies the electoral process. B. ensures winner takes all. C. protects the electoral commission. D. protects the electorate from vote buying.
A. it simplifies the electoral process
B. ensures winner takes allCorrect
C. protects the electoral commission
D. protects the electorate from vote buying
Explanation
Proportional representation is an electoral system where seats in the legislature are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of their total votes in the general election. One of the disadvantages of proportional representation is that it is difficult and cumbersome to operate because of the various computation involved in it (it does not ensure a simple winner-takes-all outcome).
A. tion organization with the aim of influencing government policies
B. Political party B. Pressure group C. Humanitarian society D. Relief organization
C. absolute and perpetual power of the stateCorrect
D. non-partisan civil society group
Explanation
Sovereignty is the absolute and perpetual power of the state unrestrained by any law. In essence, it is the supreme power of a state to make and enforce laws, with any means available, over the people within its territory. The idea of sovereignty was made popular by Jean Bodin in 1576.
When a constitution is categorized on the ease of amendment, it can either be a flexible or a rigid constitution.
A. A flexible constitution does not require any elaborate process before it can be amended, hence it is easy to amend
B. A rigid constitution requires a cumbersome and often difficult amendment procedure
C. Both A and BCorrect
D. Neither A nor B
Explanation
A flexible constitution does not require any elaborate process before it can be amended, hence it is easy to amend. While a rigid constitution requires a cumbersome and often difficult amendment procedure.
Rule of law is the supremacy of the law. Rule of law can be guaranteed when there is the existence of an independent judiciary that will discharge justice without fear or favour.
The term judicial independence describes the situation where the judiciary is free from both internal and external pressures and can dispense justice without fear or favour.
A. This is trueCorrect
B. This is false
C. It applies only to civil cases
D. It applies only during military rule
Explanation
The term judicial independence describes the situation where the judiciary is free from both internal and external pressures and can dispense justice without fear or favour. In other words, the judiciary should be independent of both the legislature and executive to be able to discharge its functions effectively. Factors that can enhance or undermine the independence of the judiciary include: the method of appointing judicial officers, their remuneration, security of tenure etc.
A. decentralization of power to semi-autonomous units in a countryCorrect
B. centralization of power in the hands of one authority
C. distribution of legislative seats by population
D. transfer of sovereignty to a foreign power
Explanation
Devolution is the decentralization of power to semi-autonomous units in a country. Under devolution, the lower units are given some level of autonomy to discharge their functions without any supervision from the central authority.
A monocephalous executive is where the executive powers and functions are vested in one person, that is, a single executive.
A. This describes a monocephalous executiveCorrect
B. This describes a plural executive
C. This describes a titular executive
D. This describes a nominal executive
Explanation
A monocephalous executive is where the executive powers and functions are vested in one person, that is, a single executive. An advantage of monocephalous executive is that it allows for quick decision-making.
Proportional representation is an electoral system where seats in the legislature are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of their total votes in the general election.
A. In other words, parliamentary seats are given to parties in proportion to their voting strengthCorrect
B. In other words, only the party with the highest votes wins all seats
C. In other words, seats are shared equally among all parties
D. In other words, seats are appointed by the head of state
Explanation
In other words, parliamentary seats are given to parties in proportion to their voting strength. One of the disadvantages of proportional representation is that it is difficult and cumbersome to operate because of the various computation involved in it.
Sovereignty is the absolute and perpetual power of the state unrestrained by any law.
A. In essence, it is the supreme power of a state to make and enforce laws, with any means available, over the people within its territoryCorrect
B. In essence, it refers only to military strength
C. In essence, it refers to control over natural resources
D. In essence, it refers to control over the judiciary
Explanation
In essence, sovereignty is the supreme power of a state to make and enforce laws, with any means available, over the people within its territory. The idea of sovereignty was made popular by Jean Bodin in 1576.
Which of the following is an advantage of monocephalous executive?
A. Sharing of power
B. Quick decision makingCorrect
C. Impartial dispensation of justice
D. Enjoyment of press freedom
Explanation
During the colonial era, one which the governor had enormous powers, one of which was the power to reject any recommendation of both the legislative and executive councils. This was also known as reserved veto and it portrayed the colonial government as dictatorial.
When civil servants or any employees are given higher salaries and allowance, it motivates them to give more to the organization, thus, increasing their productivity.
A. This describes motivation through remunerationCorrect
B. This describes coercion
C. This describes political socialization
D. This describes electoral malpractice
Explanation
When civil servants or any employees are given higher salaries and allowance, it motivates them to give more to the organization, thus, increasing their productivity.
The Public (Civil) Service Commission is the body responsible for the recruitment, promotion, transfer and discipline of civil servants.
A. In Nigeria, there is a Federal Civil Service Commission and at the same time each of the 36 states of the federation also have its own Civil Service CommissionCorrect
B. In Nigeria, there is only one Civil Service Commission for the whole country
C. In Nigeria, the Civil Service Commission is controlled by the National Assembly
D. In Nigeria, the Civil Service Commission is part of the judiciary
Explanation
In Nigeria, there is a Federal Civil Service Commission and at the same time each of the 36 states of the federation also have its own Civil Service Commission.
In absolute majority electoral system, for a candidate to be declared the winner of an election, his/her votes must be more than the votes of all other candidates combined.
A. This is the definition of absolute majority systemCorrect
B. This is the definition of simple majority system
C. This is the definition of proportional representation
D. This is the definition of the electoral college system
Explanation
In absolute majority electoral system, for a candidate to be declared the winner of an election, his/her votes must be more than the votes of all other candidates combined.
The Electoral Commission, also known as Election Management Body, is responsible for the conduct of elections in a country.
A. Other functions of the electoral commission include: registration of voters, delimitation of constituencies, provision of electoral materials, etc.Correct
B. The electoral commission's only function is vote counting
C. The electoral commission is controlled by political parties
D. The electoral commission is part of the executive arm only
Explanation
Other functions of the electoral commission include: registration of voters, delimitation of constituencies, provision of electoral materials, etc.
The civil service is an important agency of the government. It is part of the executive arm of government and responsible largely for the implementation of the policies and programmes of the government.
A. This is a correct description of the civil serviceCorrect
B. The civil service is part of the legislature
C. The civil service is part of the judiciary
D. The civil service is an independent fourth arm of government
Explanation
The civil service is an important agency of the government. It is part of the executive arm of government and responsible largely for the implementation of the policies and programmes of the government.
Public opinion provides direction for public policies, thus, it allows the government to know what the people want.
A. Simply put, public opinion provides feedback on any government policy thereby enabling the government to assess the level of acceptability or otherwise of such a policy by the peopleCorrect
B. Public opinion has no effect on government policy
C. Public opinion is only useful during elections
D. Public opinion is controlled entirely by the government
Explanation
Simply put, public opinion provides feedback on any government policy thereby enabling the government to assess the level of acceptability or otherwise of such a policy by the people.
One of the instruments used by pressure groups to demand for their rights is the use of strike or industrial action.
A. This is where a particular group, especially a union, withdraws its services; the withdrawal of services by these groups have adverse effects on the economy and social stability of the countryCorrect
B. Pressure groups only use lobbying, never strikes
C. Strikes are illegal for all pressure groups
D. Strikes are only used by political parties
Explanation
One of the instruments used by pressure groups to demand for their rights is the use of strike or industrial action. This is where a particular group, especially a union, withdraws its services. The withdrawal of services by these groups have adverse effects on the economy and social stability of the country.
Public execution of law breakers is not a function of the Police.
A. It is the duty of the courts to declare an accused guilty and passed the appropriate penalty; the execution of an alleged criminal by the Police is referred to as extra-judicial killing and it is a violation of the rights of the person concernedCorrect
B. Public execution of law breakers is a legitimate police function
C. The Police can execute suspects without trial if guilty is obvious
D. Extra-judicial killing is legal in Nigeria
Explanation
It is the duty of the courts to declare an accused guilty and pass the appropriate penalty. Indeed, the execution of an alleged criminal by the Police is referred to as extra-judicial killing and it is a violation of the rights of the person concerned.
The policy of assimilation was adopted by France in her colonies in West Africa.
A. Specifically, the policy of assimilation was meant to inculcate Africans French culture and ways of life; however, the policy did not achieve its objective because it was difficult for Africans to forget their culture, hence their refusal to be culturally colonized through the policy of assimilationCorrect
B. Assimilation was adopted by Britain in her colonies
C. Assimilation aimed to preserve African indigenous culture
D. Assimilation was a purely economic policy
Explanation
The policy of assimilation was adopted by France in her colonies in West Africa. Specifically, the policy of assimilation was meant to inculcate Africans French culture and ways of life. In essence, it was meant to make Frenchmen out of Africans. However, the policy did not achieve its objective because it was difficult for Africans to forget their culture, hence their refusal to be culturally colonized through the policy of assimilation.
French West African colonies were governed as a federation with a centralized administration.
A. The colonies were under the authority of a governor-general residing in Dakar, Senegal; thus, Dakar, Senegal was the headquarters of French West African coloniesCorrect
B. The colonies were governed independently with no central authority
C. The headquarters of French West Africa was in Lagos, Nigeria
D. The colonies used a fully decentralized system with no governor-general
Explanation
French West African colonies were governed as a federation with a centralized administration. The colonies were under the authority of a governor-general residing in Dakar, Senegal. Thus, Dakar, Senegal was the headquarters of French West African colonies.
The colonial powers instituted a system that united empires, emirates and ethnic groups formerly independent, into new political units.
A. Colonialism brought together as one big state formerly independent and sovereign emirates, kingdoms, communities and ethnic groups; Nigeria is an exampleCorrect
B. Colonialism preserved the pre-colonial political boundaries unchanged
C. Colonialism only affected coastal regions
D. Colonialism had no effect on political boundaries
Explanation
Colonialism brought together as one big state formerly independent and sovereign emirates, kingdoms, communities and ethnic groups. Nigeria is an example.
The establishment of the civil service in the colony: The civil service of the colonies were developed and made uniform with those of the colonial masters.
A. This describes a colonial administrative developmentCorrect
B. This shows the civil service was abolished in the colonies
C. This shows colonies had no civil service at all
D. This shows the civil service was controlled solely by traditional rulers
Explanation
The establishment of the civil service in the colony: The civil service of the colonies were developed and made uniform with those of the colonial masters.
Which of the following is a reason for the failure of the assimilation policy in French West Africa?
A. The refusal of the Africans to forget their indigenous cultureCorrect
B. The paternal policy of the French leaders
C. Bribery of the opinion leaders by the French
D. Strict adherence to established rules and regulations of the civil service by civil servants
Explanation
The policy of assimilation was adopted by France in her colonies in West Africa to inculcate Africans with French culture and ways of life, essentially to make Frenchmen out of Africans. However, the policy did not achieve its objective because it was difficult for Africans to forget their indigenous culture, hence their refusal to be culturally colonized through the policy of assimilation.
The capital of the French Federation of West Africa was located in
A. Bamako, Mali
B. Dakar, SenegalCorrect
C. Conakry, Guinea
D. Niamey, Niger
Explanation
French West African colonies were governed as a federation with a centralized administration under the authority of a governor-general residing in Dakar, Senegal. Thus, Dakar, Senegal was the headquarters/capital of French West African colonies.
A. direct control by a foreign power, with the colonial governor directly responsible for its administrationCorrect
B. indirect rule through traditional rulers only
C. a self-governing dominion
D. joint control by two colonial powers
Explanation
The Crown Colony was a form of direct control by a foreign power; the colonial governor was directly responsible for the administration of a crown colony.
When civil servants or employees are given higher salaries and allowances, it
A. reduces their productivity
B. motivates them to give more to the organization, increasing productivityCorrect
C. has no effect on productivity
D. is regarded as an electoral malpractice
Explanation
When civil servants or any employees are given higher salaries and allowances, it motivates them to give more to the organization, thus increasing their productivity.
During the colonial era, the governor had enormous powers, one of which was the power to
A. reject any recommendation of both the legislative and executive councilsCorrect
B. appoint traditional rulers directly
C. dissolve the colonial civil service
D. grant instant independence
Explanation
During the colonial era, the governor had enormous powers, one of which was the power to reject any recommendation of both the legislative and executive councils. This was known as reserved veto and it portrayed the colonial governor as dictatorial.
Which of the following made the Colonial Governor a "Virtual Dictator"?
A. Legislative Council
B. Executive Council
C. Appointment of departmental heads
D. Reserved veto powerCorrect
Explanation
The reserved veto power (the power to reject any recommendation of both the legislative and executive councils) made the colonial Governor a "Virtual Dictator" over the colony.
The African Union is most often unable to resolve conflicts as quickly as possible because it
A. lacks financial weakness
B. does not have a standby force and has to depend on the goodwill of member-states to contribute troops for peace-keeping operationsCorrect
C. has too many member states
D. lacks a permanent headquarters
Explanation
The African Union does not have a standby force that it can deploy in any part of the continent when conflict arises but has to depend on the goodwill of member-states to contribute troops for its peace-keeping operations. This is a big problem preventing the AU from resolving conflicts quickly, especially as some member-states may not be committed to providing troops, particularly if they have a vested interest in the crisis.
A major advantage of a country's foreign policy is that it
A. encourages infringement on the territories of other states
B. promotes the country's national interestCorrect
C. stimulates political activities in the state
D. causes friction between the leaders and the led
Explanation
Foreign policy refers to how a country relates with her external environment; it is the totality of programmes and strategies used by a state in her interaction with other states in the international political system. The main objective of any country's foreign policy is to promote her national interest.
The first thing that every military government does after overthrowing a civilian government is the suspension of the country's constitution and the resort to the use of decrees.
Which of the following countries is a unitary state?
A. Nigeria
B. Egypt
C. GhanaCorrect
D. Canada
Explanation
A unitary state is where the political powers and functions of the state are vested in a single central decision-making body, that is, the central government, with no constitutional sharing of powers among the units of government. Examples of unitary states include Ghana, Israel, France, and Britain.
Which of the following does not influence a country's foreign policy?
A. Desire for foreign investments
B. International law, conventions and treaties
C. Domestic economic interests
D. Personal taste of individual citizensCorrect
Explanation
A country's foreign policy is shaped by factors such as the desire for foreign investments, international law, conventions and treaties, and domestic economic interests — not the personal taste of individual citizens.
The National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA) was founded in
A. Accra, GhanaCorrect
B. Freetown, Sierra Leone
C. Monrovia, Liberia
D. Lagos, Nigeria
Explanation
The National Congress of British West Africa was founded in Accra, Ghana and led by a Ghanaian lawyer, Caseley Hayford. The Congress had its first conference in Accra, Ghana in 1920.
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