Government Frequently Repeated Past Questions
Studying for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination can be a tasking one, especially when it comes to subjects like Government. However, one effective strategy for success is to familiarize yourself with frequently repeated past questions.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these commonly encountered questions in JAMB Government and provide tips on how to approach them.
Understanding the Format
Before diving into the questions, it’s essential to understand the format of the JAMB Government examination. Typically, the Government section consists of multiple-choice questions, where candidates are required to select the correct answer from a list of options. These questions often cover various topics, including political systems, governance, and constitutional development.
Here are the Frequently Repeated Past Questions
Which of the following is a feature of a federal system of government?
A) Centralization of power
B) Unitary government structure
C) Division of powers between central and regional governments
D) Autocratic rule
The doctrine of separation of powers is associated with which political philosopher?
A) Karl Marx
B) John Locke
C) Montesquieu
D) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Who is considered the father of modern political science?
A) Plato
B) Aristotle
C) Machiavelli
D) Thomas Hobbes
The Magna Carta was signed in which country?
A) France
B) England
C) Spain
D) Italy
Which of the following is NOT a function of political parties?
A) Recruitment of leaders
B) Education of citizens
C) Maintenance of law and order
D) Formulation of public policy
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a unitary system of government?
A) Centralization of power
B) Division of powers between central and regional governments
C) Strong central government control
D) Absence of regional autonomy
Answer: B) Division of powers between central and regional governments
Explanation: In a unitary system of government, power is concentrated at the central level, with little to no autonomy granted to regional or local governments. Therefore, there is no division of powers between central and regional governments.
Who coined the term “political socialization”?
A) Harold Lasswell
B) Max Weber
C) Emile Durkheim
D) Karl Marx
Answer: A) Harold Lasswell
Explanation: Harold Lasswell, an American political scientist, is credited with coining the term “political socialization.” This concept refers to the process by which individuals acquire political attitudes, beliefs, and values.
The concept of sovereignty refers to:
A) Absolute power held by the executive branch
B) Authority of a state to govern itself
C) Supreme power vested in a monarch
D) Total control of the judiciary over the legislative branch
Answer: B) Authority of a state to govern itself
Explanation: Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without interference from external sources. It encompasses the ability to make and enforce laws within its territorial boundaries.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the legislature?
A) Making laws
B) Execution of laws
C) Oversight of the executive
D) Representation of the people
Answer: B) Execution of laws
Explanation: The execution of laws is the responsibility of the executive branch of government, not the legislature. The primary functions of the legislature include lawmaking, oversight of the executive, and representation of the people.
Who is considered the founder of modern democracy?
A) Pericles
B) Alexander the Great
C) Julius Caesar
D) Cleopatra
Answer: A) Pericles
Explanation: Pericles, an ancient Athenian statesman, is often credited with laying the foundations of modern democracy through his reforms in Athens during the 5th century BCE. He expanded the participation of citizens in government and promoted the idea of political equality.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a parliamentary system of government?
A) Separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches
B) Direct election of the head of government by the people
C) Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches
D) Appointment of the head of government by the judiciary
Answer: C) Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches
Explanation: In a parliamentary system, the executive branch (headed by the Prime Minister) is drawn from the legislative branch (Parliament). This results in a fusion of powers, as the executive derives its authority from the legislature.
Who wrote the book “The Leviathan,” which explored the concept of the social contract?
A) Thomas Hobbes
B) John Locke
C) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
D) Montesquieu
Answer: A) Thomas Hobbes
Explanation: Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, wrote “The Leviathan” in which he discussed the concept of the social contract theory. He argued that individuals enter into a social contract with the government to escape the state of nature and ensure social order.
Which of the following is an example of a totalitarian regime?
A) Constitutional monarchy
B) Oligarchy
C) Fascism
D) Direct democracy
Answer: C) Fascism
Explanation: Totalitarian regimes are characterized by centralized control over all aspects of public and private life, often led by a single party or leader. Fascism is an example of such a regime, marked by authoritarianism, nationalism, and dictatorial rule.
Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the law in a constitutional democracy?
A) Executive
B) Legislative
C) Judicial
D) Administrative
Answer: C) Judicial
Explanation: In a constitutional democracy, the judiciary is tasked with interpreting the law and ensuring its compliance with the constitution. This includes resolving disputes, interpreting statutes, and upholding individual rights.
What is the primary purpose of a constitution in a democratic society?
A) To establish a dictatorship
B) To limit the powers of government
C) To promote inequality among citizens
D) To centralize power in the executive branch
Answer: B) To limit the powers of government
Explanation: A constitution serves to establish the framework for government, define the distribution of powers, and protect the rights of citizens. One of its primary purposes in a democratic society is to limit the powers of government to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
Which of the following best describes a confederal system of government?
A) Strong central government with limited regional autonomy
B) Division of powers between central and regional governments
C) Weak central authority with autonomous regional governments
D) Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches
Answer: C) Weak central authority with autonomous regional governments
Explanation: In a confederal system, power is decentralized, with autonomous regional governments retaining significant authority. The central government’s powers are limited, and it primarily serves as a coordinator between the regions.
Who is often referred to as the “Father of Classical Liberalism”?
A) Karl Marx
B) John Locke
C) Friedrich Hayek
D) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Answer: B) John Locke
Explanation: John Locke, an English philosopher, is often referred to as the “Father of Classical Liberalism” for his contributions to political theory, including ideas on natural rights, government by consent, and the social contract.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a presidential system of government?
A) Fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches
B) Direct election of the head of government by the people
C) Appointment of the head of government by the legislature
D) Indirect election of the head of government by an electoral college
Answer: B) Direct election of the head of government by the people
Explanation: In a presidential system, the head of government (president) is typically elected directly by the citizens. This distinguishes it from parliamentary systems where the head of government is often chosen from the legislature.
Who authored the influential work “The Spirit of Laws,” which explored the principles of political organization and separation of powers?
A) Montesquieu
B) Thomas Hobbes
C) Machiavelli
D) Aristotle
Answer: A) Montesquieu
Explanation: Montesquieu, a French political philosopher, authored “The Spirit of Laws,” in which he advocated for the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny and ensure liberty.
Which of the following best describes a presidential veto?
A) The power of the legislature to reject executive appointments
B) The power of the executive to reject legislation passed by the legislature
C) The power of the judiciary to declare laws unconstitutional
D) The power of the people to initiate constitutional amendments
Answer: B) The power of the executive to reject legislation passed by the legislature
Explanation: A presidential veto refers to the authority of the executive branch to reject legislation passed by the legislature. This serves as a check on the legislative branch’s power and requires a supermajority vote to override.
Which political philosopher is associated with the concept of the “general will”?
A) John Locke
B) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
C) Niccolò Machiavelli
D) Karl Marx
Answer: B) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Explanation: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Swiss-French philosopher, introduced the concept of the “general will” in his work “The Social Contract.” He argued that the general will represents the common interest of the citizens and should guide the actions of the state.
In a democracy, sovereignty is ultimately vested in:
A) The ruling party
B) The executive branch
C) The judiciary
D) The people
Answer: D) The people
Explanation: In a democracy, sovereignty resides with the people, who have the ultimate authority to govern themselves. This principle is often expressed through mechanisms such as elections and popular participation in decision-making.
Which of the following is NOT a principle of democracy?
A) Rule of law
B) Majority rule with minority rights
C) Authoritarianism
D) Political equality
Answer: C) Authoritarianism
Explanation: Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by centralized control and limited political freedoms. It is antithetical to the principles of democracy, which emphasize individual rights, political participation, and accountability.
Who is credited with the theory of the “invisible hand” in economics?
A) Adam Smith
B) Karl Marx
C) John Maynard Keynes
D) Milton Friedman
Answer: A) Adam Smith
Explanation: Adam Smith, a Scottish economist and philosopher, introduced the concept of the “invisible hand” in his seminal work “The Wealth of Nations.” He argued that individuals pursuing their self-interest in a competitive market indirectly promote the social good.
Which of the following best describes a bicameral legislature?
A) A legislature with a single chamber
B) A legislature with two chambers
C) A legislature with multiple chambers
D) A legislature with unelected representatives
Answer: B) A legislature with two chambers
Explanation: A bicameral legislature consists of two separate chambers or houses, often with different functions and compositions. Examples include the United States Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) and the British Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords).
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a communist system?
A) Classless society
B) Private ownership of the means of production
C) Centralized control of the economy
D) Redistribution of wealth
Answer: B) Private ownership of the means of production
Explanation: In a communist system, the means of production are owned and controlled by the state or the community as a whole, rather than by private individuals or corporations. Private ownership is not a feature of communism.
Who is considered the author of “The Prince,” a seminal work on political leadership and governance?
A) Machiavelli
B) Rousseau
C) Locke
D) Montesquieu
Answer: A) Machiavelli
Explanation: Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance political philosopher, wrote “The Prince” as a practical guide for rulers on how to acquire and maintain power. The work explores themes such as leadership, morality, and the relationship between rulers and their subjects.
Which of the following is a principle of bureaucratic organization?
A) Decentralization of authority
B) Informal communication channels
C) Hierarchy of authority
D) Flexible decision-making processes
Answer: C) Hierarchy of authority
Explanation: Bureaucratic organizations typically feature a clear hierarchy of authority, with well-defined levels of management and supervision. This structure helps ensure accountability, coordination, and efficient decision-making.
The term “separation of powers” refers to the division of government functions into which branches?
A) Executive, legislative, and judicial
B) Central, regional, and local
C) National, state, and municipal
D) Economic, social, and cultural
Answer: A) Executive, legislative, and judicial
Explanation: The principle of separation of powers involves the division of government functions and powers among distinct branches: the executive (administration), the legislative (lawmaking), and the judicial (interpretation of laws and resolution of disputes).
Which of the following political ideologies advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society?
A) Communism
B) Libertarianism
C) Conservatism
D) Fascism
Answer: A) Communism
Explanation: Communism is an ideology that seeks to create a classless society by abolishing private property and establishing collective ownership of the means of production. It aims to achieve social and economic equality through common ownership and control
Tips for Success
Study Past Questions: Make use of past JAMB Government questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions asked. By practicing with these questions, you’ll gain confidence and improve your ability to select the correct answers.
Understand Concepts: Don’t just memorize answers; strive to understand the underlying concepts and principles. This will help you tackle questions that may be presented in a slightly different format.
Review Key Topics: Focus on key topics such as types of government, political ideologies, and constitutional frameworks. Allocate your study time wisely, prioritizing areas where you feel less confident.
Practice Time Management: During the exam, manage your time effectively. Don’t spend too much time on any single question. If you’re unsure of an answer, mark it and move on, returning to it later if time permits.
Stay Calm and Confident: Finally, approach the exam with a calm and confident mindset. Trust in your preparation and remain focused throughout the duration of the test.
In conclusion, mastering JAMB Government requires diligent study and preparation. By familiarizing yourself with frequently repeated questions, understanding key concepts, and practicing effective exam techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the examination. Good luck!
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