Government past questions: JAMB UTME 2025

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

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

1.
A bicameral legislature is made up of
1. A.two chambers
2. B.three chambers
3. C.one chamber
4. D.four chambers
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Answer: A two chambers
2.
A community that cooperates and harnesses its resources together is said to be practising
1. A.capitalism
2. B.communism
3. C.communalism
4. D.socialism
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Answer: C communalism
3.
A confederal system of governance is characterised by
1. A.strong central authority
2. B.independent regional governments
3. C.unitary state control
4. D.direct democracy
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Answer: A strong central authority
4.
A form of government where the ultimate authority to govern is vested with the people is
1. A.republican
2. B.oligarchy
3. C.autocracy
4. D.democracy
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Answer: D democracy
5.
A law made by local government and public corporation and empowered by an Act of Parliament is
1. A.Edict
2. B.Bye-laws
3. C.Public Bills
4. D.Private Bills
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Answer: B Bye-laws
6.
A major argument against the First Republic parties is
1. A.corrupt practices
2. B.poor funding
3. C.regional sentiment
4. D.weak ideologies
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Answer: C regional sentiment
7.
A permanent civil service
1. A.makes civil servants arrogant
2. B.promote ethnic domination
3. C.makes continuity of government possible
4. D.undermines the authority of government
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Answer: C makes continuity of government possible
8.
A permanent structure that facilitates continuity in governance is the
1. A.military
2. B.public corporations
3. C.judiciary
4. D.civil service
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Answer: D civil service
9.
A politically independent nation is referred to as a
1. A.territory
2. B.state
3. C.society
4. D.community
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Answer: B state
10.
A proposal discussed in the parliament and passed for signing to become a law is a
1. A.decree
2. B.edict
3. C.act
4. D.bill
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Answer: D bill
11.
A remarkable feature of the Republican Constitution was the
1. A.The president was the head of government
2. B.The prime minister also performs ceremonial functions
3. C.Privy Court was the final court of arbiter
4. D.The queen ceased to be the Head of State
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Answer: D The queen ceased to be the Head of State
12.
A sovereign state is one
1. A.which sovereignty is vested in the military
2. B.whose government decisions are made independent
3. C.where its citizens can speak without fear or favour
4. D.whose constitution could only be changed by the military government
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Answer: B whose government decisions are made independent
13.
A system in which more than two political parties contest for an election is referred to as
1. A.one-party system
2. B.zero-party system
3. C.two-party system
4. D.multi-party system
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Answer: D multi-party system
14.
A system of government that allows executive powers to be vested in one person
1. A.Federal System
2. B.Parliamentary System
3. C.Cabinet System
4. D.Presidential System
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Answer: D Presidential System
15.
A type of constitution where the procedure for its amendment is enshrined in it is a
1. A.flexible constitution
2. B.rigid constitution
3. C.democratic constitution
4. D.unwritten constitution
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Answer: B rigid constitution
16.
A type of government defined by equal representation, credible elections and the sanctity of the ballot box is
1. A.Oligarchy
2. B.Aristocracy
3. C.Republicanism
4. D.Democracy
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Answer: D Democracy
17.
Adjudication is the primary responsibility of the
1. A.legislature
2. B.politics
3. C.executive
4. D.judiciary
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Answer: D judiciary
18.
An election that allows political parties to choose a flag bearer for general election is called
1. A.bye-election
2. B.party convention
3. C.party primary
4. D.off season
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Answer: C party primary
19.
An important characteristic of state is
1. A.strong military
2. B.treasury
3. C.sovereignty
4. D.homogeneous culture
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Answer: C sovereignty
20.
An organised group of citizens acting together and seeking to obtain the control of government is a
1. A.civil society
2. B.labour union
3. C.student union
4. D.political party
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Answer: D political party
21.
Before the 1976 reforms, local government administration in Nigeria was characterised by
1. A.high centralisation
2. B.democratic elections
3. C.standardised structures
4. D.autonomy in decision making
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Answer: A high centralisation
22.
By composition, ECOWAS can be regarded as a
1. A.Continental organisation
2. B.Global organisation
3. C.Bi-lateral organisation
4. D.Regional organisation
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Answer: D Regional organisation
23.
Census controversy was one of the factors that contributed to the military intervention in
1. A.1966
2. B.1967
3. C.1985
4. D.1975
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Answer: A 1966
24.
Citizenship is best defined as a member of a state who is legally and constitutionally
1. A.recognised
2. B.established
3. C.associated
4. D.united
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Answer: A recognised
25.
Colonial policy of assimilation was introduced in Africa by the
1. A.Portuguese
2. B.British
3. C.Germans
4. D.French
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Answer: D French
26.
Confederalism could be regarded as
1. A.weak centre and weak components
2. B.strong centre and strong components
3. C.weak centre and strong components
4. D.strong centre and weak components
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Answer: C weak centre and strong components
27.
Decentralisation of power is a feature of a
1. A.Unitary state
2. B.Confederal state
3. C.Parliamentary state
4. D.Federal state
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Answer: D Federal state
28.
Democracy is a system in which the
1. A.majority conquers
2. B.minority protest
3. C.majority rule
4. D.minority rule
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Answer: C majority rule
29.
Fascism and Nazism are ideologies that were promoted respectively by
1. A.Mein Kampf and Hitler
2. B.Mussolini and Hitler
3. C.Mikarno and Tito
4. D.Fletcher and Lenin
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Answer: B Mussolini and Hitler
30.
Government can ascertain feedback on public policy
1. A.mobilisation
2. B.elctioneering
3. C.public opinion
4. D.political party
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Answer: C public opinion
31.
Laws made by the local government, public corporations and ministries is a
1. A.decrees
2. B.bye-laws
3. C.public laws
4. D.enactments
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Answer: B bye-laws
32.
Local Government Areas in Nigeria are by act of the 1999 constitution a/ an
1. A.appendage of the central government
2. B.autonomous level of government
3. C.appendage of the state government
4. D.unit for intergovernmental relations
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Answer: B autonomous level of government
33.
Nigeria applies soft diplomacy in Africa through
1. A.encouraging capitalism in Africa
2. B.promotion of bilateral relations
3. C.disengagement in UN Peacekeeping Operations
4. D.Technical Aid Corp programme
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Answer: D Technical Aid Corp programme
34.
Nigeria became a federation of nineteen states in
1. A.1989
2. B.1979
3. C.1991
4. D.1976
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Answer: D 1976
35.
Nigeria was a member of
1. A.ARAB League
2. B.EAC
3. C.NATO
4. D.OPEC
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D OPEC
36.
OMBUDSMAN is usually used to represent
1. A.Code of Conduct Bureau
2. B.Agency for Human Rights
3. C.Public Complaints Commission
4. D.SERVICOM
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Answer: C Public Complaints Commission
37.
One major feature of Nigerian foreign policy is
1. A.lack of cooperation among nations
2. B.the unrealistic economic policy
3. C.non-alignment with any of the power blocs
4. D.non-developing policies
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Answer: C non-alignment with any of the power blocs
38.
One of the functions of Public Corporation is to
1. A.entertain public complaints
2. B.promote equality
3. C.prevent exploitation
4. D.provide essential service
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Answer: D provide essential service
39.
One of the gains of the nationalist struggles in Nigeria was
1. A.return of the ex-servicemen
2. B.independence of Ghana
3. C.problems of regionalism
4. D.formation of political party
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Answer: D formation of political party
40.
One of the key characteristics of the civil service is
1. A.mediocrity
2. B.corruption
3. C.anonymity
4. D.favouritism
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Answer: C anonymity
41.
One of the major reasons for colonialism in Africa was
1. A.economic interest
2. B.religious reasons
3. C.developmental drive
4. D.humanitarian factor
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Answer: A economic interest
42.
OPEC was formed by some oil producing nations in
1. A.1966
2. B.1960
3. C.1959
4. D.1950
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Answer: B 1960
43.
Party coalition is common in a
1. A.zero party system
2. B.two-party system
3. C.one-party system
4. D.multi-party system
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Answer: D multi-party system
44.
Political power in a democracy is derived from the
1. A.traditional rulers
2. B.people
3. C.institution
4. D.barrel of the gun
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Answer: B people
45.
Public corporations are entities
1. A.setup for production of goods
2. B.created by an edict
3. C.established by public/ private partnership
4. D.created by the state
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Answer: D created by the state
46.
Public corporations are funded by the
1. A.government
2. B.civil society
3. C.citizens
4. D.political appointees
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Answer: A government
47.
Public corporations unlike private enterprises
1. A.curtail competition
2. B.make profit
3. C.provide essential services
4. D.prevent private investors
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Answer: C provide essential services
48.
Public corporations were established by an act of
1. A.parliament
2. B.memoranda of understanding
3. C.constitution
4. D.executive order
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Answer: A parliament
49.
Public opinion allows an organised government to
1. A.infringe the rights of its opponents
2. B.manipulate governmental process
3. C.oppress its citizens
4. D.find out what the public thinks of its activities
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D find out what the public thinks of its activities
50.
Public opinion is difficult to measure because it can be
1. A.transferred
2. B.communicated
3. C.manipulated
4. D.expressed
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Answer: C manipulated
51.
Registration of political parties is the responsibility of the
1. A.Electoral Commission
2. B.Corporate Affairs Commission
3. C.Public Complaints Commission
4. D.Civil Service Commission
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Electoral Commission
52.
Sovereignty refers to the
1. A.the supreme power of a state to use force in order to enforce obedience
2. B.the supreme power of a state to negotiate with other states
3. C.the supreme power of a state to govern other nations
4. D.the supreme power and authority of a state over its own affairs
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Answer: D the supreme power and authority of a state over its own affairs
53.
The African leaders formally marked the end of the Organisation of African Unity and replaced it with the African Union in
1. A.10th August 2004
2. B.30th May 2006
3. C.8th July 2002
4. D.6th June 2000
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Answer: C 8th July 2002
54.
The African Union came into existence in 2002 when it replaced the
1. A.African Development Bank
2. B.Organisation of African Unity
3. C.Federation of African Unity
4. D.Organisation of African Community
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Answer: B Organisation of African Unity
55.
The age qualifications of members of the Senate and House of Representatives under the 1979 constitution were
1. A.30 and 21 years respectively
2. B.35 and 30 years
3. C.30 and 35 years respectively
4. D.21 and 30 years respectively
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Answer: A 30 and 21 years respectively
56.
The application of the rule of law can be hindered by
1. A.age of an individual
2. B.free press
3. C.religion of an individual
4. D.diplomatic immunity
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Answer: D diplomatic immunity
57.
The appointments of qualified personnel into any federal establishment as a minister were to reflect the principle of
1. A.Federal Character
2. B.Federal Commission
3. C.Federal Allocation
4. D.Federal Resources
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Answer: A Federal Character
58.
The authority of a leader derived from a constitution is
1. A.charismatic authority
2. B.delegated authority
3. C.traditional authority
4. D.legal-rational authority
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Answer: D legal-rational authority
59.
The Babangida transition programme to civil rule officially started in
1. A.1987
2. B.1983
3. C.1985
4. D.1992
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Answer: A 1987
60.
The British company granted the charter to rule and administer the northern area before direct colonial rule was known as
1. A.Royal Crown Company
2. B.Britain Royal Company
3. C.Royal Niger Company
4. D.British Nigeria Company
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Answer: C Royal Niger Company
61.
The Casablanca group in the formation of the OAU was known as
1. A.radicalism
2. B.moderation
3. C.conservatism
4. D.revolutionalism
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Answer: A radicalism
62.
The Commonwealth Games were last hosted by Nigeria in
1. A.2001
2. B.2004
3. C.2003
4. D.Nigeria has never hosted the commonwealth games
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Answer: D Nigeria has never hosted the commonwealth games
63.
The constitution that allowed forty-six legislative members was the
1. A.Lyttleton Constitution
2. B.Clifford Constitution
3. C.Macpherson Constitution
4. D.Richard Constitution
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Richard Constitution
64.
The coordination and unification of the petroleum policies of its members is one of the main objectives of
1. A.OPEC
2. B.UNICEF
3. C.ECOWAS
4. D.UNO
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A OPEC
65.
The declaration of Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria's foreign policy could be traced back to the administration of
1. A.Tafawa Balewa
2. B.Shehu Shagari
3. C.Buhari and Idiagbon
4. D.Yakubu Gowon
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Tafawa Balewa
66.
The detection, prevention and investigation of criminal activities in Nigeria is the primary responsibility of the
1. A.police
2. B.vigilante
3. C.citizens
4. D.military
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A police
67.
The determinants of a country's foreign policy are often influenced by
1. A.economic considerations
2. B.religious factors
3. C.isolation ideologies
4. D.military power only
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A economic considerations
68.
The elective principle was first introduced under
1. A.Lyttleton constitution
2. B.Richard constitution
3. C.Macpherson constitution
4. D.Clifford constitution
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Clifford constitution
69.
The essence of the doctrine of separation of powers is to prevent
1. A.friction of powers
2. B.financial independence
3. C.independence of judiciary
4. D.abuse of powers
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D abuse of powers
70.
The first past the post system of voting is also referred to as
1. A.single transferable voting system
2. B.simple majority method
3. C.alternative voting method
4. D.second ballot system
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B simple majority method
71.
The fundamental objective guiding a nation's foreign policy is
1. A.national interest
2. B.colonial interest
3. C.foreign interest
4. D.African interest
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A national interest
72.
The fusion of executive and legislative powers is a core feature of
1. A.presidential system
2. B.autocracy
3. C.parliamentary system
4. D.monarchy
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C parliamentary system
73.
The group that had the best egalitarian traditional political system is the
1. A.Yoruba
2. B.Igbo
3. C.Edo
4. D.Hausa
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Igbo
74.
The Head of the Army in the Yoruba political kingdom is
1. A.Are-Ona Kakanfo
2. B.Ogboni
3. C.Bashorun
4. D.Sango
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Are-Ona Kakanfo
75.
The head of the legislative arm at the third tier of government in Nigeria is the
1. A.Speaker
2. B.President
3. C.Chairman
4. D.Leader
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Leader
76.
The highest court in the Hausa-Fulani political system was presided by
1. A.The Sheik
2. B.The Hakimi
3. C.The Ulamma
4. D.The Emir
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D The Emir
77.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is responsible for
1. A.swearing in elected members
2. B.conducting general elections
3. C.conducting population census
4. D.impeaching president
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B conducting general elections
78.
The institution of government that interprets laws made by the legislature is
1. A.executive
2. B.legislature
3. C.judiciary
4. D.senators
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C judiciary
79.
The longest and most expensive military transition programme in Nigeria was under
1. A.General Yakubu Gowon
2. B.Abdulsalami Abubakar
3. C.Murtala/ Obasanjo
4. D.General Ibrahim Babangida
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D General Ibrahim Babangida
80.
The main objectives of African Union is to
1. A.regulate business transactions within the international community among members
2. B.promote co-operation and economic development among members
3. C.oversee the free flow of political engagement in Africa and developed nations
4. D.settle disputes among South East Asia countries
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B promote co-operation and economic development among members
81.
The main reason for military intervention in Nigerian politics is the
1. A.international pressure for human right
2. B.the desire for civil government
3. C.perceived incapability of civilians to govern
4. D.civilians dislike for power
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C perceived incapability of civilians to govern
82.
The maintenance of peace, order and cleanliness in Igbo society was a function of
1. A.title holders
2. B.council of elders
3. C.age grades
4. D.village assembly
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C age grades
83.
The minister of defence in Hausa pre-colonial political system is
1. A.Galadima
2. B.Sarkin pawa
3. C.Madawaki
4. D.Dogari
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Madawaki
84.
The most popular method employed by pressure groups is
1. A.electioneering
2. B.strikes
3. C.lobbying
4. D.boycotts
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C lobbying
85.
The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) was established in
1. A.2003
2. B.2000
3. C.2005
4. D.2001
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D 2001
86.
The Nigeria Railway Corporation is an example of
1. A.state corporation
2. B.private corporation
3. C.local corporation
4. D.regional corporation
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A state corporation
87.
The Nigerian military cited which of the reasons for taking over the government in the country?
1. A.poor funding of military operations and a lack of allocation
2. B.mismanagement of public funds by the elected political leaders
3. C.intervention of foreign nations in Nigeria's politics and public fund
4. D.lack of credible political leaders and political party system
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B mismanagement of public funds by the elected political leaders
88.
The Nigerian Supreme Court became the highest court of appeal in the
1. A.1954 constitution
2. B.1945 constitution
3. C.1960 constitution
4. D.1963 constitution
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D 1963 constitution
89.
The NPN presidential candidate in the Second Republic was
1. A.Obafemi Awolowo
2. B.Shehu Shagari
3. C.Aminu Kano
4. D.Nnamdi Azikiwe
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Shehu Shagari
90.
The party system that was operational in Nigeria under the aborted Third Republic was the
1. A.Zero party system
2. B.One party system
3. C.multi-party system
4. D.two-party system
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D two-party system
91.
The pioneer president of the Action Group was
1. A.Nnamdi Azikiwe
2. B.Obafemi Awolowo
3. C.Anthony Enahoro
4. D.Samuel Akintola
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Obafemi Awolowo
92.
The primary function of the judiciary is to
1. A.maintain law and order
2. B.interpret laws
3. C.make laws
4. D.enforce law
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B interpret laws
93.
The process by which citizens get involved in the political activities and decision-making of their country is
1. A.political participation
2. B.political orientation
3. C.participant observation
4. D.political socialisation
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A political participation
94.
The proto-nationalism before the Second World War was characterised by the
1. A.religious leaders
2. B.traditional rulers
3. C.educated elements
4. D.student unions
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B traditional rulers
95.
The recruitment, promotion and discipline of civil servants is a key function of the
1. A.National Directorate of Employment
2. B.Ministry of Labour and Employment
3. C.Federal Civil Service Commission
4. D.Public Complaint Commission
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Federal Civil Service Commission
96.
The right to vote and be voted in an election is
1. A.election right
2. B.franchise
3. C.constitutional right
4. D.inheritance
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B franchise
97.
The Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations is located in
1. A.New York
2. B.London
3. C.Paris
4. D.Canada
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B London
98.
The system of government in which the central and component units possess coordinated powers is
1. A.confederal system
2. B.parliamentary system
3. C.unitary system
4. D.federal system
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D federal system
99.
The two constitutions that provided for the election of four legislative members were
1. A.Lyttleton and Clifford
2. B.Macpherson and Richard
3. C.Clifford and Richard
4. D.Macpherson and Lyttleton
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Clifford and Richard
100.
The umbrella body for relations among all African countries is
1. A.Commonwealth
2. B.ECOWAS
3. C.UNO
4. D.AU
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D AU
101.
The use of Prime Minister as the head of Government is associated with which system of governance?
1. A.Cabinet
2. B.Parliamentary
3. C.Presidential
4. D.Monarchical
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Parliamentary
102.
The War Against Indiscipline campaign was launched by the military regime of
1. A.General Olusegun Obasanjo
2. B.General Sani Abacha
3. C.General Muhammadu Buhari
4. D.General Ibrahim Babangida
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C General Muhammadu Buhari
103.
To ensure political neutrality of civil service, members must
1. A.work without pay
2. B.abstain from party politics
3. C.engage in bribery and corruption
4. D.control the minister
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B abstain from party politics
104.
When a constitution requires a special organ or a more difficult amendment procedure, such constitution is applicable in which system of government?
1. A.Parliamentary
2. B.Unitary
3. C.Federal
4. D.Confederation
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Federal
105.
When a pressure group is made up of people of the same profession, it is called
1. A.a promotional group
2. B.an occupation group
3. C.an interest group
4. D.an associational group
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B an occupation group
106.
Which of the following factors can limit the application of the rule of law?
1. A.strike action
2. B.foreign influence
3. C.free press
4. D.court congestion
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D court congestion
107.
Which of the following is NOT a duty of citizens in a state?
1. A.Prevention of crimes
2. B.Voting at election
3. C.Payment of taxes
4. D.Spying on the state
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Spying on the state
108.
Which of the following is not an obligation of a citizen?
1. A.Payment of taxes
2. B.Loyalty to the state
3. C.Obedience to law
4. D.Contesting an election
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Contesting an election
109.
Which of the following promotes private ownership of properties?
1. A.Communalism
2. B.Socialism
3. C.Feudalism
4. D.Capitalism
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Capitalism
110.
Which of these is a professional pressure group in Nigeria?
1. A.Nigerian Union of Teachers
2. B.Nigeria Labour Congress
3. C.Manufacturers Association of Nigeria
4. D.Arewa Consultative Forum
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Nigerian Union of Teachers
111.
Written constitutions are always
1. A.unwritten
2. B.rigid
3. C.pliable
4. D.flexible
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B rigid

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