WAEC (WASSCE) Government Past Questions and Answers (2026)

Answer: E

The correct answer is E, 'the state', because government is fundamentally established to manage the affairs of a state, which includes its people, resources, and institutions. Option A, 'rulers', is incorrect as it implies a focus on individuals rather than the collective state. Option B, 'aliens', is not relevant to the primary function of government, which is to serve its citizens. Option C, 'the civil service', refers to a part of the government structure, not the entirety of what government manages. Option D, 'workers and peasants', is too narrow and does not encompass all citizens and aspects of governance.

Answer: E

The judicial organ of government is responsible for interpreting the law, which is why option E is correct. Option A is incorrect because implementing the law is the role of the executive branch. Option B is wrong as making the law is the function of the legislative branch. Option C is not applicable as punishing lawmakers does not fall under the judicial role, and option D is incorrect because rewarding lawmakers is not a function of any government branch.

Answer: E

The correct answer is E because the prerogative of mercy is a power typically associated with the Head of State, not the Prime Minister. The other options accurately describe the role of the Prime Minister in Nigeria: A is correct as the Prime Minister was considered first among equals in the cabinet; B is correct as he presided over the cabinet meetings; C is correct as he was indeed the Head of Government; and D is correct as he exercised executive power alongside his cabinet.

Answer: C

The twelve state structure in Nigeria was established in 1967 as part of the country's efforts to decentralize governance and address ethnic tensions. Option A (1965) is incorrect as it predates the creation of the twelve states. Option B (1966) is also incorrect as it was the year of the first military coup, not the creation of states. Option D (1974) and Option E (1975) are incorrect as they refer to later developments in Nigeria's political structure, not the establishment of the twelve states.

Answer: B

The correct answer is B, 'the process of deliberations', because state legislators typically engage in discussions, debates, and deliberations to create and pass laws. Option A, 'the commissioner', is incorrect as commissioners do not pass laws; they may enforce them. Option C, 'the judiciary', is incorrect because the judiciary interprets laws rather than making them. Option D, 'some committees in the civil service', is misleading as while committees may review legislation, they do not pass laws themselves. Option E, 'the executive', is incorrect because the executive branch implements laws rather than creating them.

Answer: B

In a parliamentary system, ministers are collectively responsible to parliament, meaning they must maintain the confidence of the majority of the legislature to remain in office. Option A is incorrect because while ministers can be chosen from the House, they are typically not chosen from outside it. Option C is misleading as ministers do represent various interests, but their primary responsibility is to parliament. Option D is partially correct as ministers are usually members of the legislature, but it does not capture the essence of their collective responsibility. Option E is incorrect as ministers are appointed by the head of state or government and not by a two-thirds majority of the legislature.

Answer: C

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is not a public corporation; it is a scheme set up by the Nigerian government to involve Nigerian graduates in the development of the country. The other options are public corporations, which are government-owned entities established to provide services or manage public resources. The Nigerian Ports Authority, National Sports Commission, Nigerian Railway Corporation, and Nigerian Airways are all public corporations that operate in various sectors of the economy.

Answer: C

The correct answer is C. Political Territory is not recognized as an academic discipline within the field of Government. The other options are established areas of study: A. Public Administration focuses on the implementation of government policy; B. Local Government studies the administration of local entities; D. International Relations examines the interactions between countries; and E. Public Education pertains to the systems and policies governing educational institutions. Therefore, C is the only option that does not represent a legitimate field of study.

Answer: B

The Republican Constitution of 1963 was considered indigenous because it was approved by the representatives of the people in parliament, reflecting the will of the citizens. Option A is incorrect as a referendum was not the method of approval. Option C is incorrect because the British parliament did not approve the constitution, making it less indigenous. Option D is incorrect as the colonial government did not have the authority to approve a constitution that was meant to represent the people. Option E is incorrect because the regional legislature alone could not approve a national constitution without the involvement of the parliament representing the entire nation.

Answer: D

The 1976 Local Government Reform was carried out by the Federal Military Government under General Olusegun Obasanjo. It was a major turning point in Nigeria's system of local administration because it: Recognised local government as the third tier of government, distinct from federal and state governments. Standardised the structure of local governments across the country. Introduced elected councils to replace traditional or appointed administrators. Ensured direct allocation of funds to local governments from the Federation Account.

Answer: E

Nigeria broke diplomatic relations with France in 1963 due to France's nuclear tests in the Sahara Desert, which Nigeria opposed. The other options are incorrect as they did not involve nuclear tests in that context or did not lead to a diplomatic break with Nigeria at that time.

Answer: B

The first political party in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), was formed in 1923 following the introduction of the Clifford Constitution, which allowed for limited political participation and representation. The Richard Constitution (1946), Bourdillon Constitution (1947), Macpherson Constitution (1951), and Lyttleton Constitution (1954) were introduced later and did not precede the formation of the NNDP.