WAEC Government 2023 Theory Past Questions

Model answer

1. Law making - enacting laws that regulate the conduct of citizens and institutions. 2. Policy formulation and implementation - designing and executing programmes for national development. 3. Maintenance of internal law and order - through the police and other security agencies. 4. Protection of the state and citizens from external aggression/defence of territorial integrity. 5. Promotion and protection of national interest and sovereignty in relations with other states. (Other acceptable points: provision of national leadership; protection of citizens' rights at home and abroad; provision of welfare services such as care for the aged and poverty reduction.)

Model answer

1. Corruption - bribery among judicial and law enforcement officers undermines fair adjudication. 2. Inadequate/poor funding - insufficient resources for courts, personnel and infrastructure slow down justice delivery. 3. Case backlog and delays - inadequate number of courts and judges leads to long delays in trials. 4. Political interference - the executive or powerful individuals interfering with judicial processes compromises independence. 5. Inadequate/poorly trained legal and judicial personnel - shortage of qualified judges, lawyers and court staff weakens efficiency. (Other acceptable points: conflict between modern and traditional/customary courts; poor case management and record-keeping; nepotism and favouritism in the justice sector.)

Model answer

1. Corruption and embezzlement of public funds by officials in charge of institutions. 2. Inadequate funding and poor logistics for the effective running of institutions. 3. Political interference and patronage in the appointment and operation of institutions. 4. Poor/incompetent leadership and weak capacity of personnel manning the institutions. 5. Weak or poor application/enforcement of the constitution and other relevant laws. (Other acceptable points: poor conditions of service leading to low staff morale; nepotism and favouritism in staffing.)

Model answer

1. It transmits political values, norms and culture to younger generations, sustaining democratic practice. 2. It encourages and increases citizens' political participation, such as voting and contesting elections. 3. It instils values of patriotism, loyalty and nationalism among citizens. 4. It aids political recruitment by preparing citizens for political leadership roles. 5. It promotes political education and enlightenment, helping citizens understand their rights and responsibilities. (Other acceptable points: it shapes public opinion; it fosters interest in the governance of the state.)

Model answer

1. It brings governance and government services closer to the grassroots/people. 2. It helps mobilise local human and material resources for community development. 3. It serves as a training ground for political leadership and grooms future leaders. 4. It widens political participation by involving citizens directly in decision-making at the local level. 5. It promotes effective and speedy decentralisation of government functions and resources. (Other acceptable points: it aids in the identification and prioritisation of local needs; it fosters unity and citizenship at the community level.)

Model answer

1. It helps us identify and appreciate patriots and nationalist leaders and their roles. 2. It enables us to appreciate the contributions of nationalists to the struggle for independence. 3. It helps us understand the input of nationalism in constitutional reforms that led to independence. 4. It reveals the factors that gave rise to and sustained the nationalist struggle. 5. It shows how nationalists used the media, political parties, trade unions and pressure groups to mobilise the people for a common cause. (Other acceptable points: it helps us understand the roles of political parties and trade unions in the nationalist struggle.)

Model answer

Political leadership is the capacity or ability of an individual to guide, direct, control and inspire the activities of others towards the attainment of the goals of a state.

Model answer

1. Visionary - able to set clear goals and direction for the people. 2. Fair, firm and decisive in taking and implementing decisions. 3. Approachable and accessible to the people he/she leads. 4. Leads by example and demonstrates integrity and honesty. (Other acceptable points: knowledgeable/competent; able to inspire and motivate others.)

Model answer

1. It promotes cordial relations and understanding between Nigeria and other countries. 2. It helps protect Nigerian citizens living or travelling abroad. 3. It aids Nigeria in international negotiations and bargaining on issues of national interest. 4. It promotes and protects Nigeria's national interest abroad. 5. It advances Nigeria's economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment and trade. (Other acceptable points: it enhances Nigeria's image and reputation internationally.)

Model answer

1. The creation and demarcation of modern states with defined territorial boundaries. 2. It fostered the creation of a sense of national identity among diverse ethnic groups. 3. It led to the formation of political parties as vehicles for political participation. 4. It gave rise to the formation of pressure groups and trade unions. 5. It led to the establishment of the press/media, which promoted political awareness. (Other acceptable points: establishment of bureaucratic/administrative institutions; introduction of the elective principle.)

Model answer

1. Slow or poor response of government to threats and crises affecting the state. 2. Constitutional crises arising from disputes over constitutional provisions or succession. 3. Abuse of power and tendencies towards dictatorship by elected leaders. 4. Manipulation of the judiciary and the judicial system by those in power. 5. Corruption and embezzlement of public funds by government officials. (Other acceptable points: electoral manipulation/rigging; cronyism, nepotism and open bias in government.)