2026 JUPEB Government past questions and answers 1

QUESTIONS.

GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

1. (a) Define political socialization? [3 Marks]
   (b) Explain any FOUR agents of socialization that you are familiar with. [12 Marks]

2. (a) Explain the behavioural approach. [3 Marks]
   (b) Explain any FOUR features of the behavioural approach to the study of politics. [12 Marks]

GOV 002: IDEOLOGIES AND PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
3. (a) Define the term Civil Service. [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any FOUR characteristics of the Civil Service. [12 Marks]

4. (a) What is Pressure Group? [3 Marks]
   (b) Discuss FOUR reasons for the desirability of pressure groups in a democratic government. [12 Marks]

GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
5. Discuss FIVE effects of the Clifford Constitution on the political and constitutional development of Nigeria. [15 Marks]

6. (a) Define political crisis. [3 Marks]
   (b) Discuss any SIX consequences of the Niger Delta Crisis. [12 Marks]

GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
7. Discuss the political organization of any THREE of the following precolonial empires in West Africa: (a) Mali Empire (b) Songhai Empire (c) Ghana Empire (d) Oyo Empire (e) Benin Empire. [15 Marks]

8. (a) What is Association policy? [3 Marks]
   (b) Discuss any FOUR rationale for the introduction of the Association policy in West Africa. [12 Marks]

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ANSWERS

1(a) Political socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals learn and internalize the political values, beliefs, attitudes, and norms of their society.

1(b) Agents of socialization:

• Family – first and most influential agent; children absorb parents' political attitudes and values.
• School – teaches civic knowledge, history, and national values through curricula and activities like debates.
• Mass media – informs and shapes opinions on political issues via TV, radio, newspapers, and social media.
• Peer group – friends and colleagues influence political views, especially in adolescence and adulthood.
• (Others: religious institutions, political parties)

2(a) The behavioural approach is a method of studying politics that focuses on the observable, measurable behaviour of political actors (individuals and groups) rather than formal institutions, using empirical and scientific techniques.

2(b) Features of the behavioural approach:

• Empiricism – relies on observable facts and data, not speculation.
• Objectivity/value-free analysis – separates facts from value judgments.
• Use of scientific methods – employs quantification, statistics, and testable hypotheses.
• Interdisciplinary approach – draws on psychology, sociology, and economics to explain political behaviour.

3(a) The Civil Service is the body of permanent, professional officials who implement government policies and administer public affairs, excluding political appointees and the military.

3(b) Characteristics of the Civil Service:

• Permanence – staff remain in office despite changes in government.
• Political neutrality/impartiality – serves any government in power without bias.
• Anonymity – officials work behind the scenes; ministers take public responsibility.
• Hierarchical structure – organized in a clear chain of command with defined ranks.

4(a) A Pressure Group is an organized association of people with common interests that seeks to influence government policy without seeking to hold political office directly.

4(b) Desirability of pressure groups:

• Promote democracy – provide additional channels for citizen participation beyond elections.
• Check government excesses – monitor and criticize government actions, promoting accountability.
• Educate the public – inform members and the public on issues affecting their interests.
• Articulate specific interests – represent views of minority or specialized groups often overlooked by political parties.

5. Effects of the Clifford Constitution (1922):

• Introduced the elective principle, allowing Nigerians in Lagos and Calabar to elect representatives to the Legislative Council for the first time.
• Stimulated the growth of early nationalist and political activity, e.g., formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
• Deepened the North-South divide, as the North was excluded from the Legislative Council and remained under separate administration.
• Retained ultimate power with the Governor, limiting real African participation despite the reform.
• Laid the foundation for future constitutional development, inspiring demands for greater representation in later constitutions.

6(a) A political crisis is a serious breakdown in the normal functioning of a political system, often marked by instability, conflict, or threats to law and order.

6(b) Consequences of the Niger Delta Crisis:

• Loss of lives and property through violent clashes and militancy.
• Massive reduction in oil production/revenue due to pipeline vandalism and kidnappings.
• Environmental degradation from oil spills, damaging farmland and fishing waters.
• Displacement of communities as people fled conflict zones.
• Increased militarization of the region with heavy security deployment.
• Rise of militant groups (e.g., MEND) demanding resource control.

7. Political organization of precolonial empires (three examples):

• Mali Empire – ruled by a Mansa (emperor) with centralized authority; administered through provinces headed by governors; had a structured army and tax system; Islam influenced governance under rulers like Mansa Musa.
• Songhai Empire – headed by the Askia, with a highly centralized bureaucracy; divided into provinces under governors; had specialized ministries (e.g., for finance, agriculture) and a professional standing army.
• Oyo Empire – governed by the Alaafin (king) assisted by the Oyo Mesi (council of chiefs) who could check his powers; the Ogboni cult provided religious/judicial oversight; provincial administration through appointed Ajele.

8(a) Association policy was a French colonial administrative approach that governed African subjects through their existing traditional institutions and rulers while incorporating them under French control, rather than assimilating them into French culture.

8(b) Rationale for the Association policy:

• Cost-effectiveness – cheaper to govern through existing traditional structures than build entirely new systems.
• Reduced African resistance – retaining familiar leaders lessened opposition to colonial rule.
• Recognition of cultural diversity – acknowledged that African societies could not easily be assimilated into French culture.
• Administrative convenience – traditional rulers already had legitimacy and local knowledge, easing implementation of colonial policy.