WAEC Government Past Questions & Answers - Page 232

1,156.

Which of the following is a problem of civil service?

A.

Red-tapism

B.

Offering professional advice to political leaders

C.

Continuous keeping of records

D.

Changing of government through election

Correct answer is A

Red-tapism; the practice of requiring excessive paperwork and tedious procedures before official action can be considered or completed.

1,157.

The anonymity in the civil service means that a civil servant

A.

is above the law of the land

B.

receives neither praise nor blame

C.

should take part in partisan politics

D.

should not be disciplined for any misconduct

Correct answer is B

The anonymity of the civil service is linked to two concepts: permanence and neutrality. Civil servants, many of whom remain in their jobs whilst serving numerous governments, are likely to have to give advice to governments of different political parties, who may have different attitudes to policy. 

 The advice they give needs to be given to ministers both freely and also without fear of adverse public or political reactions and without fear of future career damage. 

1,158.

Public opinion enables a government to

A.

influence the public

B.

Suppress its opponents

C.

cut down the coat of governing

D.

know the feeling of the masses

Correct answer is D

With public opinion, the government of the day will know how the masses feel about the government and the opinions can be used to serves a number of purposes for a campaign, whether it is a political campaign or some other type of campaign. It can also be use to show them what types of voters they are sure to win, those they are sure to lose, and everyone in-between these two extremes.

1,159.

Which of the following statements distinguishes political parties from pressure groups?

A.

Political parties only lobby government to change certain policies

B.

Pressure groups select candidates for political offices

C.

Political parties influence government policies

D.

Pressure groups influence government policies to member's interest

Correct answer is D

While a political party is a group of people who organize to win elections, operate the government, and determine public policy, pressure groups is a group of people who share common goals and who actively try to influence policymakers.

1,160.

Which of the following functions is performed by the electoral commission?

A.

Distribution of party membership cards

B.

Presenting parties manifestoes

C.

Delimiting the country into constituencies

D.

Conducting oath of office for elected president

Correct answer is C

Delimiting the country into constituencies is the division of electoral constituents into smaller units for election purpose. It is usually the job of the electoral commission