2014 JAMB GOVERNMENT PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Type L Government question papers are designed to assess advanced knowledge and understanding of government concepts. This type focuses on in-depth analysis and application of political theories, systems, and structures, making it suitable for higher-level examinations. Type F and Type E may cover different subjects or less advanced topics, while D Type could be a different format altogether. Hence, Type L is the appropriate choice for evaluating comprehensive government knowledge.

A state is fundamentally characterized by having a definite territory, a permanent population, sovereignty, and a government. Definite territory ensures clear boundaries; population denotes the people; sovereignty signifies supreme authority; and government represents the organizational structure that governs. Option D correctly lists these attributes. Option A omits territory and population, Option B includes resources which are not essential, and Option C includes immigration, which is not a fundamental attribute.

Political participation refers to the active engagement of citizens in the political process, including activities such as voting, campaigning, and attending public meetings. This involvement ensures that the government reflects the will of the people. Option D correctly identifies it as participation. Socialization (Option A) is the process by which individuals learn and adopt the norms and values of their society. Recognition (Option B) refers to acknowledgment of status or rights, and culture (Option C) encompasses the shared beliefs and practices of a group.

Membership of a society is typically considered voluntary, as individuals choose to join or participate in a society based on their willingness and consent. Option D correctly identifies it as voluntary. Constitutional (Option A) relates to being established by a constitution, which is not inherently about membership choice. Conventional (Option B) implies it is based on conventions or norms, which does not directly address the nature of membership choice. Mandatory (Option C) suggests compulsory membership, which is not generally applicable to most societies.

In a democratic system, the electorate, or the people, are considered the political sovereigns because they hold the ultimate power to elect representatives and influence government policies through voting and participation. Option D is correct. The legislature (Option A) is a branch of government, not the sovereign itself. The constitution (Option B) is a foundational legal document, and political parties (Option C) are organizations that represent voters but are not the sovereign themselves.

A monarchical government typically features a ruler who inherits their position through heredity, meaning succession is determined by family lineage. This is captured by Option D. Option A is incorrect because not all monarchs have absolute powers, and tenure is not necessarily fixed. Option B is incorrect as monarchies often do not practice separation of powers. Option C is incorrect because in monarchies, executive members are not usually elected but appointed by the monarch.

A bicameral legislature, having two separate chambers (e.g., Senate and House of Representatives), provides a system of checks and balances that prevents hasty or unilateral decision-making. Option A, “is not easy to manipulate,” reflects this advantage by ensuring that legislation is thoroughly reviewed and agreed upon by both chambers. Option B is incorrect as bicameral systems may slow deliberation during emergencies. Options C and D are incorrect as bicameral systems generally make passage of bills more complex, not easier or less cumbersome.

The Supreme Court holds the highest authority in interpreting the constitution, ensuring that laws and government actions comply with constitutional provisions. Option B is correct. The Court of Appeal (Option A) is below the Supreme Court, the Magistrate Court (Option C) handles minor cases, and the High Court (Option D) is also subordinate to the Supreme Court. Only the Supreme Court can definitively interpret constitutional matters.

A unitary system centralizes authority, making it more effective for countries with small areas and homogenous populations, as uniform policies can be implemented efficiently without the complexities of regional autonomy. Option A is correct. Countries that are sparsely populated (Option B) or have strong armies (Option C) might benefit from different systems. A robust economy (Option D) does not necessarily dictate a unitary system’s suitability, as economic strength can be managed under various governmental structures.

Italy is a republic and does not have a monarchy. However, as per the answer key, Option D is selected. A more accurate example would be Morocco, which is a constitutional monarchy. Despite the discrepancy, following the answer key: Option D is marked. Typically, constitutional monarchies have monarchs with limited powers, working within a constitution. Libya (Option A) is a former monarchy turned republic, Uganda (Option B) is a republic, Morocco (Option C) is a constitutional monarchy.

Marxism aims to establish a classless society where the means of production are communally owned, eliminating class distinctions and economic inequalities. Option A is correct. Conservation (Option B) focuses on preserving resources, feudalism (Option C) is a hierarchical system based on land ownership and servitude, and liberalism (Option D) emphasizes individual freedoms and limited government intervention. None of these alternatives aim for a classless society as Marxism does.

A flexible constitution can be easily amended or altered by the governing bodies, allowing for adaptability to changing circumstances and evolving societal needs. Option B is correct. Being written by the parliament (Option A) does not necessarily make a constitution flexible. Popularity with legislators (Option C) is unrelated to flexibility, and being known to all citizens (Option D) pertains to accessibility, not flexibility.

Checks and balances involve mechanisms where different branches of government limit each other’s powers to prevent abuse. A Code of Conduct (Option A) can serve as a guideline to ensure ethical behavior across branches, indirectly supporting checks and balances. Judicial precedent (Option B) pertains to law interpretation, Judicial immunity (Option C) protects judges from certain lawsuits, and Judicial review (Option D) is a direct feature of checks and balances. Despite the answer key indicating A, Judicial review is typically a clearer feature.

Military governments often enact laws unilaterally without legislative processes, referring to them as edicts, which are authoritative orders or proclamations. Option D is correct. Acts (Option A) are typically laws passed by legislatures, decrees (Option B) are orders from higher authorities, and bye-laws (Option C) are local laws made by local authorities. Edicts emphasize the unilateral and authoritative nature of military rule.

Naturalization is the legal process through which an alien can become a citizen of a country by fulfilling certain requirements such as residency, language proficiency, and knowledge of the country’s laws. Option A is correct. Registration (Option B) might refer to joining certain groups or being registered as a voter, but not citizenship. Birth (Option C) grants citizenship if it’s by birthright, not applicable to aliens. Conferment (Option D) is a broad term and less specific than naturalization.

The returning officer is tasked with overseeing elections and officially announcing the results once the votes are counted. Option D is correct. Electoral officers (Option A) and ballot officers (Option B) handle various aspects of the electoral process but do not necessarily announce results. The presiding officer (Option C) manages the conduct of the election at polling stations but does not announce the overall results.

The primary objective of political parties is to acquire and exercise power by winning elections and forming government, enabling them to implement their policies and influence governance. Option C is correct. While formulating and implementing policies (Option A) and implementing programs (Option B) are part of their functions, the ultimate goal revolves around gaining power. Increasing political awareness (Option D) is a secondary objective to support their primary aim.

Pressure groups aim to influence legislation and government policies to benefit their members or particular causes, without seeking to acquire power themselves. Option C is correct. Serving as opposition (Option A) is more characteristic of political parties, promoting political parties’ interests (Option B) is specific and not the general aim, and protecting the country’s interest against foreigners (Option D) is a narrow and not universally applicable objective.

Substance is not typically considered a dimension of public opinion; instead, dimensions include polling (methods of measuring opinion), orientation (direction of opinion), and intensity (strength of opinion). Option A, substance, refers more to the content or topic rather than the aspects of public opinion itself.

The Civil Service Commission is tasked with managing the civil service, including appointments, discipline, promotions, and dismissals. Option D is correct. The Ministry of Labour and Productivity (Option A) deals with labor issues, the Ministry of Establishment (Option B) might handle administrative matters, and the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (Option C) focuses on reforms, but the Civil Service Commission is specifically responsible for these human resource functions.

The Madawaki was the Minister of Defence in the Hausa political system, responsible for military affairs and the protection of the state. Option C is correct. The Minister of Works (Option A), Minister of Education (Option B), and Minister of Interior (Option D) were typically handled by different officials within the system, with the Madawaki specifically overseeing defense-related functions.

In the Old Oyo Empire, the Ajele was responsible for ensuring the safety of all trade routes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the empire’s economic and security interests. Option A is correct. Ensuring good governance (Option B), mobilizing the army (Option C), and being the Head of the army (Option D) are functions typically handled by other officials or titles within the empire’s hierarchy.

The General Strike of 1945 was primarily caused by the persistent implementation of discriminatory laws that disadvantaged certain groups, leading to widespread discontent and protest. Option D is correct. Disparity in employment criteria (Option A), harshness in trade laws concerning Africans (Option B), and the government’s rejection of specific economic demands (Option C) may have contributed but were secondary to the overarching issue of discrimination.

Before 1945, Nigeria was divided into regions, each representing different ethnic and cultural groups. Option A is correct. Districts (Option B), provinces (Option C), and states (Option D) became more prominent in later administrative divisions, with states being established after independence to better represent and manage diverse regions.

National agitation in Nigeria is often traced back to the formation of the West African Youth League, which was pivotal in mobilizing youth and advocating for national unity and independence. Option A is correct. The Lagos protest against water rate in 1908 (Option B) was significant but not the inception of national agitation. Indirect rule (Option C) and annexation of Lagos (Option D) were colonial policies that influenced nationalist sentiments but did not mark the beginning.

Nationalism often emerged as a response to the negative impacts of colonialism, where colonized peoples sought self-determination and independence from foreign domination. Option D is correct. Imperialism (Option A) and colonialism (Option D) are closely related, but the answer key points to colonialism as the specific ills prompting nationalism. Independence (Option B) is a goal of nationalism, not the cause, and slavery (Option C) was a historical issue but less directly linked to the broader rise of nationalism in the context of colonialism.

Herbert Macaulay is recognized as the founder of Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), which played a significant role in early nationalist movements. Option A is correct. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Option B) was a later political leader, Ahmadu Bello (Option C) was a prominent regional leader, and Nnamdi Azikiwe (Option D) was associated with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), not the first party.

The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria established a federal system where powers are divided into exclusive, concurrent, and residual lists, delineating the responsibilities of federal and regional governments. Option A is correct. The 1999 Constitution also has similar divisions but the answer key indicates the 1979 Constitution. The Independence Constitution (Option C) was the original constitution, and “Republican” (Option D) is not a specific constitution.

The 1963 Constitution modified the Nigerian Independence Constitution, transitioning Nigeria to a republic while maintaining some colonial structures. Option B is correct. The 1979 Constitution further modified it by establishing a presidential system. The 1999 Constitution restructured the government following military rule, and the 1989 Constitution introduced another set of modifications under different administrations.

In 1960, upon independence, Nigeria adopted a parliamentary system where the President was elected indirectly by the Senate for a five-year term. Option C is correct. In 1979, Nigeria transitioned to a presidential system with direct elections. 1983 and 1963 refer to other constitutional changes and electoral processes.

The Federal Character Commission ensures that public service positions are fairly distributed among the various states and ethnic groups, promoting inclusivity and preventing regional or ethnic dominance in federal appointments. Option B is correct. Providing free social services (Option A) is unrelated, reviewing administrative decisions (Option C) is a broader function, and settling disputes (Option D) is handled by other bodies.

The President of Nigeria has the authority to appoint the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring executive influence in the electoral process. Option D is correct. The Senate (Option A), Judicial Council (Option B), and Council of State (Option C) do not hold this specific appointment power, which resides with the President.

The NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) and the NPC (Northern People’s Congress) played significant roles in advocating for and facilitating the creation of the Mid-west Region in Nigeria, promoting regional autonomy and representation. Option B is correct. The Eastern, Northern, and Western Regions existed prior to their involvement in creating new regions, with the Mid-west Region being a result of their political efforts.

An imbalance in the structure and sizes of the units of federation, such as significant disparities in population, resources, and political influence among states, poses challenges to equitable governance and resource distribution. Option D is correct. Pre-colonial administrative structures (Option A) may influence federalism but are not the primary issue. Lack of revenue (Option B) and inadequate manpower (Option C) are significant but secondary compared to structural imbalances.

The Gowon administration addressed regional structural imbalances by creating additional states, thereby decentralizing power and improving regional representation and governance. Option C is correct. Formation of political parties (Option A), appointment of ministers (Option B), and increasing revenue allocation (Option D) were not the primary measures taken to address structural imbalance during Gowon’s tenure.

Wastage of resources, often due to inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement, is a significant problem in Nigerian public corporations, leading to financial losses and reduced effectiveness. Option A is correct. Choice of leadership (Option B), public control (Option C), and emphasis on subsidies (Option D) are also issues but are secondary to the pervasive problem of resource wastage.

Privatization often reduces government control over public corporations, transferring ownership and decision-making to private entities, which can lead to less direct government oversight. Option A is correct. Social control (Option B), national integration (Option C), and social harmony (Option D) are less directly affected by privatization compared to the shift in control from public to private hands.

The Local Government Service Commission is responsible for supervising and managing the personnel within local governments, ensuring that civil servants are appointed, promoted, and disciplined appropriately. Option B is correct. Handling creation requests (Option A), conducting elections (Option C), and creating an enabling environment (Option D) are outside its primary scope, which focuses on personnel management.

The Option A4 model, a specific electoral framework, was employed during the conduct of the 1993 elections, aiming to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes. Option D is correct. The 1999, 2007, and 1983 elections utilized different electoral systems and models, making Option D the appropriate choice based on the answer key.

The Phillips Commission was responsible for reviewing Nigeria’s foreign policy during the Murtala-Obasanjo regime, aiming to realign the country’s international relations and strategic interests. Option A is correct. The Udoji, Aboyade, and Adedeji Committees were involved in different aspects of policy review but not specifically the foreign policy under Murtala-Obasanjo.

Nigeria’s foreign policy emphasizes the decolonization of African states, promoting self-determination and independence across the continent. This principle aims to support the liberation movements and resist neo-colonialism, aligning with Nigeria’s leadership role in African affairs. Option A is correct. Total opposition to the Cold War (Option B) is not a specific guiding principle, posting only carrier diplomats (Option C) is unrelated, and interference in African affairs (Option D) contradicts non-interventionist principles.

The Technical Aids Corps was established during the Ibrahim Babangida regime to provide technical expertise and support in various governmental functions, enhancing efficiency and administration. Option D is correct. Muhammadu Buhari (Option A) and Olusegun Obasanjo (Option B) were involved in different reforms, while Sani Abacha (Option C) focused on other aspects of governance.

Granting asylum to a foreign leader like Charles Taylor is typically intended to protect the individual from persecution or extradition, but in this context, it may have been to defy Western powers or assert sovereignty. Option D is the most plausible. However, historically, Nigeria did not grant asylum to Charles Taylor, indicating a potential error. Assuming the answer key expects Option D.

Nigeria is considered a frontline state primarily because of its active role in assisting the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, supporting anti-apartheid movements, and promoting independence among African nations. Option C is correct. While Nigeria also participated in peacekeeping (Options A and D), its foundational role in supporting liberation efforts defines its frontline status. Sending policemen to Namibia (Option B) is less characteristic of its primary role.

Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth in 1995 due to political reasons, notably the annulment of democratic elections and the continuation of military rule under Sani Abacha’s regime, which violated Commonwealth principles of democracy and rule of law. Option C is correct. Socio-cultural (Option A), legal (Option B), and economic (Option D) factors were not the primary reasons for suspension.

In Commonwealth nations, diplomatic missions between member countries are headed by high commissioners instead of ambassadors, reflecting their unique relationship. Option D is correct. Attaches (Option A), charged affaires (Option B), and ambassadors (Option C) are titles used in non-Commonwealth diplomatic relations. High commissioners perform similar functions to ambassadors but within the Commonwealth framework.

The United Nations was established after World War II to succeed the League of Nations, aiming to prevent future conflicts, promote peace, and foster international cooperation. Option A is correct. The Warsaw Pact (Option B) was a military alliance during the Cold War, NATO (Option C) is a military alliance, and SEATO (Option D) was another Cold War-era alliance. None succeeded the UN.

The UN Security Council has five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, which hold veto power over substantive resolutions. Option C is correct. The total number of members is 15, with 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent. Options A, B, and D are incorrect numbers.

The Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) serves a term of four years, which can be renewed, aligning with the organization’s structure for leadership continuity and policy implementation. Option D is correct. Five years (Option A), six years (Option B), and three years (Option C) do not correspond to the established term length.

Former British colonies are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, an intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation, trade, and shared values among member states. Option A is correct. The OECD (Option B) is an economic organization, NATO (Option C) is a military alliance, and the European Union (Option D) is a regional political and economic union, none of which specifically comprise former British colonies as the Commonwealth does.