WAEC Government Past Questions And Answers (Objective and Theory)
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Who is the head of the executive branch in the United States?
A) President
B) Speaker of the House
C) Chief Justice
D) Secretary of State
Answer: A) President
What is the primary function of the legislative branch?
A) Enforce laws
B) Interpret laws
C) Make laws
D) Adjudicate laws
Answer: C) Make laws
In a parliamentary system, who is the head of government?
A) President
B) Prime Minister
C) Monarch
D) Speaker of the House
Answer: B) Prime Minister
Which of the following is a fundamental right in many democratic countries?
A) Right to bear arms
B) Right to privacy
C) Right to trial by combat
D) Right to a speedy trial
Answer: B) Right to privacy
What is the role of the judicial branch?
A) Make laws
B) Interpret laws
C) Enforce laws
D) Execute laws
Answer: B) Interpret laws
How often are presidential elections held in the United States?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 4 years
C) Every 6 years
D) Every 8 years
Answer: B) Every 4 years
Which branch of government has the power to declare war in the United States?
A) Executive
B) Legislative
C) Judicial
D) Military
Answer: B) Legislative
What is the purpose of the United Nations?
A) Global currency regulation
B) International peace and cooperation
C) Regional trade agreements
D) Military alliances
Answer: B) International peace and cooperation
Which constitutional amendment protects freedom of speech?
A) 1st Amendment
B) 2nd Amendment
C) 4th Amendment
D) 8th Amendment
Answer: A) 1st Amendment
What is the main function of the Federal Reserve in the United States?
A) Conducting foreign policy
B) Regulating interstate commerce
C) Monetary policy and financial stability
D) Enforcing immigration laws
Answer: C) Monetary policy and financial stability
Who has the power to approve or reject treaties in the U.S.?
A) President
B) Senate
C) House of Representatives
D) Supreme Court
Answer: B) Senate
In a democracy, what is the purpose of elections?
A) Appointing leaders
B) Ensuring the rule of law
C) Allowing citizens to choose representatives
D) Establishing a monarchy
Answer: C) Allowing citizens to choose representatives
What is the primary responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security?
A) Environmental protection
B) National defense
C) Immigration enforcement and security
D) Foreign affairs
Answer: C) Immigration enforcement and security
Which court is the highest appellate court in the United States?
A) District Court
B) Circuit Court
C) Supreme Court
D) Appeals Court
Answer: C) Supreme Court
What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?
A) 2 years
B) 4 years
C) 6 years
D) 8 years
Answer: C) 6 years
Which government body is responsible for creating the federal budget in the U.S.?
A) President
B) Congress
C) Supreme Court
D) Treasury Department
Answer: B) Congress
What is the purpose of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
A) Consumer protection
B) National security
C) Environmental regulation and conservation
D) Space exploration
Answer: C) Environmental regulation and conservation
Who has the authority to pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes?
A) President
B) Attorney General
C) Supreme Court
D) Congress
Answer: A) President
What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25
Answer: B) 18
Which document outlines the fundamental principles and laws of a country?
A) Constitution
B) Bill of Rights
C) Magna Carta
D) Declaration of Independence
Answer: A) Constitution
Section B: Theory Questions
Explain the concept of checks and balances in a government system.
Answer: Checks and balances ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
What is federalism, and how does it function in a country’s governance?
Answer: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional entities, promoting shared governance and autonomy.
Describe the role of a lobbyist in the political process.
Answer: A lobbyist advocates for specific interests, attempting to influence policymakers and legislators to support policies aligned with the interests of the group or organization they represent.
What is the significance of the rule of law in a democratic society?
Answer: The rule of law ensures that everyone, including the government, is subject to and accountable under the law, fostering a just and fair society.
Explain the concept of judicial review and its importance in constitutional law.
Answer: Judicial review is the power of the courts to review the constitutionality of government actions. It serves as a crucial check on the legislative and executive branches, ensuring adherence to the constitution.