Government 2021 Past Questions | WAEC
46. One of the objectives of the United Nations Organization (UNO) is to
- A. establish a standing army
- B. give loans to poor countries in the world
- C. promote and encourage respect for human rights and freedoms
- D. ensure African leaders are respected
Correct Option: Answer is C
47. The West African Youth League (WAYL) was a nationalist movement found by
- A. Bankole-Bright
- B. ITA Wallace-Johnson
- C. J.E. Casely Hayford
- D. Samuel Akisanya
Correct Option: Answer is B
- The West African Youth League (WAYL) was a political organisation founded by I. T. A. Wallace-Johnson in June 1935. The group was a major political force against the colonial government in West Africa, especially in the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone.
48.
- Commonwealth member states derive the following benefits from the association except
- A. assistance to war-torn countries
- B. promotion of education
- C. political instability
- D. promotion of sports
Correct Option: Answer is C
49. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is saddled with many problems, one of which is
- A. colonial heritage
- B. facilitation of movement of people
- C. inter-state trading
- D. sports and cultural exchange
Correct Option: Answer is B
50. In which system of government are all the components units sovereign?
- A. Confederal
- B. Federal
- C. monarchical
- D. Republican
Correct Option: Answer is A
GOVERNMENT PAST QUESTIONS 2021 THEORY
1. Highlight five (5) features that make democracy the most popular system of government
Solution & Explanation
- A system of electing and replacing government.
- Popular participation by citizens in government.
- Practice of rule of law.
- Multi-party system
- Majority rule
- Supremacy of the constitution.
- Separation of powers/checks and balances
- Free, fair and periodic elections.
- Supremacy of the constitution.
2. Explain five (5) factors that limit the powers of government.
Solution & Explanation
- Constitutional limitation
- Rule of law guides against arbitrary rule
- Customs and traditions of the people.
- International conventions and agreements.
- Regulatory enforcement mechanisms.
- A vibrant opposition
- Party discipline/party caucus.
- Judicial independence/judicial review
3. Outline five (5) reasons for which the judiciary is kept independent on the control of the executive and legislature.
Solution & Explanation
- For the purpose of fair judgements.
- Prevent arbitrary acts/rule.
- Prevent autocracy/dictatorship.
- Protection of individual right/group rights
- For the maintenance of the Rule of Law.
- To ensure checks and balances in constitutional government.
- To ensure public confidence in government/judiciary.
- To ensure free and fair elections.
4. Identify five (5) factors that make public opinion an important aspect of the democratic process.
- Solution & Explanation
- It allows for freedom of expression.
- It allows for citizens participation on government process.
- Gives feedback to government in power.
- Influences public policy formulation and implementation.
- Device for effective control of the government.
- Ensures accountability and transparency government.
- it gives direction to government actions/decisions.
- It assists in the promotion of the rights and freedom of the citizens.
- Serves as agent of social change.
5. Highlight five (5) ways of effectively controlling the Local Government to live up to its mandate.
Solution & Explanation
- Executive/administrative control.
- Threats of dissolution.
- Scrutiny of procurement processes.
- Performance appraisal contract.
- Legislative/parliamentary control.
- Control by the press.
- Periodic audit.
- Public Opinion.
6. (a) State three (3) institutions in Yoruba Pre-colonial political system of administration.
(b) Explain four (4) checks and balances that existed in Yoruba Pre-colonial political system.
Solution & Explanation
- a) i. The Royalty (Afin)
- The Kingmakers (Oyomesi)
iii. Cult (Ogoni)
- The Osi Efa
- The Oni Efa
- The Otun Efa
vii. Army (Are Onakakanfo)
(b) i. Oath of office; guaranteed loyalty among the chiefs.
- The traditional three arms of government (Oba/Oyomesi/Ogboni) checked one another.
iii. Impeachment/dethronement; threats or actual removal from office.
- The Oracle (Ifa) made predictions and advise on precautionary measures.
- An occult calabash (igba-iwa); to checkmate abuse of power.
7. Identify five (5) weaknesses of the Independence Constitution of 1960.
Solution & Explanation
- Vestiges of colonialism as the Queen remained the constitutional Head of State.
- The judicial committee of the British House of Lords in London was still the highest Court of Appeal.
- The constitution did not state whether or not appointments into public offices were to be based on federal character.
- The constitutional making process was not entirely undertaken by Nigerians.
- The constitution failed to specify the number of ministers to be appointed.
- The constitution did not state that its provisions were supreme.
8. Explain five (5) problems Nigeria encountered in her interaction with nations of the world.
- Solution & Explanation
- Loss of citizens through peace keeping operations.
- Influx of refugees and its impact on the economy.
- Increase in crime rates by some foreign nationals.
- Smuggling across Nigerian borders.
- Ideological differences among nations
- Clear definition of national interest.
- Regional insecurity.
- Problems of insecurity among nations.
- Unclear border demarcations.
- Brain drain syndrome.
9. Highlight five (5) positive impacts of British and French colonial administration in West Africa.
Solution & Explanation
- The establishment of the civil service in the colony.
- Emergency of the press especially the print masters.
- Establishment o foreign/trade relations with colonial masters.
- Establishment of a common Central bank of West Africa.
- Improved health care system.
- It introduced Western civilization.
- Development of infrastructure such as roads and rails etc
10. Identify five (5) ways in which democracy was stalled any time the military took over the administration of Nigeria.
Solution & Explanation
- Culture of silence was instituted.
- Tendency to hand on to power.
- Detention of political opponents.
- Rule of law was disregarded.
- Execution of opponents of the military regime.
- Stunted economic growth.
- Counter coups/instability.
- Loss of lives.
- Forceful/unlawful seizure of property.
People lived in constant fear