JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Government 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a democracy, sovereign authority is exercised by the

A. People
B. Executive
C. Electorate
D. Legislature
Explanation

In a democracy, sovereign authority ultimately rests with the people, who exercise it directly (direct democracy) or through elected representatives (representative democracy), as seen in systems like Nigeria’s.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The agent through which the state undertakes political socialization is the

A. School
B. Family
C. Peer group
D. Pressure group
Explanation

The state uses schools as a primary agent for political socialization, teaching civic values, national history, and loyalty through curricula, as in Nigeria’s civic education programs.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Unicameral legislature is a common feature of

A. Presidentialism
B. Parliamentarism
C. Unitarism
D. Federalism
Explanation

Unicameral legislatures, with a single chamber, are typical in unitary systems where power is centralized, as in Denmark or Ghana, unlike federal systems with bicameral legislatures.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Independence of the judiciary is pertinent because it accords the judiciary the power to

A. Determine a fixed term of office for judges
B. Dismiss any judge who breaches the judicial code
C. Try and decide cases without bias
D. Determine a fixed salary for judges
Explanation

Judicial independence ensures judges can make impartial decisions without external influence, as guaranteed in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, promoting fairness.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a unitary system of government, power is concentrated at the centre

A. Without devolution
B. With devolution
C. With residual functions
D. Without residual functions
Explanation

In a unitary system, power is centralized without devolution, meaning subnational units have only delegated authority, as seen in countries like France.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a confederation, the constituency that a member of legislature represents is a

A. Senatorial district
B. Parliamentary constituency
C. Nation-state
D. Region
Explanation

In a confederation, legislative members represent sovereign nation-states, as the central authority is weak, as in the U.S. under the Articles of Confederation (1777-1789).

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a constitutional monarchy, the authority to remove the head of state is exercised by the

A. Legislature
B. Head of government
C. Cabinet
D. Prime minister
Explanation

In a constitutional monarchy, the legislature can remove the monarch through constitutional processes, as in the UK, though this is rare and ceremonial.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a parliamentary system of government, a vote of no confidence leads to the resignation of

A. Entire cabinet
B. Individual minister
C. Entire parliament
D. Prime minister
Explanation

A vote of no confidence indicates a loss of parliamentary support, leading to the resignation of the entire cabinet, as in the UK’s parliamentary system.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In a presidential system of government, the president checks the legislature through

A. Executive order
B. Executive review
C. Exercise of power
D. Legislative order
Explanation

In a presidential system, the president checks the legislature by issuing executive orders, bypassing legislative approval, as in the U.S. or Nigeria.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The economic basis of feudalism is

A. Capital
B. Agriculture
C. Slavery
D. Trade
Explanation

Feudalism was based on agriculture, with land as the primary wealth source and serfs working for lords in a hierarchical system, as in medieval Europe.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The creation of a classless society is the ultimate aim of

A. Communism
B. Capitalism
C. Socialism
D. Fascism
Explanation

Communism, as theorized by Karl Marx, aims for a classless society with communal resource ownership, eliminating social hierarchies.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

One of the sources of a constitution is

A. Constitutional law
B. Common law
C. Corporate law
D. Statutory law
Explanation

Common law, based on judicial precedents, is a source of unwritten constitutions, as in the UK, where legal traditions shape governance.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The fundamental assumption on which the idea of the rule of law is based is

A. Rationality of human beings
B. Equality of human beings
C. Love for social justice
D. Supremacy of the constitution
Explanation

The rule of law assumes equality before the law, ensuring no one is above it, as articulated by A.V. Dicey in his principles.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The principle of separation of power was made popular by

A. John Locke
B. Baron de Montesquieu
C. Thomas Hobbes
D. Niccolo Machiavelli
Explanation

Baron de Montesquieu popularized separation of powers in 'The Spirit of the Laws' (1748), advocating for legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Delegated legislation refers to laws made by

A. Legislature
B. Military governments
C. Civilian governments
D. Non-legislative bodies
Explanation

Delegated legislation is made by non-legislative bodies, like government agencies or ministers, under authority from the legislature, as in Nigeria’s regulations.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Laws made by state governments are known as

A. Edicts
B. Acts
C. Decrees
D. Bye-laws
Explanation

In Nigeria’s federal system, laws made by state legislatures are called acts, while edicts and decrees are linked to military regimes.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The law of libel limits a citizen’s right to freedom of

A. Association
B. Movement
C. Worship
D. Expression
Explanation

Libel laws limit freedom of expression by prohibiting false, damaging statements, balancing individual rights with reputational protection.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The first franchise in the history of the democratic process is

A. Female franchise
B. Male franchise
C. Universal franchise
D. Property franchise
Explanation

The property franchise, limiting voting to property owners, was the first in democratic history, as in ancient Athens and early modern Europe.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

An interest group that admits members and conducts its affairs according to stated rules is described as

A. Institutional
B. Organizational
C. Associational
D. Non-associational
Explanation

Associational interest groups, like trade unions, have formal membership and rules, unlike non-associational groups based on informal ties.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

A major influence on the formulation of public opinion is

A. Public journals
B. Peer groups
C. Family
D. Mass media
Explanation

Mass media (TV, newspapers, social media) shapes public opinion by providing information and framing narratives, as seen in Nigeria’s media landscape.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The highest grade in the civil service is known as the

A. Technical cadre
B. Administrative cadre
C. Executive cadre
D. Clerical cadre
Explanation

The administrative cadre, including permanent secretaries, is the highest grade in Nigeria’s civil service, overseeing policy implementation.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The pre-colonial Yoruba political system as a whole can best be described as a

A. Confederation of monarchies and chiefdoms
B. Federation of chiefdoms and localities
C. Highly centralized kingdom
D. Confederation of chiefdoms and localities
Explanation

The Yoruba system was a confederation of monarchies (e.g., Oyo, Ife) and chiefdoms under Obas, linked by cultural ties, not a centralized kingdom.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The major motivation of British colonization of Nigeria was to

A. Spread religion
B. Satisfy British economic interests
C. Westernize Nigerians
D. Protect Nigeria from external attack
Explanation

British colonization aimed to secure economic interests, like palm oil and trade routes, benefiting the British economy, as seen in the 19th century.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The Native Authority system was most effective and successful in

A. Western Nigeria
B. Mid-Western Nigeria
C. Northern Nigeria
D. Eastern Nigeria
Explanation

The Native Authority system thrived in Northern Nigeria, leveraging the centralized Hausa-Fulani emirate structure under British indirect rule.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The process of nationalism was accelerated by

A. Rapid economic development
B. Coming of Christian missionaries
C. Signing of the Atlantic Charter
D. Improvement in warfare tactics
Explanation

The Atlantic Charter (1941) promoted self-determination, inspiring nationalist movements in Nigeria and other colonies.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

A common feature of the earlier political parties in Nigeria was that they

A. Started as socio-cultural organizations
B. Were formed by the government
C. Were non-elitist in nature
D. Were backed by colonialists
Explanation

Early parties like NCNC evolved from socio-cultural groups, such as the Nigerian Youth Movement, before becoming political entities.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Under the 1999 Constitution, the power to declare war is vested in the

A. Legislature
B. Executive
C. National Council of States
D. National Security Council
Explanation

Section 5(4) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution vests the power to declare war in the National Assembly, ensuring legislative oversight.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

A distinguishing feature of the 1979 Constitution was the

A. Shift from parliamentary to presidential system
B. Preservation of republicanism
C. Introduction of unicameralism
D. Introduction of a federal structure
Explanation

The 1979 Constitution introduced a presidential system, replacing the parliamentary system, adopting a U.S.-style executive presidency.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The two chambers of elected national representatives in Nigeria are called

A. Parliament
B. Senate
C. House of Assembly
D. National Assembly
Explanation

The Senate and House of Representatives together form the National Assembly under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Judicial administration in respect of the national code of conduct lies with the

A. Judicial Service Commission
B. Code of Conduct Tribunal
C. Public Complaints Commission
D. Code of Conduct Bureau
Explanation

The Code of Conduct Tribunal adjudicates breaches of the national code of conduct by public officers, as established in the 1999 Constitution.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

In the Second Republic, the ruling National Party of Nigeria formed an alliance with the

A. Unity Party of Nigeria
B. Nigeria People’s Party
C. Great Nigeria People’s Party
D. Nigeria Advance Party
Explanation

The NPN allied with the NPP in the Second Republic (1979-1983) to secure a governing majority in the National Assembly.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The relationship between the tiers of government in Nigeria can be described as one of

A. Independent co-existence
B. Coordinate and independent jurisdiction
C. Voluntary subordination
D. Superior-subordinate co-existence
Explanation

Nigeria’s federal system involves coordinate and independent jurisdiction, with federal, state, and local governments having defined, independent powers.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria transformed the relationship between states and local governments into one of

A. Master and servant
B. Partnership and cooperation
C. Equality
D. Subordination
Explanation

The 1976 Reforms established local governments as a third tier, fostering partnership and cooperation with states, as outlined in the guidelines.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Government-owned companies operating in the economic sector are referred to as

A. Public utilities
B. Public enterprises
C. Public investments
D. Public services
Explanation

Public enterprises, like NNPC, are government-owned companies in the economic sector, operating commercially, unlike utilities focused on services.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The difference between commercialized and privatized companies is that in the former

A. Private ownership is dominant
B. Public ownership is dominant
C. Government subsidizes costs
D. Profit motive is recessive
Explanation

Commercialized companies remain publicly owned but operate on market principles, while privatized companies are sold to private owners.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The body responsible for running the personnel affairs of senior local government staff in Nigeria is the

A. Local Government Council
B. State Civil Service Commission
C. Senior Staff Commission
D. Local Government Service Commission
Explanation

The Local Government Service Commission manages senior local government staff, handling recruitment and discipline, as per the 1976 Reforms.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

The immediate cause of the January 15, 1966 military coup in Nigeria was the

A. Kano Riots
B. Tiv Riots
C. Election crisis in the Western Region
D. Crisis over the population census
Explanation

The 1966 coup was triggered by the 1965 Western Region election crisis, which caused political violence and instability, prompting military action.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Nigeria demonstrated her commitment to the policy of non-alignment during the regime of

A. Muhammadu Buhari
B. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
C. Murtala Muhammed
D. Ibrahim Babangida
Explanation

Murtala Muhammed (1975-1976) pursued non-alignment, notably supporting the MPLA in Angola, avoiding Cold War alliances.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Nigeria’s support for the South-South Cooperation is based on her desire to

A. Promote economic understanding in the Third World
B. Counter political and military domination by major powers
C. Assert her leadership role in Africa
D. Promote her non-aligned policy
Explanation

South-South Cooperation focuses on economic collaboration among developing nations, and Nigeria supports it to foster Third World economic ties.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2020

Nigeria’s relation with black political communities outside Africa is built on

A. Economic considerations
B. Shared political aspirations
C. Perceived cultural affinities
D. Expectations of political support
Explanation

Nigeria’s ties with black diaspora communities are based on shared political aspirations, like combating racial oppression, as seen in Pan-Africanism.

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