JAMB Government 2024 Past Questions & Answers

During Nigeria's Third Republic $(1992-1993)$, the military government under General Ibrahim Babangida decreed the formation of only two political parties. These were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). Because only two parties were legally permitted to exist and contest elections, it was a two-party system.

Common mistake: Students may mistakenly choose 'multi-party system' because they are more familiar with Nigeria's current political landscape or other republics, forgetting the unique two-party structure imposed by the military during the aborted Third Republic.

Delegated legislation is the power given by the legislature (e.g., the National Assembly) to the executive (e.g., a minister) to make detailed rules. Since the legislature is the arm of government that grants this law-making power, it also has the main responsibility to control or regulate it. The legislature can check the rules made by the executive and can cancel any rule that goes against the original law it passed.

Common mistake: Students often confuse this with 'judicial control' because courts can also check laws, but the most direct control comes from the legislature which is the body that delegated the power in the first place.

The 1999 Constitution established a presidential system of government with a large bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) and many political offices at both federal and state levels. This structure is very expensive to maintain due to the high salaries and allowances for numerous officials, leading to a high cost of governance. This economic burden is a primary and persistent argument against the constitution.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose that it was imposed by the military; while this is a valid historical fact and a major criticism, the high financial cost of operating the system it created is frequently cited as its main practical disadvantage.

The rule of law is a fundamental principle that states everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law. A core feature of this principle is 'equality before the law', which means the law is applied equally to every citizen, regardless of their status or position. The other options like secret trials or unlimited executive power describe an arbitrary or dictatorial system, which is the opposite of the rule of law.

Common mistake: Students might confuse the executive's power to enforce laws with having unlimited authority, not realizing that the rule of law specifically exists to limit such power and ensure no one is above the law.

Public opinion is the term used to describe the collected attitudes and beliefs of the population on a specific issue or policy. The question asks for the name of the 'collective views of the citizens on a specific national matter', which is the exact definition of public opinion. It represents what the general public thinks about government and its activities.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'collective responsibility' because of the word 'collective', but this term refers to the principle that all members of a cabinet must publicly support government decisions, which is a different concept.

Public corporations are businesses owned by the government, which are expected to be run efficiently and profitably. When politicians interfere, they often appoint unqualified people or make decisions for political gain instead of for the good of the business. Therefore, reducing political interference allows the corporation to be managed professionally based on merit and sound business principles, which greatly enhances its productivity.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'increase in employment rate', thinking more workers automatically means more productivity, but hiring people without a genuine need can actually increase costs and lower overall efficiency.

NEPAD stands for the New Partnerships for Africa's Development. It is an economic development program of the African Union (AU) that was adopted in 2001. The main goal of NEPAD is to help African countries achieve sustainable development, reduce poverty, and integrate more fully into the global economy.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose option A because the 'E' and 'P' in NEPAD can easily be thought to stand for 'Economic Programmes,' which sounds very similar to the organization's purpose.

In the Hausa-Fulani pre-colonial emirate system, the Waziri was the head of the administration and the chief adviser to the Emir (Sarki). This role is equivalent to that of a Prime Minister in a modern government, as the Waziri was responsible for the day-to-day running of the government. The Galadima administered the capital, while the Madawaki was the commander of the army.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose 'sarki' because the Sarki (or Emir) was the overall ruler, but the Waziri specifically held the administrative role of a Prime Minister.

A public corporation is a business-like organization established by an Act of Parliament to provide specific essential services to the public on behalf of the government. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was created by the government to manage and operate Nigeria's seaports, fitting the exact definition of a public corporation. These bodies are also known as parastatals.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose 'Public Service' because public corporations are owned by the government, but they are distinct from the regular ministries and departments that make up the core public service.

Political socialisation is the process by which people learn about their political system and form their political beliefs. The state uses the school as a direct agent for this by controlling the curriculum. Subjects like Government and Civic Education are designed by the state to formally teach young citizens about the structure of government, their rights, and their duties.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose the mass media because it is a powerful tool for shaping political views, but schools are the most formal and direct institution the state itself uses for this purpose.