WAEC Government Past Questions and Answers.
Preparing for WAEC Government is easier when you practice past questions. They help you understand the exam pattern and the type of questions to expect.
Here, you will find simple and clear WAEC Government past questions and answers covering key topics like the constitution, arms of government, and electoral systems. Study them regularly to build confidence and improve your performance.
WAEC GOVERNMENT PAST QUESTIONS OBJECTIVES (1–60)
1. The concept of “state” refers to
A. A group of people in a village
B. A collection of ethnic groups
C. A local government area
D. A politically organized body with sovereignty
Answer: D
2. A flexible constitution is one that
A. Cannot be changed
B. Is written
C. Can be easily amended
D. Is supreme
Answer: C
3. The primary aim of government is to
A. Maintain law and order
B. Enrich leaders
C. Conduct elections
D. Promote culture
Answer: A
4. In a presidential system, the executive is
A. Part of the legislature
B. Independent of the legislature
C. Above the judiciary
D. Appointed by parliament
Answer: B
5. The doctrine of separation of powers prevents
A. Cooperation
B. Elections
C. Abuse of power
D. Law making
Answer: C
6. A cabinet system is associated with
A. Presidential system
B. Parliamentary system
C. Military system
D. Monarchy
Answer: B
7. The head of government in a parliamentary system is the
A. President
B. Speaker
C. Chief Judge
D. Prime Minister
Answer: D
8. Collective responsibility means that cabinet members
A. Work independently
B. Support decisions jointly
C. Are elected directly
D. Are judges
Answer: B
9. A rigid constitution is one that
A. Is easy to amend
B. Cannot be changed at all
C. Requires special procedure to amend
D. Is unwritten
Answer: C
10. Supremacy of the constitution means
A. Parliament is supreme
B. Constitution is highest law
C. Judiciary is supreme
D. Military is supreme
Answer: B
Continue (11–60)
11. The term “quorum” refers to
A. Majority vote
B. Minimum number required for meeting
C. Election result
D. Political party
Answer: B
12. A bye-election is conducted to
A. Elect president
B. Change constitution
C. Fill vacant seat
D. Remove judges
Answer: C
13. The civil service is expected to be
A. Neutral
B. Partisan
C. Political
D. Powerful
Answer: A
14. Delegated legislation is made under authority of the
A. Legislature
B. Judiciary
C. Executive
D. Electorate
Answer: A
15. A referendum is a device for
A. Electing leaders
B. Consulting the electorate
C. Making laws
D. Removing leaders
Answer: B
16. The ombudsman investigates
A. Elections
B. Budgets
C. Laws
D. Complaints against officials
Answer: D
17. Public accountability means
A. Government secrecy
B. Government answerable to people
C. Military control
D. Judicial review
Answer: B
18. An example of indirect democracy is
A. Referendum
B. Plebiscite
C. Initiative
D. Representation
Answer: D
19. A one-party system leads to
A. Competition
B. Dictatorship
C. Multiple views
D. Democracy
Answer: B
20. Multi-party system encourages
A. Monopoly
B. Competition
C. Military rule
D. Autocracy
Answer: B
21. Political apathy means
A. Lack of interest in politics
B. Interest in politics
C. Voting regularly
D. Contesting elections
Answer: A
22. A pressure group differs from a political party because it
A. Wins elections
B. Influences policies only
C. Forms government
D. Makes laws
Answer: B
23. An election conducted at intervals is
A. General election
B. Referendum
C. Primary
D. Coup
Answer: A
24. The term “mandate” refers to
A. Election order
B. Authority given by voters
C. Law making
D. Court ruling
Answer: B
25. The doctrine of rule of law was popularized by
A. Dicey
B. Marx
C. Lenin
D. Plato
Answer: A
26. Equality before the law means
A. Rich are superior
B. All are treated equally
C. Leaders are above law
D. Judges rule
Answer: B
27. The executive council advises the
A. Judiciary
B. Electorate
C. Legislature
D. President
Answer: D
28. A constitution performs the function of
A. Entertainment
B. Guiding governance
C. Campaigning
D. Trading
Answer: B
29. A dictatorship is characterized by
A. Freedom
B. Elections
C. Absolute power
D. Representation
Answer: C
30. Political legitimacy is derived from
A. Force
B. Acceptance by people
C. Military
D. Judiciary
Answer: B
31. Separation of powers divides government into
A. Two arms
B. Four arms
C. Three arms
D. Five arms
Answer: C
32. The judiciary ensures justice through
A. Execution
B. Campaign
C. Interpretation
D. Election
Answer: C
33. An unwritten constitution is based on
A. One document
B. Conventions and customs
C. Military rules
D. Judiciary
Answer: B
34. Federal character promotes
A. Representation
B. Equality
C. Bias
D. Conflict
Answer: A
35. Political sovereignty belongs to the
A. People
B. Government
C. Military
D. Judges
Answer: A
36. Economic planning is carried out by the
A. Judiciary
B. Executive
C. Legislature
D. Electorate
Answer: B
37. A constitution may be suspended during
A. Democracy
B. Referendum
C. Election
D. Military rule
Answer: D
38. Local government chairman is
A. Appointed
B. Elected
C. Selected
D. Nominated
Answer: B
39. A confederal system is
A. Strong central government
B. Loose association of states
C. Military government
D. Parliamentary system
Answer: B
40. Voting age in Nigeria is
A. 16
B. 17
C. 18
D. 21
Answer: C
41. Secret ballot ensures
A. Transparency
B. Privacy
C. Rigging
D. Control
Answer: B
42. The term “tenure” means
A. Period in office
B. Election
C. Campaign
D. Law
Answer: A
43. The legislature checks the executive through
A. Oversight
B. Elections
C. Campaigns
D. Courts
Answer: A
44. Judicial review allows courts to
A. Make laws
B. Nullify unconstitutional laws
C. Conduct elections
D. Execute laws
Answer: B
45. Political participation includes
A. Voting
B. Campaigning
C. Contesting
D. All of the above
Answer: D
46. A state of emergency is declared by the
A. Judiciary
B. Executive
C. Legislature
D. Citizens
Answer: B
47. The term “pluralism” means
A. One group dominates
B. Military control
C. Many groups exist
D. Judiciary rule
Answer: C
48. A constitution can be written or
A. Flexible
B. Rigid
C. Unwritten
D. Supreme
Answer: C
49. Authority is different from power because it is
A. Legal
B. Forceful
C. Violent
D. Temporary
Answer: A
50. Government legitimacy is strengthened by
A. Force
B. Acceptance
C. Military
D. Courts
Answer: B
51. A nation-state combines
A. Culture and land
B. Nation and state
C. Government and people
D. Law and order
Answer: B
52. Civic responsibility includes
A. Voting
B. Tax payment
C. Obedience to laws
D. All of the above
Answer: D
53. Electoral violence undermines
A. Democracy
B. Military
C. Judiciary
D. Legislature
Answer: A
54. Political ideology refers to
A. Beliefs about governance
B. Laws
C. Courts
D. Elections
Answer: A
55. A pressure group may use
A. Lobbying
B. Campaign
C. Strike
D. All of the above
Answer: D
56. The term “bureaucracy” refers to
A. Military
B. Civil service
C. Judiciary
D. Legislature
Answer: B
57. The executive can veto laws in a
A. Parliamentary system
B. Presidential system
C. Monarchy
D. Military rule
Answer: B
58. Law enforcement is carried out by the
A. Police
B. Legislature
C. Judiciary
D. Media
Answer: A
59. A constitution becomes effective after
A. Election
B. Promulgation
C. Campaign
D. Voting
Answer: B
60. Good governance requires
A. Transparency
B. Accountability
C. Participation
D. All of the above
Answer: D
WAEC GOVERNMENT THEORY (15 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS)
1. Define constitution.
A constitution is the supreme law that governs the structure and functions of government.
2. Explain the principle of separation of powers.
It divides government into three arms—legislature, executive, judiciary—to prevent abuse of power.
3. State five features of a federal system.
- Division of powers
- Written constitution
- Supremacy of constitution
- Independent judiciary
- Bicameral legislature
4. What is rule of law?
It is the principle that all persons are equal before the law.
5. List four functions of the executive.
- Policy implementation
- Law enforcement
- Appointment of officials
- Defense of the state
6. Explain democracy.
Democracy is a system where the people govern directly or through elected representatives.
7. State five functions of political parties.
- Contest elections
- Form government
- Educate voters
- Represent interests
- Promote policies
8. What is a pressure group?
A group formed to influence government decisions without seeking power.
9. Mention four sources of a constitution.
- Customs
- Judicial precedents
- Conventions
- Acts of parliament
10. Define sovereignty.
Supreme authority of a state over its affairs.
11. State four features of parliamentary system.
- Fusion of powers
- Prime Minister leadership
- Collective responsibility
- Cabinet system
12. What is public opinion?
The collective views of citizens on political issues.
13. Mention four duties of citizens.
- Obey laws
- Pay taxes
- Vote
- Defend the country
14. Explain legitimacy.
The acceptance of a government as rightful by the people.
15. State five problems of democracy.
- Electoral malpractice
- Corruption
- Political violence
- Illiteracy
- Weak institutions