1. Government can be defined as the study of

A. constitutions
B. cabinet system of government only
C. how people rule themselves ✔

D. presidential system of government only

Explanation:
Government studies how people organize and govern themselves.

2. Which of the following is not an acceptable function of government?

A. defence
B. subversion ✔

C. embarking on public enlightenment
D. providing social amenities

Explanation:
Subversion undermines the state and is not a legitimate function of government.

3. Which of the following is a feature of a state?

A. pursuance of sectional interest
B. colonial experience
C. territorial boundary ✔

D. temporary existence

Explanation:
A state must have a defined territory.

4. As a political ideology, communism seeks to

A. accumulate capital in the hands of a few
B. accommodate division of citizens into classes
C. eliminate all forms of socio-economic inequalities ✔

D. create economic opportunities for profit making

Explanation:
Communism aims at a classless society.

5. Totalitarianism means a government headed by

A. a dictator ✔

B. wealthy people
C. educated elite
D. the masses

Explanation:
Totalitarian governments concentrate power in one ruler.

6. Monarchy means government

A. headed by a king ✔

B. by the people
C. of the majority
D. run by the elite

Explanation:
A monarchy is ruled by a king or queen.

7. The rule of law is observed when

A. democracy is practiced ✔

B. laws are kept secret
C. revolution is encouraged
D. only the elite can govern

Explanation:
Rule of law thrives best under democratic governance.

8. Delegated legislation is necessary because it

A. helps to promote dictatorship
B. prevents even development
C. is useful in times of emergency ✔

D. gives a lot of power to the president

Explanation:
Delegated legislation allows quick response during emergencies.

9. One of the criticisms against delegated legislation is that it

A. promotes separation of powers
B. is not practiced in advanced countries
C. encroaches on parliamentary power ✔

D. gives too much power to the judiciary

Explanation:
It reduces the law-making role of the legislature.

10. Fundamental human rights seek to

A. promote the dignity of man ✔

B. train political activists
C. encourage economic activities
D. enthrone mob rule

Explanation:
Human rights protect the dignity and freedom of individuals.

11. Constitutionalism implies that

A. citizens should read the constitution always
B. leaders should ignore the constitution
C. citizens should challenge the constitution
D. leaders should act according to the constitution ✔

Explanation:
Government actions must follow constitutional provisions.

12. Which of the following is not within the scope of a constitution?

A. legislative decisions
B. past constitutions ✔

C. writ of mandamus
D. judicial precedents

Explanation:
Past constitutions are historical documents.

13. Which of the following is not within the scope of a constitution?

A. fundamental human rights
B. organs of government
C. coup d’état ✔

D. preamble

Explanation:
Coups are illegal and not constitutional provisions.

14. Centralization of power is a feature of a

A. federal system
B. unitary system ✔

C. confederal system
D. presidential system

Explanation:
Power is concentrated at the centre in a unitary system.

15. In a unitary state, governmental powers are concentrated at the

A. component units
B. local level
C. centre ✔

D. regions

Explanation:
The central government holds major powers.

16. Which of the following is true of a parliamentary system?

A. there is an executive president
B. fusion of powers is discouraged
C. collective responsibility is emphasized ✔

D. the prime minister heads the judiciary

Explanation:
Ministers are jointly responsible for government actions.

17. The system where the president is head of state and government is

A. diarchy
B. presidential ✔

C. unitary
D. parliamentary

Explanation:
The president performs both roles in a presidential system.

18. Which of the following is a feature of a confederation?

A. rigid constitution
B. strong central government
C. legal right of secession ✔

D. no state constitution

Explanation:
Member states can legally withdraw.

19. Which of the following is a factor in the formation of a federation?

A. desire for a union ✔

B. absence of a common enemy
C. small population
D. geographical isolation

Explanation:
Federation is formed by the willingness to unite.

20. Policy formulation and implementation are duties of the

A. police
B. judiciary
C. executive ✔

D. legislature

Explanation:
The executive executes government policies.

21. Bicameralism is adopted because it

A. guards against intra-party clashes
B. prevents arbitrary law making ✔

C. projects party manifestoes
D. is the only system available

Explanation:
Two chambers ensure careful law making.

22. Parliamentary filibuster refers to

A. impeachment procedure
B. delaying debates in parliament ✔

C. passing bills into law
D. initiating money bills

Explanation:
It involves prolonging debates to delay decisions.

23. Which function is performed by the executive?

A. recruitment of judges
B. passing bills
C. adjudicating cases
D. implementation of policies ✔

Explanation:
The executive carries out government policies.

24. When an executive action is declared ultra-vires, it means

A. it is illegal and beyond authority ✔

B. it must be implemented
C. it should be legislated upon
D. legislature must handle it alone

Explanation:
Ultra-vires means acting beyond legal power.

25. Which of the following is a duty of a good citizen?

A. paying tax regularly ✔

B. assisting the poor compulsorily
C. challenging the law always
D. joining law enforcement agencies

Explanation:
Paying tax supports government services.

26. Citizens can be deprived of their rights during

A. democratic regime
B. parliamentary debate
C. emergency periods ✔

D. political campaigns

Explanation:
Rights may be limited during emergencies.

27. Which of the following is an obligation of a citizen?

A. arresting offenders
B. voting at elections ✔

C. prosecuting offenders
D. adjudicating cases

Explanation:
Voting ensures participation in governance.

28. A multi-party system often leads to

A. coalition government ✔

B. strong executive
C. dictatorship
D. confederation

Explanation:
No single party may have absolute majority.

29. Which of the following is not a function of a political party?

A. educating the government ✔

B. interest articulation
C. aggregation of opinions
D. selection of candidates

Explanation:
Parties educate the public, not the government.

30. Franchise means the right of qualified citizens to

A. manipulate election results
B. conduct elections
C. enforce electoral laws
D. vote and be voted for ✔

Explanation:
Franchise refers to voting rights.

31. Electoral geographical units are called

A. states
B. constituencies ✔

C. polling areas
D. county councils

Explanation:
Constituencies are areas represented by elected officials.

32. One way to ensure free and fair elections is to

A. operate one-party system
B. allow campaigns on election day
C. secure electoral officers and materials ✔

D. appoint a politician as chairman

Explanation:
Security prevents electoral violence and fraud.

33. An election using an electoral college is

A. run-off election
B. general election
C. open balloting
D. indirect election ✔

Explanation:
Voters elect representatives who choose leaders.

34. Which function is performed by the electoral commission?

A. issuing party cards
B. presenting manifestoes
C. delimiting constituencies ✔

D. swearing in president

Explanation:
It divides the country into electoral areas.

35. Which statement distinguishes parties from pressure groups?

A. parties only lobby government
B. pressure groups select candidates
C. political parties influence policies ✔

D. pressure groups influence policies for members

Explanation:
Parties seek to control government directly.

36. Public opinion enables government to

A. influence the public
B. suppress opponents
C. reduce cost of governance
D. know the feelings of the masses ✔

Explanation:
It reflects citizens’ views and reactions.

37. Anonymity in the civil service means a civil servant

A. is above the law
B. receives neither praise nor blame ✔

C. must be partisan
D. cannot be disciplined

Explanation:
Responsibility lies with the ministry, not individuals.

38. Which of the following is a problem of the civil service?

A. red-tapism ✔

B. professional advice
C. record keeping
D. democratic elections

Explanation:
Red-tapism causes delays and inefficiency.

39. Public corporations are set up by

A. a minister
B. a director
C. a permanent secretary
D. an Act of Parliament ✔

Explanation:
They are established by law.

40. Which of the following is true of a public corporation?

A. established by bye-law
B. owned by minister of finance
C. set up for shareholders’ profit
D. set up to provide essential services ✔

Explanation:
Public corporations provide services to citizens.