Government Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Government exam questions. We will cover Government exam questions for SS2 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Government examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Government as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Government Exam Questions for SS2 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Government as a school subject is the study of how a state is organized and managed. It teaches students about political systems, leadership, laws, rights, and responsibilities of citizens. The subject helps learners understand how government functions at local, national, and international levels. By studying Government, students develop critical thinking, civic awareness, and the knowledge needed to participate actively in society and contribute to nation-building.

Government Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Government Exam Questions for SS2 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS2 Government First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objectives

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. Election can be define as ____________
[a] picking a candidate
[b] appointing a candidate
[c] selecting a candidate
[d] sitting a candidate

2. An election perform all the following functions except ____________
[a] it ensure legitimacy of a leader
[b] it measure the public opinion
[c] it educates the electorate
[d] it use to allocate mineral resources to foreigners

3. All the following are demerits of direct election Except ____________
[a] intimidation of voters
[b] rigging of election
[c] existence of electoral college
[d] illiteracy among the people

4. All the following are types of election except ____________
[a] runoff election
[b] multiparty system election
[c] primary election
[d] general election

5. A bye election is conducted when ____________
[a] the parliament is dissolved
[b] the chief justice resigns
[c] a minister resign
[d] some vacant seat exist in the parliament

6. The act of conducting election according to the principle and rules of democracy is ____________
[a] electoral commission
[b] suffrage
[c] free & fair election
[d] electoral constituencies

7. The stages in conducting free and fair election includes all the following except; ____________
[a] registration of voters
[b] primary election
[c] general election
[d] organizational structure

8. A free and fair election can exist where there is ____________
[a] double voting
[b] secret voting
[c] plebiscite
[d] runoff

9. The following are merits of limited franchise except ____________
[a] it reduces election violence
[b] it make use of qualified candidates
[c] only qualified adult are allowed to vote
[d] it eliminate uninformed people from voting

10. Any form of restricted franchise is a violation of the principle of
[a] sovereignty
[b] legitimacy
[c] popular election
[d] political equality

11. The various types of suffrage includes all the following except ____________
[a] plebiscite suffrage
[b] adult suffrage
[c] property suffrage
[d] tax payers suffrage

12. The following are merits of unlimited franchise except ____________
[a] it encourages disenfranchisement
[b] it is democratic in nature
[c] it ensure equality of voters
[d] it boost legitimacy

13. The following are reasons for disenfranchisement except ____________
[a] certified bankrupt
[b] insanity
[c] qualified adult citizen
[d] criminal offence

14. The type of vote cast by citizen in a secluded place in order to elect a candidate is ____________
[a] optional voting
[b] public voting
[c] compulsory voting
[d] secret voting

15. The type of vote in which a voter votes in absentia through an authorized representative is ____________
[a] optional voting
[b] universal voting
[c] voting by proxy
[d] public voting

16. The type of voting that is an abode mandatory on all qualified citizens is ____________
[a] indirect voting
[b] secret voting
[c] optional voting
[d] compulsory voting

17. The electoral official that is in charge of polling booth is the ____________
[a] population officer
[b] polling agent
[c] presiding officer
[d] liberation officer

18. The electoral official that is in charge of organizing and supervising election in a state is the ____________
[a] governor
[b] sergeant officer
[c] resident electoral commissioner
[d] technical officer

19. The following are features of electoral system except ____________
[a] independent of judiciary
[b] existence of universal franchise
[c] periodic election is not democratic in nature
[d] existence of secret voting

20. The first post system and simple majority system are also referred to as ____________
[a] proportional representation
[b] second ballot system
[c] alternative voting system
[d] plurality voting system

21. The following are features of simple majority voting system except ____________
[a] it is simple to operate
[b] it is undemocratic in nature
[c] it ensure political stability
[d] it guaranty the existence of legitimacy

22. The following are demerits of option A4 system of voting except ____________
[a] it encourages secret voting
[b] voters are exposed to intimidation
[c] it can induce violence
[d] it is undemocratic in nature

23. The geographical units into which a country is divided for the purpose of election are called ____________
[a] state
[b] constituencies
[c] polling areas
[d] country council

24. An elected politician represents all the following except ____________
[a] his constituency
[b] the electorate
[c] the government
[d] his political party

25. The term “winner takes all” can also be associated with ____________
[a] second ballot system
[b] alternative voting system
[c] first past the post system
[d] proportional representation

26. Which of the following best describes public opinion
[a] people’s watch dog
[b] one way communication
[c] sampling of information
[d] enlightens people about bodies

27. The following are roles of mass media in the day to day administration of government except ____________
[a] it disseminate information to the people
[b] it educate the populace
[c] it gives room for accountability
[d] it intercede the law in the law court

28. Which of the following best describe public opinion?
[a] opinion of the elites only
[b] opinion of the ruling party
[c] political views of important group
[d] important political view of large segment of the population

29. The following are formation of public opinion except ____________
[a] opinion poll
[b] influential citizens
[c] political parties
[d] pressure group

30. Public opinion can be expressed through ____________
[a] census
[b] general strike
[c] socialization
[d] compromise

31. The following are features of public opinion except ____________
[a] two way channel of communication
[b] existence of public issues
[c] opinion are shared by the people and government
[d] opinion are shared by only government

32. The vast areas of civil service is ____________
[a] executive
[b] administrative
[c] auxiliary
[d] technical

33. The following are the problems of civil service except ____________
[a] low incentives for workers
[b] political instability
[c] red tapsim
[d] approval of ordinance law

34. The following are ways of improving civil service except ____________
[a] absence of political interference
[b] participating in partisan politics while in service
[c] recruitment should be based on merit
[d] maintenance of neutrality

35. The activities of the civil service can be controlled by all the following except ____________
[a] civil service commission
[b] supreme military council
[c] executive control
[d] judicial control

36. All of the following are functions of police except ____________
[a] enforcement of law
[b] controlling of traffic
[c] prosecuting armed robbers
[d] protecting public peace

37. Which of the employment can banned a citizen from active politics?
[a] priestly hood
[b] civil servant
[c] estate developer
[d] self employed

38. The civil service is an institution for ____________
[a] carrying out private organization goals
[b] effecting civil society goal
[c] formulating and executive public policies
[d] initiating bureaucratic private agenda

39. Public corporations are set up by ____________
[a] decree
[b] ordinance law
[c] sharia law
[d] act of the parliament

40. Public corporations are setup mainly to ____________
[a] establish law
[b] be owned by the minister of finance
[c] make profit for government
[d] provide essential services

41. Which of these is not a public corporation in Nigeria?
[a] Water corporation
[b] Federal Radio Corporation
[c] National Electric Power Authority
[d] Nigeria Port Authority

42. Which of the following is not among the organizational structure of public corporation?
[a] the deputy senate president
[b] the political head (minister)
[c] the board of director
[d] the managing director

43. The activities of public corporation can be controlled through all the following except ____________
[a] legislative control
[b] ministerial control
[c] financial control
[d] council of diplomat control

44. The following are problems of public corporation except ____________
[a] government interference
[b] bribery and corruption
[c] over stuffing
[d] to declare election result

45. Public corporation can be more efficient through all the following except ____________
[a] government interference
[b] political stability
[c] proper remuneration of workers
[d] efficient use of red tapism

46. The process of converting public enterprise into profit making venture is ____________
[a] public corporation
[b] public opinion
[c] commercialization
[d] capitalism

47. The reasons for commercialization includes all the following except ____________
[a] for efficient management
[b] to generate profit
[c] for revenue generation
[d] to promote federal character

48. Privatization is the process of converting public enterprise into ____________
[a] public owned enterprise
[b] profit making enterprise
[c] private owned enterprise
[d] foreign owned enterprise

49. All the following are demerits of privatization except ____________
[a] laying off workers
[b] high cost of goods
[c] fall in people standard of living
[d] reduction in price of goods

50. Deregulation is the systematic removal of ____________
[a] subsidy
[b] monopoly market
[c] inflation value
[d] regulatory controls

51. In which of the following ground can a citizen abstain from voting ____________
[a] religion      [b] residence
[c] wealth        [d] status

52. Which of the following is a limitation to universal adult suffrage?
[a] wealth      [b] age
[c] race          [d] sex

53. Which of the following categories of people can vote in periodic election?
[a] minor        [b] lunatic
[c] aliens         [d] citizens

54. Which of the following is a method of acquiring political power in a democracy?
[a] imposition      [b] election
[c] hereditary       [d] military power

55. Another name for red tapism is ____________
[a] autocracy          [b] idiosyncrasy
[c] bureaucracy      [d] democracy

56. The non-involvement of civil servant in partisan politics is related to ____________
[a] nepotism
[b] neutrality
[c] permanence
[d] inherent

57. The method in which a group of people are interviewed on a specific political issues is called ____________
[a] referendum
[b] individual speech
[c] individual writing
[d] opinion sample

58. The civil service is different from the public service in term of ____________
[a] conditions of service
[b] educational qualification
[c] personality and stature
[d] political affiliation

59. The dissolution of parliament is generally followed by ____________
[a] resolution
[b] general election
[c] referendum
[d] plebiscite

60. The official who enforces discipline among members of his party in parliament is the ____________
[a] majority leader
[b] minority leader
[c] chief whip
[d] clerk of the house

SECTION B: Essay

INSTRUCTION – Answer all five (5) questions in this section.

1a. Define the term free and fair election
1b. Briefly describe any 4 ways of ensuring free and fair election

2a. Define public opinion
2b. Mention and explain four ways of measuring public opinion

3a. What is civil service
3b. Critically analyze any 4 features of civil service in Nigeria

4a. What do you understand by the term mass media?
4b. Briefly explain 4 roles of mass media in our society?

5a. Define the term public corporation
5b. Explain 4 reasons for public corporation

Read Also: Civic Education Exam Questions for SS2 Second Term

Answers to Government Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Government exam questions for SS2 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Government Exam Questions for SS2 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1a. A free and fair election is an election conducted in an atmosphere where people are allowed to vote without intimidation, manipulation, rigging, or interference. It is one where every eligible citizen has the right to vote and be voted for, and the results reflect the true wishes of the people.

1b. Four ways of ensuring free and fair election include:

• Independent Electoral Body: Elections should be conducted by an impartial and independent body like INEC to avoid manipulation.
• Use of Secret Ballot: Voters should cast their votes in secret to prevent intimidation and undue influence.
• Security: Adequate security should be provided to protect voters, officials, and election materials.
• Proper Voter Education: Citizens should be educated about their rights and the voting process to reduce electoral malpractices.

2a. Public opinion is the collective views, attitudes, and beliefs of the majority of people in a society on political, social, and economic issues.

2b. Four ways of measuring public opinion are:

• Opinion Polls: Gathering views of people through questionnaires and interviews.
• Mass Media: Analyzing reactions and discussions from newspapers, radio, and television.
• Elections: The outcome of elections reflects the opinions of the people on candidates and policies.
• Public Demonstrations: Rallies, protests, and strikes reveal the feelings and opinions of the people on certain issues.

3a. The civil service is a body of permanent government officials employed to assist in the planning and implementation of government policies and programs. They work in ministries and government departments.

3b. Four features of civil service in Nigeria are:

• Permanence: Civil servants remain in service regardless of changes in government.
• Anonymity: Civil servants work behind the scenes and are not personally praised or blamed for government actions.
• Neutrality: Civil servants are expected to serve any government in power without bias.
• Professionalism: They are trained experts who possess skills and competence in public administration.

4a. Mass media refers to all the means of communication that reach large numbers of people at the same time, such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and the internet.

4b. Four roles of mass media in our society include:

• Information: It provides people with news and updates about local and international events.
• Education: The media educates the public on political, social, and economic issues.
• Entertainment: It entertains the society through music, movies, sports, and cultural programs.
• Public Opinion Shaping: It influences people’s views and attitudes on important issues.

5a. A public corporation is a business organization set up by the government to provide essential goods and services for the welfare of the citizens, not mainly for profit.

5b. Four reasons for public corporation are:

• Provision of Essential Services: To provide basic services like water, electricity, and transportation that private individuals may not effectively supply.
• Control of Strategic Sectors: To ensure that key industries like power and petroleum are not left in private hands.
• Employment Creation: To provide job opportunities for citizens and reduce unemployment.
• Revenue Generation: To generate income for the government through the operations of the corporations.

How to Pass Government Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Passing your Government exam questions for SS2 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

• Study the Scheme of Work: Go through the topics taught during the term such as free and fair elections, public opinion, civil service, mass media, and public corporations. This helps you know what to expect in the exam.
• Understand Definitions and Key Terms: Many Government questions require you to define important terms like democracy, public opinion, and civil service. Learn these definitions word-for-word where necessary.
• Use Examples: Support your answers with relevant examples from Nigeria and other countries. This shows that you understand the practical side of the subject.
• Practice Past Questions: Solve previous Government exam questions to familiarize yourself with common question patterns and how to structure your answers.
• Develop Good Writing Skills: Government essay questions demand clear expression. Write in simple, correct sentences and organize your answers in points or paragraphs.
• Pay Attention in Class: Many exam questions come directly from what the teacher explains in class. Take notes and revise them regularly.
• Revise Constantly: Do not wait until exam week. Set out time daily to review your notes so the topics remain fresh in your memory.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS2 First Term Questions on Government, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.

Best wishes.