JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Government 2001
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2001 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

An electoral district is

A. a polling booth
B. a constituency
C. a ward
D. a local government
Explanation

An electoral district, also known as a constituency, is a geographic area represented by an elected official.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Pressure groups’ politics are usually directed to

A. limited or sectoral goals
B. national objectives
C. the interests of the Nigerian Medical Association
D. the goals of the Nigeria Union of Teachers
Explanation

Pressure groups focus on specific, often sectoral, goals to influence policy in their favor.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The principle of separation of powers ensures

A. the erosion of executive power
B. the legislature is supreme
C. the preservation of the fundamental liberties of the citizens
D. all branches of government have equal powers and functions
Explanation

Separation of powers divides government into branches to prevent abuse and protect citizens' liberties.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

A democratic system of government is

A. an efficient government
B. a mass government on behalf of the people
C. a government of the people, by the people, and for the people
D. a patriotic government
Explanation

Democracy is defined as a system where the government reflects the will of the people.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The constitution of a country refers to

A. a set of laws passed annually by the legislature
B. the fundamental laws governing the state
C. a document outlining only citizens' duties
D. rules for electing the president
Explanation

A constitution is the fundamental set of laws and principles that govern a country.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The concept of Indirect Rule in Nigeria is usually associated with

A. Sir George T. Goldie
B. Sir Donald Cameron
C. Major Claude MacDonald
D. Lord Lugard
Explanation

Lord Lugard implemented Indirect Rule in Nigeria, governing through local traditional leaders.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

In a Parliamentary system of government, a Bill is almost certain to be passed after the

A. second reading
B. third reading
C. fourth reading
D. fifth reading
Explanation

In a parliamentary system, a bill typically passes after the third reading, as it has been thoroughly debated and amended.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

A good example of a country which operates a cabinet system of government is

A. France
B. the United Kingdom
C. the USA
D. Russia
Explanation

The United Kingdom operates a cabinet system where the cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, holds executive power.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

A presidential system of government is one

A. where the Head of State possesses real power
B. where the principle of separation of power is inapplicable
C. where the president serves a fixed term and cannot be easily removed
D. which provides for a ceremonial Head of State
Explanation

In a presidential system, the president serves a fixed term and cannot be easily removed by the legislature.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Federalism refers to a system where

A. power is centralized in the national government
B. power is shared between national and regional governments
C. the judiciary controls all government functions
D. the executive has absolute authority
Explanation

Federalism involves the division of power between national and regional governments, as seen in countries like Nigeria.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The legislative arm of a government is always

A. the Parliament
B. the Cabinet
C. the highest organ of government
D. the body that makes laws
Explanation

The legislative arm is responsible for making laws, often through a body like a parliament or congress.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The Executive is the body that

A. executes armed robbers
B. interprets laws
C. implements laws
D. enacts laws
Explanation

The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws passed by the legislature.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The principle of separation of powers implies that

A. the Executive is powerless
B. the Executive is powerful
C. power is shared by different but co-ordinate organs in the state
D. the rule of law obtains
Explanation

Separation of powers means dividing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure balance.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The rule of law implies that

A. laws apply only to government officials
B. everyone is subject to the same legal standards
C. military regimes are exempt from laws
D. laws change based on political parties
Explanation

The rule of law ensures that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the same legal standards.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Fundamental human rights of citizens are provided for in

A. the United Nations Charter
B. the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
C. the constitutions of states
D. Amnesty International Edict
Explanation

Fundamental human rights are typically enshrined in a country’s constitution to ensure legal protection.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

It is the duty of every citizen

A. to go to school
B. to participate in the operation feed the nation scheme
C. to perform civic responsibilities
D. not to jump queue
Explanation

Civic responsibilities, like voting and obeying laws, are fundamental duties of citizens in a society.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

A one party state is a state where

A. there are no general elections
B. the president cannot be opposed
C. there is complete agreement on issues among party members
D. the ruling party is the only legal one
Explanation

A one-party state allows only one political party to legally operate, suppressing opposition.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The term ‘franchise’ refers to

A. French speaking people
B. property owners
C. the right to choose representatives to the legislature
D. the educated electorate
Explanation

Franchise refers to the right to vote and choose representatives in a democratic system.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The doctrine of the Dual Mandate was put forward to justify

A. apartheid in South Africa
B. Neo-colonialism
C. the introduction of Islam in Africa
D. colonialism
Explanation

The Dual Mandate was a colonial concept justifying European rule by claiming to benefit both the colonizers and the colonized.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Delegated legislation

A. shares responsibility between central and local government equally
B. decentralizes law-making subject to central controls
C. has advantages and disadvantages
D. is almost impossible to control once permitted
Explanation

Delegated legislation allows subordinate bodies to make laws under the authority of the central government.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The main role of pressure groups is to

A. influence the Legislature and Executive to make favorable decisions
B. inject emotional and selfish issues into national debates
C. influence the general public
D. use bribery to achieve their objectives
Explanation

Pressure groups aim to influence government decisions to align with their interests.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Within a democracy, Citizens

A. can use any means to overthrow an offensive government
B. have the right and duty to be involved in the political process
C. have the duty to eliminate their political opponents
D. are advised to be eternally vigilant
Explanation

In a democracy, citizens are expected to participate in the political process, such as voting and civic engagement.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The concept of Parliamentary Government in Britain is

A. turning into Prime ministerial and Whitehall government in practice
B. now a complete myth
C. identical with the Presidential system in the USA
D. supported by a tiny segment of the population
Explanation

In practice, parliamentary government in Britain has shifted toward stronger prime ministerial control.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The basic element of the United States Constitution is that

A. it presupposes a highly educated electorate
B. presidents cannot abuse power
C. it guarantees equal rights and protection for every citizen
D. it embodies the concept of separation of powers
Explanation

The U.S. Constitution is built on the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Which of the following constitutes the political sovereign in a democracy?

A. the Executive
B. the Judiciary
C. the Electorate
D. the Legislature
Explanation

In a democracy, the electorate (the people) holds ultimate power by choosing their representatives.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The principle of the Separation of powers in the new Constitution of Nigeria is different from that of the USA because

A. traditional rulers can play a dominant role
B. there are two houses of the National Assembly
C. the President is above the law
D. the Vice President is not the President of the Senate
Explanation

In the U.S., the Vice President is the President of the Senate, unlike in Nigeria, where the roles are separate.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The determination of issues before the courts in accordance with the body of rules backed by the organized force of the community, refers essentially to

A. judicial revision
B. human rights
C. the rule of law
D. habeas corpus
Explanation

The rule of law ensures that court decisions are based on established legal principles and enforced by the state.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The five political parties recognized by the Nigerian Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) for the 1979 elections were

A. UPN, GNPP, NPN, PRP, NPC
B. GNPP, PRP, UPN, NPP, NAP
C. PRP, UPN, NPP, NAP
D. UPN, MOP, GNPP, NEPU
Explanation

The 1979 elections in Nigeria, under FEDECO, recognized UPN, GNPP, NPN, PRP, and NPC as the official political parties.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The common colonial institution in British West Africa included

A. the West African Research Council
B. the West African Universities Commission
C. the West African Currency Board
D. the West African Teachers Association
Explanation

The West African Currency Board was a key colonial institution in British West Africa.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Ideology is essentially

A. a guide to political action
B. a manual for revolution
C. a curse on political action
D. a non-political concept
Explanation

Ideology serves as a set of ideas that directs political actions and policies.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

In all countries, the roles of law making and law interpretation revolve respectively on

A. the Executive and Judiciary
B. the Judiciary and Legislature
C. the Judiciary and Executive
D. the Legislature and Judiciary
Explanation

Law making is the role of the legislature, while the judiciary interprets laws, maintaining a balance of power.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The (former) Northern Region of Nigeria became internally self-governing in

A. 1956
B. 1957
C. 1959
D. 1960
Explanation

The Northern Region of Nigeria gained internal self-governance in 1959, prior to national independence in 1960.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The Convention People’s Party was a popular political party in

A. Sierra Leone
B. Senegal
C. Ivory Coast
D. Ghana
Explanation

The Convention People’s Party, under Kwame Nkrumah, was a dominant political party in Ghana during its independence movement.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Which of the following political movements had the greatest impact on Nigerian nationalists before the 1950s?

A. Universal Negro Improvement Association
B. the African People’s Union
C. National Congress of British West Africa
D. the African Congress
Explanation

The National Congress of British West Africa inspired Nigerian nationalists by pushing for political representation and reforms.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The abolition of the indigenat was affected in the French colonies in

A. 1943
B. 1944
C. 1946
D. 1956
Explanation

The indigenat system, which imposed harsh laws on colonial subjects, was abolished in French colonies in 1946.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The ratification of the appointment of an Emir in the pre-colonial Fulani Society was done by the

A. Galadima
B. the Emir of Sokoto
C. the Emir of Gwando
D. Uthman Dan Fodio
Explanation

The Emir of Sokoto held the authority to ratify the appointment of Emirs in the pre-colonial Fulani society.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Sekou Toure is famous for saying

A. we preferred independence with difficulty to colonial rule
B. we rejected de Gaulle’s French Community for immediate independence
C. seek the political kingdom and all else will follow
D. power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely
Explanation

Sekou Toure rejected de Gaulle’s proposal for a French Community, opting for Guinea’s immediate independence in 1958.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

Nationalist movements in West Africa

A. began earlier in the French colonies
B. were supported by colonial governors
C. were assisted by indigenous individuals educated in Europe and North America
D. were led by traditional rulers
Explanation

West African nationalist movements were significantly driven by individuals educated in Europe and North America.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The French policy of Assimilation

A. enabled Europeans to assimilate African cultural values
B. produced radical African leaders anxious to end ties with France
C. was aimed at converting Africans into Frenchmen
D. was the same as the British policy of Indirect Rule
Explanation

The French policy of Assimilation sought to culturally transform Africans into French citizens by adopting French culture.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2001

The judiciary is responsible for

A. making laws
B. implementing laws
C. interpreting laws
D. enforcing executive orders
Explanation

The judiciary interprets laws to ensure they are applied correctly and constitutionally.

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