eZine · Nigerian exams
WAEC Government: practice questions.
12 free questions with answers and explanations, plus the topics to revise.
Below are free WAEC Government practice questions with answers and explanations. They are original eZine questions, written and reviewed by teachers in the style of the WAEC WASSCE; we do not publish past questions. eZine's published WAEC Government bank holds 180 questions across 60 topics (counted 29 October 2026); the largest topics are 1999 Nigerian constitution, Colonial administration, Constitutional development in Nigeria.
eZine's WAEC subject mock uses 50 questions in 60 minutes estimated. WAEC sets the objective paper's length per subject and publishes it in each subject's syllabus; eZine holds no WAEC paper figures yet, so this is a practice default.
WAEC Government practice questions
Choose an option to check it, or open the answer. Each is an eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed).
Question 1 · Types/forms/systems of government (Monarchy)
In an absolute monarchy,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. the monarch exercises unlimited powers
An absolute monarch holds unlimited power. A ceremonial monarch is constitutional; elected fixed-term heads are republican; removal by parliament is not a feature of absolute monarchy.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 2 · Sovereignty
Which of the following is a characteristic of sovereignty?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. It is supreme within the state
Sovereignty is supreme, permanent, indivisible and all-comprehensive within the state. It is not handed to foreign powers at will, does not end with a change of government and is not located in the judiciary alone.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 3 · Electoral Commission and electoral officials
Which of the following is a function of INEC?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Registering political parties
INEC registers parties (Third Schedule). Election petitions are tried by tribunals and courts; ministers are appointed by the President; electoral laws are made by the National Assembly.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 4 · Economic system: Capitalism
Which of the following is a feature of capitalism?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Private ownership of production
Capitalism rests on private ownership, profit motive and markets. Central planning, abolition of property and equal income are socialist or communist ideas.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 5 · Types/forms/systems of government (Republicanism)
A republic is a state in which the head of state
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. is elected or appointed for a fixed term
In a republic the head of state is chosen for a term, as in Nigeria since 1963. Inheritance and life rule are monarchical; appointment by a foreign monarch describes colonial or dominion status.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 6 · Civil service Commission
The relationship between a minister and the permanent secretary in a ministry is that
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. the minister directs policy; the permanent secretary administers
The minister, a political appointee, gives policy direction; the permanent secretary, a career officer, advises and manages. A permanent secretary cannot dismiss a minister; ministers are not career civil servants; neither is elected.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 7 · Civil Service
Which of the following best shows integrity in the civil service?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. A clerk refusing a bribe
Refusing a bribe shows honesty and integrity. Nepotism, leaking confidential files for partisan ends and misusing funds are breaches of the civil service code.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 8 · Types/forms/systems of government (Parliamentary)
In the parliamentary system, the head of government is the
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister heads government. The Governor-General or monarch is the ceremonial head of state; the Speaker presides over parliament.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 9 · Political System: Oligarchy
Government by the wealthy few is specifically called
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. plutocracy
Plutocracy is a type of oligarchy based on wealth. Gerontocracy is rule by elders; theocracy is rule by religious leaders; meritocracy is rule by the most able.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 10 · Public Opinion
Which of the following shows public opinion influencing government policy?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. A policy withdrawn after nationwide protests
Withdrawing a policy after protests shows public opinion at work. Court convictions, party registration and oath-taking are routine institutional processes.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 11 · Delegated legislation
Which of the following is a legislative control of delegated legislation?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Laying the rules before the House
Laying rules before the legislature lets it scrutinise or annul them. Ultra vires is judicial control; courts do not withdraw salaries; referendums are not used for each rule.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Question 12 · Types/forms/systems of government (Federalism)
In a federal system, the main reason for sharing revenue among the levels of government is that
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. each level needs funds for its functions
Each tier has functions and needs funds, while major revenues are often collected centrally. Control of states is not the purpose; units do collect some taxes; the centre does spend money.
eZine practice question (original, teacher-reviewed)
Want more Government questions, timed, with every mistake explained?
Practise free on eZine →Topics in eZine's WAEC Government practice bank
- 1999 Nigerian constitution (4)
- Colonial administration (4)
- Constitutional development in Nigeria (4)
- Constitutions (4)
- Democracy (4)
- Economic system: Capitalism (4)
- Economic system: Socialism (4)
- Fundamental Human Rights (4)
- Local Government (4)
- Nigerian federalism and Revenue allocation (4)
- Political Parties (4)
- Pre-colonial administration (4)
- Pressure group (4)
- Structure and organization of government (judiciary) (4)
- Structure and organization of government (legislature) (4)
- Types of electoral system (4)
- Types/forms/systems of government (Federalism) (4)
- Types/forms/systems of government (Parliamentary) (4)
- Types/forms/systems of government (Presidential) (4)
- Authority (3)
- Basic Principles of government (rule of law) (3)
- Centralization and Decentralisation (3)
- Citizenship (3)
- Civil Service (3)
Published questions per topic, counted 29 October 2026. eZine does not reproduce WAEC's own Government syllabus here; check the official syllabus with your school or at the WAEC website.