Waec Gce Government Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
The WAEC GCE Government exam is essential for students in the arts and social sciences. Many candidates find the subject interesting yet challenging because of its wide coverage. However, the secret to scoring high is focusing on repeated topics and past questions.
In this guide, you'll find the full list of the most repeated WAEC GCE Government topics, sample questions, smart tips, and everything you need to excel in your exam.
WAEC GCE Government Exam Format
Paper | Section | Content | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Objective | 50 multiple-choice questions | 50 marks |
Paper 2 | Essay | 5 theory questions (choose 4) | 100 marks |
Most Repeated Topics in WAEC GCE Government
Category | Key Repeated Topics |
---|---|
Basic Concepts | Government, Power, Authority, Sovereignty, Rule of Law |
Systems of Government | Unitary, Federal, Confederal, Presidential, Parliamentary |
Political Ideologies | Capitalism, Socialism, Communism, Fascism |
Organs of Government | Legislature, Executive, Judiciary – roles and functions |
Political Development | Political parties, Pressure groups, Elections |
Pre-Colonial Administration | Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo political structures |
Colonial Rule | British indirect rule, French assimilation |
Nationalist Movements | Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, independence era |
Post-Independence Nigeria | Military rule, civilian government, coups |
Constitution & Rule of Law | 1960, 1963, 1979, 1999 constitutions |
International Organizations | ECOWAS, AU, UN, Commonwealth |
WAEC GCE Government Objective Sample Questions (Paper 1)
-
The principle of separation of powers was popularized by
A. Montesquieu
B. Rousseau
C. Hobbes
D. Plato
✅ Correct Answer: A -
In a monarchy, the head of state is usually
A. elected by the people
B. appointed by parliament
C. a hereditary ruler
D. chosen by political parties
✅ Correct Answer: C -
The body responsible for law-making in a state is the
A. executive
B. judiciary
C. civil service
D. legislature
✅ Correct Answer: D
WAEC GCE Government Theory Questions (Paper 2)
1. Explain the concept of Rule of Law. (Repeated)
Answer Outline:
-
Rule of law means that the law is supreme over all individuals and institutions.
-
No one is above the law, and every citizen is subject to the law.
-
It promotes equality, fairness, and justice in governance.
2. List and explain four types of constitutions. (Repeated)
-
Written Constitution – Documented laws in a single document (e.g. Nigeria's 1999 Constitution)
-
Unwritten Constitution – Based on customs and judicial decisions (e.g. UK)
-
Rigid Constitution – Difficult to amend
-
Flexible Constitution – Easy to amend
Most Repeated WAEC GCE Government Topics by Year
Year | Frequently Asked Topics |
---|---|
2024 | Separation of Powers, ECOWAS, Colonial Rule |
2023 | Pre-colonial Nigeria, Rule of Law, Constitution types |
2022 | Political parties, Electoral process, Legislature |
2021 | Arms of government, Military rule in Nigeria, Sovereignty |
2020 | Pressure groups, Judiciary, Political ideologies |
Table: Political Systems – Key Differences
System | Head of Government | Example Country | Power Distribution |
---|---|---|---|
Unitary | Prime Minister or President | France | Centralized |
Federal | President & State Governors | Nigeria, USA | Shared between levels |
Confederal | Council of States | Old ECOWAS, EU | Loose union of states |
Smart Tips to Score A1 in WAEC GCE Government
-
Study past papers: Focus on questions repeated over the last 10 years
-
Use acronyms/mnemonics: To remember key terms like functions of ECOWAS, arms of government
-
Practice theory writing: Structure answers clearly with introduction, body, and conclusion
-
Time yourself: Practice under exam conditions
-
Revise regularly: Don’t wait until the last minute
WAEC GCE Government FAQs
Q: Is Government a compulsory subject?
It is compulsory for most Art and Social Science courses in Nigerian universities.
Q: Are questions repeated often?
Yes, WAEC GCE tends to repeat key theory and objective questions across years.
Q: Can I use just past questions to pass?
You must also understand the theory behind each question for the best results.
Q: What textbook should I use?
Recommended: Essential Government by C.C. Dibie and Comprehensive Government for SSCE.
Final Words
WAEC GCE Government is not about cramming the entire syllabus. It's about knowing the most repeated and relevant topics, understanding the structure of questions, and answering effectively.
"If you understand the system of governance and practice the questions that matter, you're already halfway to A1."