Government Exam Questions for SS1 Third 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 SS1 Third 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 Facebook. (Like and Follow Page)

Introduction to Government as a School Subject

Government, as a school subject, introduces students to the structure, functions, and principles of political systems, particularly focusing on how power and authority are exercised in a state. It explores key concepts such as democracy, citizenship, the rule of law, separation of powers, and human rights. Through the study of government, students gain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens, the workings of institutions like the legislature, judiciary, and executive, and the importance of civic participation. This subject helps develop informed, active, and responsible members of society.

The subject is offered by students in Senior Secondary School as Government.

Government Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Government Exam Questions for SS1 Third 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 SS1 Government Third Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 3rd 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. Which of the following is not a means by which government maintain law and order
A. law making
B. maintenance of police and other security personnel
C. provision of socio-economic services
D. establishment of provisional association

2. The primary function of government in a state is to
A. build schools and hospitals
B. provide transport services
C. engage in campaigns and rallies
D. maintain law and order

3. The functions of government include all the following except the
A. maintenance of peace and order
B. provision of social services
C. provision of free medical services
D. protection of citizens from malicious attacks

4. An essential feature of a state is
A. availability of mineral resources
B. developed infrastructure
C. an organized system of law
D. developed markets

5. Government is distinguished from the state because it
A. can be changed periodically
B. does not operate in any defined territory
C. is a loosely organized structure
D. enforce its will on the people of the state

6. Which of the following is not a feature of totalitarianism
A. existence of two parties
B. adoption of official ideology
C. existence of a leader
D. opposition is not tolerated

7. The acceptance and recognition of a leader by the citizens to govern a state is
A. election            B. legitimacy
C. franchise          D. government

8. Which of these is not among the sub-division of political culture
A. cognitive orientation
B. psychomotor orientation
C. evaluative orientation
D. affective orientation

9. Which of the economic system is aimed at profit making
A. socialism          B. communism
C. capitalism        D. communalism

10. Totalitarianism means government headed by
A. a dictator
B. wealthy people
C. educated elite
D. the masses

11. As a political ideology, communism seeks to
A. accumulate capital in the head of a few
B. accommodate division of citizens into classes
C. eliminate all forms of socio-economic inequalities
D. create economic opportunities for profit making

12. A system of government where political powers is inherited is called
A. monarchy          B. diarchy
C. democracy        D. aristocracy

13. Democracy can be promoted through
A. gerrymandering     B. slander
C. accountability        D. lobbying

14. Legitimacy is determined mainly by
A. charisma             B. influence
C. acceptance         D. desire

15. Which of the following is a source of political power
A. gerrymandering
B. election
C. filibuster
D. immunity

16. Which of the following is a component of political culture
A. injunction
B. cognitive
C. orientation mandamus
D. habeas corpus

17. In the parliamentary system of government, ministers are
A. chosen from the house as well as outside
B. collectively responsible to parliament
C. representatives of various interest in the country
D. not members of the legislature

18. In a confederation, more power resides in the
A. component units
B. president
C. central government
D. prime minister

19. The head of a republic is generally addressed as
A. president          B. monarch
C. aristocrat          D. minister

20. A system of government where political powers is inherited is called
A. monarchy          B. diarchy
C. democracy        D. aristocracy

21. The executive and ceremonial powers are exercised by the head of state in
A. unitary system
B. federal system
C. presidential system
D. confederal system

22. Monarchy means government
A. headed by a king
B. by the people
C. of the majority
D. run by the elite

23. In a unitary state, government powers are concentrated at the
A. component units
B. local level
C. centre
D. regions

24. The system of government in which the president act as a head of state and the head of government is
A. diarchy         B. presidential
C. unitary         D. parliamentary

25. Which of the following is a factor in the formation of a federation
A. desire for a union
B. absence of a common enemy
C. small population
D. geographical in contiguity

26. Unwritten Constitution means that the constitution is
A. not written down
B. based only on conventions
C. not contained in any single book
D. a draft

27. A flexible constitution can only be amended by
A. two-third (2/3) majority vote in the legislature
A. referendum
C. three quarter (³/₄) majority vote in the legislature
D. simple majority vote in the legislature

28. A rigid constitution is said to be best suited for a
A. federal government
B. Socialist government
C. military government
D. military government

29. A constitution is a
A. set of regulations and customs
B. body of doctrines and principles
C. set of principles and customs
D. body of rules, regulations and conventions

30. The order of mandamus is a
A. form of order by a superior body to perform a function
B. mandate from the executive to the public corporations
C. appeal for man in the court
D. write to produce a detailed paper for trial

31. In the legislature, a filibuster is one who
A. is in charge of party discipline
B. presents party manifesto during parliamentary sessions
C. does not take part in law making
D. prevents the passage of a bill by making long speeches

32. Which of the following measures will ensure the independence of the judiciary? Judges
A. salaries must be handled by foreign banks
B. salaries must be fixed and not subjected to arbitrary review
C. must not be separated from the executive
D. must be controlled by the president

33. The law making body in Nigeria is called the
A. congress
B. praesidium
C. national assembly
D. parliament

34. Which of the following functions is performed by the executive?
A. recruitment of judges
B. passing of bills to law
C. adjudication of cases
D. implementation of policies

35. Bicameral legislature is the same as
A. legislature with two chambers
B. one chamber legislature
C. the upper house in a legislature
D. the lower house in any legislature

36. Establishment of an independent judiciary is a way of safeguarding citizens
A. rights           B. obligations
C. privileges     D. education

37. A unicameral legislature has
A. two houses
B. one house
C. three houses
D. one head of state

38. The judiciary is an arm of government which
A. runs the country according to laws
B. makes laws for the country
C. gives legal backing to government budget
D. settles disputes in accordance with the laws of the land

39. To promote justice in a state, judges must
A. belong to ruling party
B. punish people who oppose them
C. receive favours from executive
D. not socialize with the people

40. Independence of the judiciary denotes that
A. judges must be allowed to participate in politics
B. court judges are free to administer oath of office
C. judges must not be involved in law making
D. judges must be free from any influence

41. Delegated legislation is necessary because it
A. helps to promote dictatorship
B. prevents even development
C. is useful in times of emergency
D. gives a lot of power to the president

42. Fundamental human right seek to
A. promote the dignity of man
B. train political activities
C. encourage economic activities
D. enthrone mob rule

43. Centralization of power is a feature of a
A. federal system
B. unitary system
C. confederal system of government
D. presidential system

44. The principle of checks and balances modifies the theory of
A. delegated legislation
B. supremacy of the law
C. separation of power
D. rule of law

45. A representative government is one in which
A. the executive controls the judiciary
B. half of the parliament is popularly elected
C. traditional rulers form the majority in parliament
D. the ultimate power resides with the people

46. Equality before the law implies that
A. the law does not respect the people
B. everybody can do what he likes
C. no one citizen can sue the other
D. there is inequality between the executive and the citizen

47. The principle of separation of power by Baron de Montesquieu implies that the three main organs of government work
A. separately
B. independently but cooperatively
C. against one another
D. together with the interest of the nation

48. Citizenship can be charged through A. birth
B. conviction
C. employment
D. naturalization

49. A legal member of a state is known as
A. an alien           B. a resident
C. a citizen          D. an immigrant

50. Which of the following is a duty of a good citizen
A. pay tax regularly
B. must assist the poor
C. should challenge the law of the land
D. must join law enforcement agents

51. Activities purportedly directed at influencing government decisions are characteristics of
A. public corporation
B. pressure group
C. political parties
D. mass media

52. All of the following are sources of revenue of a political party except
A. payment of dues
B. donations
C. custom duties
D. fundraising

53. Party manifesto is important in the following ways except
A. evaluate the party
B. limit choice
C. attract people
D. guide the party

54. Which of the following is not a function of a political party
A. educating the government
B. interest articulation
C. aggregation of opinion
D. selection of persons for government

55. Which of the following statements distinguishes political parties from pressure group
A. political parties only lobby government to change certain policies
B. pressure groups select candidates for political offices
C. political parties influence government policies
D. pressure groups influence government policies to members’ interest

56. One party system leads to
A. dictatorship        B. democracy
C. diarchy                 D. theocracy

57. In a democratic state, the party system that usually operate is
A. mass party
B. multiparty
C. one party
D. elite party

58. On which of the following platforms do political parties mainly present their manifestos to the electorate?
A. Campaign and rallies
B. the state controlled mass media
C. public lecture
D. none of the above

59. In a two party system, only two political parties
A. exists in the country
B. dominate the political scene
C. register their members
D. undertake political education

60. A feature of pressure groups is that members
A. oppose the government
B. are in the same labour union
C. do not believe in dialogue
D. have similar interests

SECTION B: Essay

PART 1

INSTRUCTION – Answer any (2) questions in this part.

1. a. Define the term government.
b. Briefly explain 3 functions of the modern government.
c. Briefly describe only 3 types of party system.

2. a. Who is a Citizen?
b. Highlight 3 method of acquiring citizenship.
c. Describe 3 conditions an alien must satisfy before becoming a citizen of another country (Nigeria)

3. a. Define the term delegated legislation
b. Briefly describe any 3 forms of delegated legislation
c. Describe 3 reasons why delegated legislation was criticized in modern government

PART 2

INSTRUCTION – Answer any (2) questions in this part.

4. a. What do you understand by the term popular participation?
b. Describe 3 forms of popular participation.
c. Briefly explain any 3 types of political parties.

5a. Define the term constituted authority.
b. Briefly describe 3 types of constituted authority in an egalitarian society.
c. Describe 3 needs for constituted authority.

6a. Define the term cultism.
b. Briefly explain any 3 implications of cult related activities in our society.
c. Describe 3 ways of avoiding cult group in society.

Answers to Government Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Government exam questions for SS1 Third 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 SS1 Third 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)

Question 1.

a. Government is the machinery or institution through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed, and carried out.

b. Three functions of modern government include:

• Law Making: Government makes laws to regulate the conduct of individuals in the society.
• Protection of Lives and Property: Through law enforcement agencies, government ensures the security of its citizens.
• Provision of Social Amenities: Modern governments provide roads, electricity, education, and healthcare services to improve living standards.

c. Three types of party system are:

• One-Party System: Only one political party is legally allowed to operate, e.g., North Korea.
• Two-Party System: Two major parties dominate the political scene, e.g., the USA.
• Multi-Party System: Multiple political parties compete for power, e.g., Nigeria.

Question 2.

a. A citizen is a legal member of a state or country who enjoys full rights and responsibilities under the law.

b. Three methods of acquiring citizenship include:

• By Birth: A person born in a country or to citizens of that country automatically becomes a citizen.
• βy Naturalization: A foreigner can become a citizen after fulfilling certain legal requirements.
• By Registration: Citizenship can be granted upon application, especially to spouses of citizens.

c. Three conditions an alien must satisfy to become a Nigerian citizen include:

• Must have lived in Nigeria for a continuous period of at least 15 years.
• Mūst be of good character and intentions toward the country.
• Must take the Oath of Allegiance to Nigeria.

Question 3.

a. Delegated legislation refers to laws made by bodies or authorities other than the legislature, empowered by an Act of Parliament.

b. Three forms of delegated legislation are:

• Statutory Instruments: Rules and regulations made by ministers or government departments.
• By-laws: Laws made by local government authorities or public corporations.
• Orders in Council: Laws made by the executive, especially in times of emergency or when Parliament is not in session.

c. Three criticisms of delegated legislation in modern government include:

• It may lead to abuse of power by non-elected officials.
• Lack of publicity and public awareness of the laws made.
• It reduces parliamentary control over lawmaking.

Question 4.

a. Popular participation is the active involvement of citizens in the political and decision-making processes of their country.

b. Three forms of popular participation include:

• Voting: Citizens participate by electing their leaders.
• Public Protests: Citizens express their views through peaceful demonstrations.
• Membership of Political Parties: People join parties to influence political decisions.

c. Three types of political parties are:

• Mass Parties: These have large memberships and aim to represent the general public, e.g., the Labour Party.
• Elite Parties: Formed and dominated by the wealthy or influential individuals.
• Ideological Parties: Formed based on specific ideologies, e.g., communism or socialism.

Question 5.

a. Constituted authority refers to the legitimate and recognized power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

b. Three types of constituted authority in an egalitarian society include:

• Traditional Authority: Based on customs and traditions, e.g., kings and chiefs.
• Legal Authority: Based on laws and formal rules, e.g., elected officials.
• Charismatic Authority: Based on the personal qualities and influence of a leader.

c. Three needs for constituted authority include:

• To maintain law and order in society.
• Tō ensure smooth administration and governance.
• To protect the rights and freedom of individuals.

Question 6.

a. Cultism refers to secret religious or social groups whose activities are often associated with violence and criminal acts, especially in institutions.

b. Three implications of cult-related activities in our society include:

• Increased violence and insecurity in schools and communities.
• Decline in academic performance due to fear and disruption.
• Loss of lives and destruction of properties.

c. Three ways of avoiding cult groups in society include:

• Proper guidance and counseling for youths.
• Engaging in productive and religious activities.
• Avoiding bad company and peer pressure.

Read Also: Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

How to Pass Government Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Passing your Government exam questions for SS1 Third term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Study the Syllabus: Go through the third term syllabus and take note of all the important topics like political parties, delegated legislation, and popular participation.

2. Understand Definitions and Concepts: Government involves many definitions and principles. Make sure you understand and can explain terms like authority, citizenship, cultism, and democracy.

3. Practice Past Questions: Solve past exam questions to become familiar with the format and to test your knowledge. Focus on essay questions and how to structure your answers.

4. Use Mnemonics for Memorization: Some topics may require you to remember lists (e.g., functions of government or types of political parties). Create simple acronyms to help you recall them easily.

5. Join Group Discussions: Studying with friends can help you understand difficult topics and learn from others.

6. Pay Attention in Class: Listen carefully when your teacher is explaining key topics and take useful notes. Teachers often give clues about possible exam questions.

7. Write Clearly and Neatly: In the exam, present your answers in good English, use paragraphs, and number your points clearly. Neatness can help you gain extra marks.

8. Pray and Stay Confident: Don’t forget to pray for wisdom and stay calm during the exam. Confidence helps you remember what you’ve studied.

With hard work and the right attitude, you can do well in your SS1 Third Term Government exam.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS1 Third Term Questions on Government, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.

Best wishes.