Government past questions: JAMB UTME 2023

79 objective questions, with answers. Free to read and practise.

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79 questions, one at a time, marked as you go or at the end. No account needed.

1.
__________ was a major factor that contributed to the rise of the Sokoto Caliphate.
1. A.Agricultural revolution
2. B.Slave trade
3. C.European colonization
4. D.Islamic Jihad
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Answer: D Islamic Jihad
2.
A key principle of the socialist system of government is the ___________.
1. A.minimal government intervention in the economy
2. B.private ownership of the means of production
3. C.power concentrated in the hands of a few elite individuals
4. D.equality of opportunity and outcome
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Answer: D equality of opportunity and outcome
3.
A major event in Nigerian history that led to the suspension of Nigeria's constitution and the declaration of a state of emergency by the colonial authorities in 1953 was the ________.
1. A.Aba women's riot
2. B.Zikist movement
3. C.Kano riots
4. D.Action group crisis
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Answer: C Kano riots
4.
A political party that advocates for social equality, workers' rights and wealth redistribution is most likely aligned with which ideology
1. A.liberalism
2. B.socialism
3. C.conservatism
4. D.libertarianism
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Answer: B socialism
5.
Civil servants are typically protected by
1. A.Military forces and security agencies
2. B.Civil service commission
3. C.Trade union and labour laws
4. D.Human rights organizations
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Answer: B Civil service commission
6.
Conservatism is an ideology that emphasizes
1. A.individual freedom and limited government intervention
2. B.radical social change and progress
3. C.equal distribution of wealth
4. D.traditional values and institutions
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Answer: D traditional values and institutions
7.
During the cold war, Nigeria's foreign policy was characterized by
1. A.alignment with the United States
2. B.Neutrality and non-alignment
3. C.Pursuit of colonial interest
4. D.alignment with the Soviet Union
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Answer: B Neutrality and non-alignment
8.
Gerontocracy is a form of government in which power is held by
1. A.military junta
2. B.a single ruler
3. C.religious leaders
4. D.the old
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Answer: D the old
9.
If the president refuses to sign a bill within a specific period, it can still become a law through
1. A.legislative override
2. B.none of the above
3. C.judicial review
4. D.public petition
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Answer: A legislative override
10.
In a communist system, who owns and controls the means of production?
1. A.corporations
2. B.The government
3. C.private individuals
4. D.non-profit organizations
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Answer: B The government
11.
In a parliamentary system of government, the executive branch is
1. A.under the control of the judiciary
2. B.combined with the legislative branch
3. C.elected through popular votes
4. D.separate from the legislative branch
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Answer: B combined with the legislative branch
12.
In a parliamentary system of government, the head of government is typically ___________.
1. A.elected directly by the people
2. B.the leader of the majority party in the legislature
3. C.appointed by the judiciary
4. D.chosen by the head of state
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Answer: B the leader of the majority party in the legislature
13.
In a parliamentary system, the head of government is usually the
1. A.Chief Justice
2. B.King or Queen
3. C.President
4. D.Prime minister
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Answer: D Prime minister
14.
In the proportional representation electoral system, seats in the legislature are allocated based on
1. A.primary elections
2. B.political party membership
3. C.the percentage of votes a party receives
4. D.A winner-takes-all system
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Answer: C the percentage of votes a party receives
15.
In which system of government is the executive and legislature fused?
1. A.Cabinet
2. B.Presidential
3. C.Unitary
4. D.Federal
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Answer: A Cabinet
16.
Judges in the International Court of Justice are appointed for a period of _____ years.
1. A.twelve
2. B.five
3. C.four
4. D.nine
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Answer: D nine
17.
Jus Sanguinis is a principle that grants citizenship based on
1. A.parental citizenship
2. B.place of birth
3. C.ethnic background
4. D.length of residency
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Answer: A parental citizenship
18.
Nigeria is a founding member of which regional organization?
1. A.ECOWAS
2. B.Non-aligned Movement
3. C.OPEC
4. D.IMF
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Answer: A ECOWAS
19.
Nigeria shares its longest border with which West African country?
1. A.Niger
2. B.Chad
3. C.Ghana
4. D.Benin
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Answer: A Niger
20.
Nigeria's foreign policy is guided by the principle of
1. A.military dominance
2. B.economic self-sufficiency
3. C.national interest
4. D.territorial expansion
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Answer: C national interest
21.
Nigeria's foreign policy is influenced by its position as a major exporter of
1. A.military equipments
2. B.natural resources
3. C.agricultural products
4. D.technology
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Answer: B natural resources
22.
Pressure groups primarily aim to
1. A.promote social equality and justice
2. B.gain political power and control
3. C.influence public opinion through media campaigns
4. D.disrupt the functioning of the government
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C influence public opinion through media campaigns
23.
Public corporations and parastatals are typically established by
1. A.private individuals
2. B.legislative acts and statutes
3. C.trade unions
4. D.International organizations
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Answer: B legislative acts and statutes
24.
Public opinion refers to
1. A.the opinion of majority of the people in a society
2. B.the opinion of the media
3. C.the opinion of political leaders
4. D.the opinion of intellectuals and scholars
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Answer: A the opinion of majority of the people in a society
25.
The 1963 constitution created a list of powers exclusively reserved for the
1. A.Federal government
2. B.State governments
3. C.Regional governments
4. D.Local governments
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Answer: A Federal government
26.
The arm of government responsible for budget approval and oversight is the
1. A.judiciary
2. B.executive
3. C.administrative
4. D.legislative
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Answer: D legislative
27.
The civil service in Nigeria operates under the principle of
1. A.autonomy
2. B.separation of powers
3. C.none of the above
4. D.meritocracy
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Answer: D meritocracy
28.
The Commonwealth of Nations was initially known as
1. A.British Commonwealth
2. B.Imperial Commonwealth
3. C.Commonwealth Realm
4. D.League of Nations
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Answer: A British Commonwealth
29.
The constitutional amendment process in Nigeria requires the approval of
1. A.The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)
2. B.The National Assembly
3. C.The President
4. D.The Supreme Court
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Answer: B The National Assembly
30.
The current constitution of Nigeria is based on the model of which country?
1. A.Germany
2. B.United States
3. C.France
4. D.United Kingdom
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Answer: B United States
31.
The electoral commission that organized the 1979 general elections was
1. A.FEDECO
2. B.INEC
3. C.ECN
4. D.NECON
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Answer: A FEDECO
32.
The electoral system used in Nigeria is primarily based on __________
1. A.mixed-member proportional
2. B.preferential voting
3. C.first-past-the-post
4. D.proportional representation
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Answer: C first-past-the-post
33.
The Ijaw people of pre-colonial Nigeria were organized into?
1. A.Grades
2. B.Clans
3. C.Federations
4. D.Chiefdoms
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Answer: B Clans
34.
The judiciary checks the other arms of government through
1. A.Judicial recall
2. B.Judicial precedence
3. C.Judicial review
4. D.Judicial oversight
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Answer: C Judicial review
35.
The National assembly is composed of how many chambers?
1. A.Two
2. B.Four
3. C.One
4. D.Three
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Answer: A Two
36.
The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of speech under which fundamental right?
1. A.Right to freedom of thought
2. B.Right to privacy
3. C.Right to freedom of expression
4. D.Right to life
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Answer: C Right to freedom of expression
37.
The Oputa panel was established in Nigeria to
1. A.monitor military spending
2. B.Facilitate arms trades regulations
3. C.investigate human rights abuses during the military rule
4. D.promote military intervention in politics
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Answer: C investigate human rights abuses during the military rule
38.
The policy of 'indigenization' was introduced under the regime of?
1. A.General Yakubu Gowon
2. B.General Olusegun Obasanjo
3. C.General Ibrahim Babangida
4. D.General Sani Abacha
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A General Yakubu Gowon
39.
The process of decolonization in Nigeria was hugely impacted by
1. A.The Renaissance
2. B.World War I
3. C.The Cold War
4. D.World War II
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Answer: D World War II
40.
The process of forming public opinion is known as
1. A.polling
2. B.socialization
3. C.mobilization
4. D.persuasion
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Answer: B socialization
41.
The process of selecting candidates to represent a political party in elections is known as
1. A.campaigning
2. B.primaries
3. C.electioneering
4. D.lobbying
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Answer: B primaries
42.
The term 'lobbying' refers to
1. A.campaigning for political office
2. B.advocating for social justice
3. C.organizing grassroots movements
4. D.seeking to influence government decisions
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Answer: D seeking to influence government decisions
43.
The zoning system in Nigerian politics refers to
1. A.the rotation of power among different regions
2. B.the process of selecting party leaders
3. C.the allocation of campaign funds
4. D.the system of proportional representation
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Answer: A the rotation of power among different regions
44.
Under General Aguiyi Ironsi, decree 34 introduced the ____ system of government.
1. A.unitary
2. B.confederal
3. C.federal
4. D.none of the above
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Answer: A unitary
45.
What is the main source of funding for public corporations in Nigeria?
1. A.Government budget allocations
2. B.Foreign aid
3. C.Revenues generated from their operations
4. D.Donations from private companies
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Government budget allocations
46.
What is the primary source of revenue for the local government in Nigeria?
1. A.taxes
2. B.grants from foreign countries
3. C.oil revenue
4. D.Federal government allocations
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Answer: D Federal government allocations
47.
What is the term for a system of government in which power is held by a small group of people?
1. A.Oligarchy
2. B.Monarchy
3. C.Theocracy
4. D.Democracy
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Answer: A Oligarchy
48.
When Africa is the centrepiece of Nigeria's foreign policy, it is said to be _________
1. A.Afrocentric
2. B.regional
3. C.Concentric
4. D.Pan-African
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Answer: A Afrocentric
49.
When an election fails to produce a clear winner, the process of determining a winner is called
1. A.a recall
2. B.a re-run election
3. C.a bye-election
4. D.a referendum
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Answer: B a re-run election
50.
Which African country experienced a violent resistance movement against British colonial rule known as the Mau Mau rebellion?
1. A.Sudan
2. B.Kenya
3. C.Ghana
4. D.Nigeria
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Answer: B Kenya
51.
Which African country successfully resisted European imperialism and maintained its independence?
1. A.Ghana
2. B.Ethiopia
3. C.Kenya
4. D.Algeria
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Answer: B Ethiopia
52.
Which arm of government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?
1. A.Judiciary
2. B.Legislature
3. C.Executive
4. D.Parliament
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Answer: A Judiciary
53.
Which committee is responsible for the detailed scrutiny of a bill?
1. A.Ad hoc committee
2. B.Standing committee
3. C.Joint committee
4. D.Select committee
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Answer: B Standing committee
54.
Which constitution established the Public Service Commission?
1. A.The 1963 constitution
2. B.The 1979 constitution
3. C.The 1999 constitution
4. D.The 1989 constitution
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Answer: B The 1979 constitution
55.
Which constitutional amendment introduced the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria?
1. A.Sixth Amendment
2. B.Fourth Amendment
3. C.Fifth Amendment
4. D.none of the above
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Answer: D none of the above
56.
Which document serves as the constitution of the United Nations?
1. A.Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2. B.Geneva conventions
3. C.Treaty of the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
4. D.Charter of the United Nations
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Answer: D Charter of the United Nations
57.
Which institution is responsible for the regulation and supervision of capital markets in Nigeria?
1. A.Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE)
2. B.Securities and exchange commission(SEC)
3. C.Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria(FRCN)
4. D.Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC)
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Securities and exchange commission(SEC)
58.
Which Nigerian leader advocated for the New Partnership for Africa's Development(NEPAD)?
1. A.Olusegun Obasanjo
2. B.Yakubu Gowon
3. C.Muhammadu Buhari
4. D.Shehu Shagari
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Answer: A Olusegun Obasanjo
59.
Which Nigerian leader played a significant role in mediating peace talks during the Liberian civil war?
1. A.Olusegun Obasanjo
2. B.Muhammadu Buhari
3. C.Goodluck Jonathan
4. D.Ibrahim Babangida
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Olusegun Obasanjo
60.
Which of the following African leaders played a significant role in the formation of NEPAD?
1. A.Julius Nyerere
2. B.Nelson Mandela
3. C.Muammar Gaddafi
4. D.Robert Mugabe
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Answer: B Nelson Mandela
61.
Which of the following countries operate a direct democracy?
1. A.Russia
2. B.United Kingdom
3. C.United States of America
4. D.Switzerland
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Answer: D Switzerland
62.
Which of the following documents granted Nigeria its independence?
1. A.The Lancaster House Agreement
2. B.The Atlantic Charter
3. C.The Nigerian Independence Act
4. D.The United Nations Declaration on Decolonization
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Answer: C The Nigerian Independence Act
63.
Which of the following is a characteristic of pressure groups?
1. A.They aim to gain political power
2. B.They are funded by the government
3. C.They are political parties
4. D.They represent the interest of a specific section of the society
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D They represent the interest of a specific section of the society
64.
Which of the following is a concurrent power in the Nigerian federal system?
1. A.Currency and coinage
2. B.Education and Healthcare
3. C.Foreign affairs and international relations
4. D.Defense and National security
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Education and Healthcare
65.
Which of the following is a feature of Nigerian Federalism?
1. A.Single-party system
2. B.Centralized fiscal system
3. C.Autonomy of local government
4. D.Strong central government
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Answer: C Autonomy of local government
66.
Which of the following is a function of the Public Complaints Commission?
1. A.Managing public transportation
2. B.Enforcing criminal laws
3. C.Conducting investigations and enquiries
4. D.Implementing foreign policies
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Answer: C Conducting investigations and enquiries
67.
Which of the following is a fundamental principle of democratic governance?
1. A.Centralized decision-making
2. B.Censorship of the media
3. C.Citizen Participation
4. D.Authoritarianism
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Answer: C Citizen Participation
68.
Which of the following is a limitation of pressure groups?
1. A.They only represent the interests of the wealthy
2. B.They have no influence on the government policies
3. C.They may prioritize their own interests over the public interest
4. D.They often resort to violent tactics
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C They may prioritize their own interests over the public interest
69.
Which of the following is a right associated with citizenship?
1. A.Right to education
2. B.Right to vote
3. C.Right to privacy
4. D.Right to property
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Answer: B Right to vote
70.
Which of the following is an example of a public pressure group?
1. A.Red cross
2. B.Amnesty International
3. C.National Farmers Union
4. D.Green peace
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Answer: D Green peace
71.
Which of the following is not a source of public opinion?
1. A.Opinion polls
2. B.Academic Journals
3. C.Social media
4. D.political parties
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Answer: B Academic Journals
72.
Which of the following is the basic unit of a local government in Nigeria?
1. A.State assembly
2. B.Ward
3. C.Local Council Development Area(LCDA)
4. D.Ministry of Local government
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Ward
73.
Which of the following statements about pressure groups is true?
1. A.They have no influence on the decision-making process
2. B.They can have both positive and negative impact on the government
3. C.They operate independently of the government
4. D.They are only concerned with social issues
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B They can have both positive and negative impact on the government
74.
Which of the following was a significant trade commodity in the pre-colonial Kingdom of Benin?
1. A.Ivory
2. B.Gold
3. C.Rubber
4. D.Salt
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Ivory
75.
Which political party was known for its socialist ideology and populist policies in the 1980s?
1. A.People's Redemption party
2. B.All Nigeria's People's Party
3. C.National Party of Nigeria
4. D.Nigerian National Democratic Party
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A People's Redemption party
76.
which pre-colonial Nigerian Kingdom was known for its artistic and cultural achievement?
1. A.Nupe
2. B.Igbo
3. C.Kanem-Bornu
4. D.Benin
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Benin
77.
Who amongst the following did not serve as secretary general of the League of nations?
1. A.Josip Broz Tito
2. B.Sean Lester
3. C.Joseph Avenoi
4. D.Eric Drummond
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Answer: A Josip Broz Tito
78.
Who is the current chairperson of ECOWAS?
1. A.Bola Ahmed Tinubu
2. B.Alassane Ouattara
3. C.Macky Sall
4. D.Nana-Akufo Ado
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Bola Ahmed Tinubu
79.
Without presidential assent, the legislature can pass a bill into law with the votes of ______ majority
1. A.one-fifth
2. B.two-third
3. C.one-third
4. D.absolute
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B two-third

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