The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is a reputable examination body in West Africa, and its Government examination is a crucial subject for students in the region. Here's a comprehensive guide to the 2018 WAEC Government questions and answers.
Section A: Objective Questions
This section consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and students are expected to answer all of them. Here are some of the questions and their corresponding answers:
- Which of the following is a function of the legislature? A) Executing laws B) Making laws C) Interpreting laws D) Enforcing laws
Answer: B) Making laws
- Which of the following types of government is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals? A) Democracy B) Autocracy C) Oligarchy D) Monarchy
Answer: C) Oligarchy
- Who is the head of state in a presidential system of government? A) The President B) The Prime Minister C) The Speaker of the House of Representatives D) The Chief Justice
Answer: A) The President
Section B: Essay Questions
This section consists of 5 essay questions, and students are expected to answer 3 of them. Here are some of the questions and their corresponding answers:
Question 1: Discuss the importance of the separation of powers in a democratic government. (20 marks)
Answer: The separation of powers is an essential feature of democratic government. It refers to the division of power among the three arms of government: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. This separation is important because it prevents any one arm of government from becoming too powerful and abusing its authority. It also ensures that each arm of government is accountable to the others and that there are checks and balances on the exercise of power.
Question 2: Explain the concept of federalism and its advantages. (20 marks)
Answer: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, such as states or provinces. The advantages of federalism include:
- Promoting regional autonomy and self-government
- Encouraging diversity and experimentation in governance
- Providing a framework for the protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Facilitating economic development and cooperation among regions
Question 3: Discuss the role of the civil service in a democratic government. (20 marks)
Answer: The civil service plays a crucial role in a democratic government. It is responsible for implementing the policies and programs of the government, providing advice and support to elected officials, and delivering public services to citizens. The civil service is expected to be impartial, efficient, and accountable, and to uphold the values of public service.
Section C: Practical Questions
This section consists of 2 practical questions, and students are expected to answer both of them. Here are some of the questions and their corresponding answers:
Question 1: Draw a diagram showing the structure of government in a federal state. (15 marks)
Answer: A diagram showing the structure of government in a federal state should include the following components:
- A central authority (e.g. the President or Prime Minister)
- A legislature (e.g. the National Assembly or Congress)
- A judiciary (e.g. the Supreme Court)
- Constituent units (e.g. states or provinces)
- Local governments (e.g. municipalities or councils)
Question 2: Identify and explain the different types of democracy. (15 marks)
Answer: There are several types of democracy, including:
- Direct democracy: In which citizens make decisions directly, either by voting on laws or by participating in deliberative forums.
- Representative democracy: In which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- Participatory democracy: In which citizens are actively involved in the decision-making process through mechanisms such as public hearings and consultations.
- Liberal democracy: In which individual rights and freedoms are protected and promoted through institutions such as an independent judiciary and a free press.
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FAQ Section
What is the importance of the separation of powers in a democratic government?
+The separation of powers is important because it prevents any one arm of government from becoming too powerful and abusing its authority. It also ensures that each arm of government is accountable to the others and that there are checks and balances on the exercise of power.
What are the advantages of federalism?
+The advantages of federalism include promoting regional autonomy and self-government, encouraging diversity and experimentation in governance, providing a framework for the protection of individual rights and freedoms, and facilitating economic development and cooperation among regions.
What is the role of the civil service in a democratic government?
+The civil service plays a crucial role in a democratic government. It is responsible for implementing the policies and programs of the government, providing advice and support to elected officials, and delivering public services to citizens. The civil service is expected to be impartial, efficient, and accountable, and to uphold the values of public service.