JAMB Government Past Questions & Answers - Page 212

1,056.

Public opinion becomes politically relevant when it

A.

criticizes people in power

B.

influences the decision of government

C.

aggregates views and interests

D.

is in support of government

Correct answer is B

Public opinion becomes politically relevant when it influences the decisions of government.

Some functions of public opinion are as follows:

1. It directs government to know what the public think about its policies and actions.

2. It helps the government to know the needs and aspirations of its citizens.

3. It brings about the formulation of policies and taking actions that are in the best interest of majority of the citizens.

4. It provides valuable information about those contesting elections. This on condition that the election is free and fair.

5. It helps the voters to cast their votes for popular candidates.

Public opinion is then said to be relevant if it causes any or some of the points raised above to take place especially number 1,2 and 3 points.

1,057.

The citizenship of a country could be acquired through

A.

parliamentary legislation

B.

birth and naturalization

C.

registration and arbitration

D.

presidential proclamation

Correct answer is B

The citizenship of a country could be acquired through birth and naturalization.

According to Ofoegbu (1999) acquisition of citizenship could come through:

1. Birth

2. Marriage and Registration

3. Naturalization

4. Conferment.

1,058.

Constitutional disputes in states with written constitutions are resolved by

A.

ombudsman

B.

judiciary

C.

electorate

D.

legislature

Correct answer is B

Constitutional disputes in a state with written constitution are resolved by the Judiciary.

One of the main functions of the judiciary is to interpret the laws of the land in courts.

It settles disputes between the executive and the legislature; between individuals and the state, etc.

The judiciary interprets and defends the constitution. It has also full power to declare any action unconstitutional if such action goes against the dictates of the constitution especially in a state with written constitution.

1,059.

Associations whose main interest is to influence public policies without having to capture power are

A.

communal groups

B.

trade unions

C.

political parties

D.

pressure groups

Correct answer is D

Associations whose main interest is to influence public policy without having to capture power are pressure groups.

Pressure groups are defined as association of people who seek to influence government actions and policies to the benefit of their members.

1,060.

Election as a political process is significant because it

A.

is associated with campaigns for public office

B.

facilitates the recall process

C.

facilitates constitutional change of government

D.

enables citizens to vote

Correct answer is C

Election as a political process is significant because it facilitates constitutional change of government.

This should be observed when noting some of the reasons for conducting elections which are as follows:

1. Elections act as a forum for political parties to give political education to the citizens.

2. Elections help to check the excesses of government and to ensure accountability.

3. Elections act as a basis for testing the popularity of the government in power.

4. Elections are conducted to fulfill the provisions of the constitution

5. Elections ensure smooth change of government

6. Elections confer legitimacy on the government and the leader.