Government is an important subject that helps students understand how a country is ruled, how laws are made, and how leaders are chosen. It explains the structure of political systems, the roles of institutions, and the rights and duties of citizens. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of government concepts and improve your preparation for examinations. Score yourself over 60 at the end with answers and explanation.
Government Quiz (60 Questions)
1. Government can best be defined as:
A. The army of a country
B. The group of people who control a state
C. The judiciary only
D. Political parties
2. The main purpose of government is to:
A. Make people rich
B. Maintain law and order
C. Control businesses
D. Entertain citizens
3. Democracy is a system of government in which:
A. Power is inherited
B. Power belongs to the military
C. Power belongs to the people
D. One person rules
4. A system where power is concentrated in one person is called:
A. Democracy
B. Monarchy
C. Federalism
D. Socialism
5. The arm of government that makes laws is the:
A. Executive
B. Judiciary
C. Legislature
D. Police
Government Quiz
6. The arm of government that interprets laws is the:
A. Legislature
B. Executive
C. Judiciary
D. Army
7. The head of government in Nigeria is the:
A. Chief Justice
B. Senate President
C. President
D. Speaker
8. A written constitution is one that is:
A. Memorized
B. Recorded in documents
C. Changed daily
D. Unimportant
9. The principle of separation of powers was developed by:
A. Aristotle
B. Plato
C. Montesquieu
D. Socrates
10. Federalism means:
A. Power in one government
B. Power shared between levels
C. Military rule
D. Traditional rule
Government Quiz
11. The rule of law means:
A. Leaders are above the law
B. Laws are ignored
C. Everyone is equal before the law
D. Only rich people obey laws
12. A constitution is:
A. A political party
B. A book of stories
C. The supreme law of a country
D. A court rule
13. A citizen is someone who:
A. Visits a country
B. Lives anywhere
C. Legally belongs to a country
D. Works in government
14. Elections are conducted mainly to:
A. Entertain citizens
B. Choose leaders
C. Punish people
D. Create jobs
15. A political party is an organization that:
A. Entertains people
B. Trains soldiers
C. Seeks political power
D. Teaches students
Government Quiz
16. The executive arm is responsible for:
A. Making laws
B. Interpreting laws
C. Implementing laws
D. Cancelling laws
17. Pressure groups aim to:
A. Take over government
B. Influence government decisions
C. Arrest leaders
D. Make laws
18. The legislature in Nigeria is called:
A. House of Chiefs
B. National Assembly
C. Supreme Court
D. Federal Council
19. Dictatorship is a system where:
A. People rule
B. One person rules without limits
C. Power is shared
D. Laws are supreme
20. Fundamental human rights are:
A. Gifts from leaders
B. Natural rights of citizens
C. Party privileges
D. Military rules
Advanced Government Quiz
21. The system of government where power is shared between central and state governments is called
A. Unitary system
B. Federal system
C. Confederal system
D. Parliamentary system
22. The main duty of the judiciary is to
A. Make laws
B. Execute laws
C. Interpret laws
D. Suspend laws
23. A country governed by a king or queen is practicing
A. Democracy
B. Monarchy
C. Republic
D. Oligarchy
24. Franchise in politics means the right to
A. Contest election
B. Vote in elections
C. Rule a country
D. Form a party
25. An unwritten constitution is one that is
A. Found in many sources
B. Written in one book
C. Illegal
D. Temporary
26. The leader of the majority party in parliament usually becomes the
A. Chief Justice
B. Prime Minister
C. Senate President
D. Speaker
27. The process of removing a president through legal means is called
A. Coup
B. Impeachment
C. Referendum
D. Recall
28. Public opinion refers to the
A. Views of soldiers
B. Views of leaders
C. Views of the majority of citizens
D. Views of judges
29. The body responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria is
A. EFCC
B. INEC
C. ICPC
D. NPC
30. A referendum is used to
A. Choose judges
B. Change leaders
C. Seek people’s opinion on issues
D. Arrest offenders
Advanced Government Quiz
31. A constitution protects citizens from
A. Education
B. Taxes
C. Abuse of power
D. Elections
32. Political socialization is the process by which people
A. Join parties
B. Learn political values
C. Vote regularly
D. Rule a country
33. A pressure group differs from a political party because it
A. Seeks power
B. Makes laws
C. Does not contest elections
D. Rules a country
34. The lowest court in Nigeria is the
A. Supreme Court
B. High Court
C. Magistrate Court
D. Appeal Court
35. A bicameral legislature has
A. One house
B. Two houses
C. Three houses
D. Many houses
36. The upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly is the
A. House of Representatives
B. Senate
C. Council of State
D. Cabinet
37. A situation where no party has majority in parliament is called
A. Coalition government
B. Dictatorship
C. Monarchy
D. Military rule
38. Lobbying means
A. Arresting leaders
B. Influencing lawmakers
C. Voting secretly
D. Making speeches
39. Citizenship by naturalization is granted to
A. Native citizens
B. Foreigners who meet legal requirements
C. Soldiers
D. Politicians
40. The armed forces are under the control of the
A. Judiciary
B. Legislature
C. Executive
D. Press
Advanced Government Quiz
41. A unitary system of government has
A. Shared powers
B. Centralized power
C. Divided power
D. No power
42. The main function of political parties is to
A. Entertain citizens
B. Capture political power
C. Enforce laws
D. Interpret laws
43. Political apathy refers to
A. Active participation
B. Lack of interest in politics
C. Campaigning
D. Voting regularly
44. A coalition government is formed when
A. One party wins all seats
B. No party has majority
C. Military intervenes
D. Election is cancelled
45. The official opposition in parliament is the
A. Ruling party
B. Largest minority party
C. Army
D. Judiciary
46. The freedom to express ideas without fear is called
A. Freedom of movement
B. Freedom of speech
C. Freedom of religion
D. Freedom of association
47. A bill becomes law after it receives
A. Public support
B. Presidential assent
C. Party approval
D. Court ruling
48. The head of the judiciary in Nigeria is the
A. Attorney General
B. Chief Justice
C. Senate President
D. Speaker
49. The main duty of the civil service is to
A. Make laws
B. Implement government policies
C. Rule the country
D. Conduct elections
50. Political culture refers to
A. Dress style
B. Beliefs and attitudes about politics
C. Religion
D. Language
Advanced Government Quiz
51. The term tenure refers to the
A. Salary of leaders
B. Period in office
C. Age limit
D. Party strength
52. A minority government is formed when
A. One party controls all seats
B. No party has clear majority
C. Military rules
D. Monarchy exists
53. A constitution can be amended through
A. Coup
B. Legal procedures
C. Violence
D. Protest only
54. Delegated legislation is made by the
A. Judiciary
B. Legislature
C. Executive
D. Press
55. The Supreme Court is the
A. Lowest court
B. Highest court
C. Local court
D. Mobile court
56. The mass media helps democracy by
A. Spreading rumours
B. Informing citizens
C. Supporting dictatorship
D. Hiding information
57. The term sovereignty means
A. Foreign control
B. Supreme authority
C. Weak power
D. Local rule
58. A caretaker government is usually formed when
A. Elections are pending
B. War starts
C. Parties merge
D. Parliament dissolves
59. Political participation includes
A. Voting and campaigning
B. Sleeping
C. Trading
D. Farming
60. The main purpose of decentralization is to
A. Increase corruption
B. Bring government closer to the people
C. Reduce democracy
D. Limit development
Answers and Explanations
1. B – The group of people who control a state
Government refers to the body of people and institutions that have authority to rule a country. They make policies, enforce laws, and manage public affairs to ensure order, stability, and development in society.
2. B – Maintain law and order
The primary duty of government is to ensure peace and security. It does this by enforcing laws, protecting lives and property, and creating an environment where citizens can live and work safely.
3. C – Power belongs to the people
In democracy, citizens have the right to choose their leaders through elections. Decisions are made based on the will of the majority, and leaders are accountable to the people.
4. B – Monarchy
A monarchy is a system where power is usually inherited by a king or queen. Authority remains in one family and is passed from generation to generation.
5. C – Legislature
The legislature is responsible for making laws for the country. It debates bills, represents citizens, and ensures that laws reflect the needs of society.
6. C – Judiciary
The judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes. It ensures that justice is done and that laws are applied fairly without discrimination.
7. C – President
In Nigeria’s presidential system, the President is both the head of state and head of government. He directs national policies and supervises government activities.
8. B – Recorded in documents
A written constitution is clearly written and documented. It is easy to consult and provides a stable guide for governance and citizens’ rights.
9. C – Montesquieu
Montesquieu developed the theory of separation of powers. He believed that dividing power among three arms prevents dictatorship and promotes good governance.
10. B – Power shared between levels
Federalism allows power to be shared between central and state governments. This helps in effective administration and prevents excessive concentration of authority.
11. C – Everyone is equal before the law
The rule of law means no one is above the law. Both leaders and citizens must obey the same laws, ensuring fairness and justice.
12. C – The supreme law of a country
The constitution is the highest legal authority. All laws and actions of government must agree with its provisions.
13. C – Legally belongs to a country
A citizen is recognized by law as a member of a country. Citizens enjoy rights and must also perform civic duties.
14. B – Choose leaders
Elections give citizens the opportunity to select their representatives. They promote participation and strengthen democracy.
15. C – Seeks political power
Political parties organize people with similar ideas to contest elections and form governments when they win.
16. C – Implementing laws
The executive carries out laws made by the legislature. It manages public policies and supervises government agencies.
17. B – Influence government decisions
Pressure groups try to influence policies through campaigns, protests, and public discussions without seeking political office.
18. B – National Assembly
Nigeria’s legislature is called the National Assembly. It consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
19. B – One person rules without limits
In dictatorship, power is concentrated in one person who rules without constitutional restrictions or public participation.
20. B – Natural rights of citizens
Fundamental human rights belong to every citizen by virtue of being human. They include rights to life, liberty, and freedom of expression.
Government Quiz: Answers and Explanations (21–60)
21. B — Federal system
A federal system shares power between the central government and state governments.
22. C — Interpret laws
The judiciary explains the meaning of laws and settles disputes.
23. B — Monarchy
Monarchy is a system ruled by a king or queen.
24. B — Vote in elections
Franchise means the right of citizens to vote.
25. A — Found in many sources
An unwritten constitution is not in one document but in customs, laws, and traditions.
26. B — Prime Minister
In parliamentary systems, the majority party leader becomes Prime Minister.
27. B — Impeachment
Impeachment is the legal process of removing a president from office.
28. C — Views of the majority of citizens
Public opinion represents what most people think about issues.
29. B — INEC
INEC conducts and supervises elections in Nigeria.
30. C — Seek people’s opinion on issues
A referendum allows citizens to vote on important national matters.
31. C — Abuse of power
The constitution limits leaders and protects citizens’ rights.
32. B — Learn political values
Political socialization teaches people attitudes and beliefs about politics.
33. C — Does not contest elections
Pressure groups influence government but do not seek political power.
34. C — Magistrate Court
The Magistrate Court is among the lowest courts in Nigeria.
35. B — Two houses
A bicameral legislature has two chambers.
36. B — Senate
The Senate is the upper house of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
37. A — Coalition government
It is formed when parties join together because none has majority.
38. B — Influencing lawmakers
Lobbying means persuading lawmakers to support certain policies.
39. B — Foreigners who meet legal requirements
Naturalization grants citizenship to qualified foreigners.
40. C — Executive
The armed forces are controlled by the executive arm.
41. B — Centralized power
In a unitary system, power is concentrated at the center.
42. B — Capture political power
Political parties aim to win elections and form government.
43. B — Lack of interest in politics
Political apathy means citizens are not interested in political activities.
44. B — No party has majority
Coalition governments form when no party controls most seats.
45. B — Largest minority party
The biggest opposition party forms the official opposition.
46. B — Freedom of speech
This allows citizens to express opinions freely.
47. B — Presidential assent
A bill becomes law after the president signs it.
48. B — Chief Justice
The Chief Justice heads the judiciary in Nigeria.
49. B — Implement government policies
Civil servants carry out government decisions.
50. B — Beliefs and attitudes about politics
Political culture shows how people think and behave politically.
51. B — Period in office
Tenure is the length of time a leader stays in office.
52. B — No party has clear majority
A minority government rules without majority support.
53. B — Legal procedures
Constitutions are changed through lawful processes.
54. C — Executive
The executive makes delegated legislation under authority of law.
55. B — Highest court
The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal.
56. B — Informing citizens
The media educates and informs people about government activities.
57. B — Supreme authority
Sovereignty means the highest power in a state.
58. A — Elections are pending
Caretaker governments manage affairs until elections are held.
59. A — Voting and campaigning
These are key forms of political participation.
60. B — Bring government closer to the people
Decentralization improves governance and development at local levels.
Follow this links to RELATED ARTICLES