2023 WASSCE Government Sample Questions And Answers

Get fully prepared for the 2023 WASSCE Government exam with our comprehensive sample questions and answers.

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The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of high school students in Ghana and other West African countries.

One of the core subjects in the WASSCE is Government, which covers topics such as political systems, citizenship, and governance. In this essay, we will provide sample WASSCE theory questions for Government along with their answers, to help students prepare for this important exam.

1. Define the term “Rule of Law” and explain its importance in a democratic society.

Answer: The Rule of Law refers to the principle that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the same laws and are equally accountable for their actions. In a democratic society, the Rule of Law is essential for ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that the government does not abuse its power. It helps to promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.

2. Explain the concept of Separation of Powers and its importance in a democratic system.

Answer: Separation of Powers is the principle that power should be divided among different branches of government – namely, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches – to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. In a democratic system, the Separation of Powers helps to ensure that the government does not become tyrannical and that there are checks and balances in place to prevent abuses of power.

3. What is the doctrine of Judicial Review, and how does it relate to the separation of powers?

Answer: Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to review and interpret the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislative branch and actions taken by the executive branch. It ensures that the government’s actions are in line with the constitution and prevents any branch of government from overstepping its constitutional authority.

The doctrine of Judicial Review is closely related to the Separation of Powers because it allows the judiciary to act as a check on the other two branches of government by striking down laws or actions that violate the constitution.

4. What is the difference between a Presidential system of government and a Parliamentary system of government?

Answer: A Presidential system of government is a system in which the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch and the President is both the head of state and head of government. The President is elected directly by the people and has significant powers, including the power to veto legislation.

In a Parliamentary system of government, the executive branch is composed of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are accountable to the legislature. The Prime Minister is selected by the majority party in Parliament and serves as the head of government, while the head of state is usually a ceremonial figurehead.

The Prime Minister is subject to a vote of no confidence by Parliament, which can lead to the dissolution of the government and new elections.

5. Explain the concept of Federalism and give an example of a federal state

Answer: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments. Each level of government has its own areas of responsibility and authority, and there are limits on the power of both the central and state governments.

An example of a federal state is the United States, where power is divided between the federal government and state governments. The federal government is responsible for issues such as national defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy, while the state governments are responsible for issues such as education, public health, and transportation.

6. Describe the concept of Citizenship and explain the difference between a citizen and a resident

Answer: Citizenship is the legal status of being a member of a particular country or nation, with all the rights and duties that come with that status.

A citizen is a person who has been granted citizenship by a particular country and has the right to vote, run for office, and receive protection and assistance from the government.

A resident, on the other hand, is a person who lives in a particular country but has not been granted citizenship. Residents may have some legal rights and protections, but they do not have the same rights and duties as citizens.

7. Explain the role of the media in promoting democracy

Answer: The media plays a critical role in promoting democracy by providing citizens with information and serving as a watchdog over the government.

The media provides citizens with information on political events, policy decisions, and the actions of government officials, allowing citizens to make informed decisions about whom to vote for and what policies to support.

The media also serves as a check on the government by exposing corruption, abuses of power, and other violations of democratic norms and principles. By promoting transparency and accountability, the media helps to strengthen democracy and protect the rights of citizens.

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