WAEC Civic Education 2014 past questions and answers

Herbert Macaulay founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party in 1923 and led early protests against colonial rule, so he is called the father of Nigerian nationalism.

The rule of law means the law is supreme: everyone, rulers included, is subject to it.

Civil society groups are non-governmental bodies that work for the good of the public; they do not seek to win elections like parties do.

A crossing painted with black and white stripes across the road is a zebra crossing.

At a zebra crossing, drivers must stop once pedestrians are on the crossing; there is no traffic light or warden in the picture.

A person becomes a citizen by birth, by registration, by naturalization, or by being granted honorary citizenship.

Human rights belong to every person simply because he or she is a human being.

An interpersonal relationship is the interaction and association between two or more persons.

Cults use secrecy, violence and intimidation, so cultism is dangerous to members and the society.

The student is so afraid of cult killings that he wants a bullet-proof vest: cultism spreads fear and terror on campus.

Ten people were killed in the cult clash, showing that cultism leads to untimely death.

Traffickers exploit their victims through forced labour, prostitution and other forms of servitude.

Self-pity harms their mental health and self-medication can be dangerous; PLWHAs should follow medical advice and stay positive.

Youth empowerment means giving young people skills, training and resources so they can earn a living.

The legislature (National Assembly), executive (Presidency) and judiciary (courts) are the three arms of government.

Respect for public opinion and tolerance of opposition are features of democracy.

Political apathy is lack of interest in political activities such as voting.

Electing representatives from every constituency lets people all over the country take part in government: popular participation.

Public servants must be politically neutral (non-partisan): they serve any government in power without taking sides with a party.

Under anonymity, civil servants stay in the background and the minister answers publicly for the ministry's actions.

The UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.

The story says they were good citizens who hated immoral acts and taught Imoh good values.

She paid a fare she could have kept without anyone knowing: that is honesty.

Dialogue lets both sides talk and reach agreement peacefully, which keeps relationships intact.

HIV is mainly spread through unprotected sex, so avoiding casual sex prevents its spread.

Local government is the tier of government closest to the people at the grassroots.

Free, fair and credible elections are a basic feature of democracy.

When citizens lose interest in politics, fewer people vote or take part, so participation is low.

Nepotism (favouring relatives) brings in unqualified people and lowers efficiency; the others improve performance.

During a state of emergency the government may restrict some rights, such as movement and assembly, to restore order.

A drunk parent sets a bad example for his children and cannot guide them well.

The picture shows children watching their drunk father lying on the ground, showing how drunkenness gets in the way of good parenting.

Good relations between communities bring unity, love and peaceful co-existence.

Greed for quick money draws traffickers into the trade and makes victims fall for false promises.

Many PLWHAs hide their status because they fear being rejected and discriminated against.

Saying no one can be punished until a competent court finds him guilty is a key principle of the rule of law (presumption of innocence and fair hearing).

When leaders create an atmosphere where followers can freely take part, the people can make their interests known and defend them.

Voting is the commonest way citizens take part in politics; far more people vote than join parties.

Civil society groups educate citizens about their rights and duties, which encourages them to take part in politics.

Drug abusers tend to be disobedient, truant and unruly; a hospitable attitude is not one of the effects.

Drug abuse often leads users into crimes such as stealing and violence.

Ada warns that drug users are prone to psychiatric problems, that is, mental illness or insanity.

A drug user needs counselling, re-orientation and rehabilitation to change his behaviour.

The NDLEA is the agency that fights the use and trade of illegal drugs such as marijuana.

Corruption diverts public funds meant for development into private pockets.

The speaker urges people to love, treasure and protect their country for future generations, which is a call to nationalism (patriotism).

Empowered youths have a means of livelihood, so fewer of them turn to crime.

Selfish leadership angers the people, as the mob in the story shows, so rebellion follows.

Shouting abuse, vandalizing property and blocking roads is a breakdown of law and order.

Chief Bilisi's greed led to corruption and then to mob violence: greed can lead to serious breaches of the law.

(a) Values are the ideas, beliefs, principles and standards of behaviour that a society regards as worthwhile and cherishes, e.g. honesty, integrity, hard work, tolerance.
(b) Any six:
Guide people's behaviour and conduct in society.
Serve as standards for judging right and wrong actions.
Promote peace, unity and orderliness.
Help people make good decisions.
Promote national development and good governance.
Reduce social vices such as corruption and crime.
Give society a good image and identity.
Promote mutual respect and co-operation among citizens.

Define clearly, then give six separate, explained points.

(a) Citizenship education is the process of teaching citizens their rights, duties and obligations so that they become responsible, patriotic and active members of their society.
(b) Any four:
Makes youths aware of their rights and duties.
Promotes patriotism and national consciousness.
Prepares youths to take part in democratic processes (voting, community work).
Instils good values such as honesty, discipline and respect for authority.
Reduces social vices (cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice).
Promotes national unity and tolerance among ethnic and religious groups.
Produces self-reliant, well-informed future leaders.

A definition plus four clearly different reasons.

(a) The UDHR is the document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 that sets out the basic rights and freedoms to which every human being is entitled.
(b) Any six:
Right to life, liberty and security of person.
Freedom from slavery and servitude.
Freedom from torture and inhuman treatment.
Equality before the law and freedom from discrimination.
Right to a fair hearing / fair trial.
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Freedom of opinion and expression.
Freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Freedom of movement.
Right to own property.
Right to work and to education.
Right to seek asylum and to a nationality.

Mention the UN and 1948 in the definition.

(a) Human trafficking is the recruitment, transport, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by threat, force, deception or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation (forced labour, prostitution, slavery, organ removal).
(b) Any six:
Poverty.
Unemployment.
Greed / desire for quick wealth.
Ignorance and illiteracy.
Large family size and broken homes / lack of parental care.
Corruption of officials, weak law enforcement.
Desire to travel abroad for a better life.
Demand for cheap labour and commercial sex.
Conflict and displacement.

Key words in the definition: movement of persons + force/deception + exploitation.

(a) Drug abuse is the wrong use or excessive use of drugs without medical prescription or for purposes other than those intended, including the use of illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin.
(b) Any six:
Public enlightenment / mass media campaigns on the dangers of drugs.
Enforcement of drug laws by NDLEA and NAFDAC; punishment of dealers.
Control of the sale of drugs; drugs sold only on prescription.
Good parenting and guidance.
Drug education in schools; guidance and counselling.
Rehabilitation centres for addicts.
Creating jobs and youth empowerment.
Encouraging youths to avoid bad peer groups and engage in sports/recreation.
Religious and moral instruction.

Six distinct measures, each in a sentence.

(a) Any five:
Loss of lives (untimely death) and injuries.
Fear and insecurity on campus.
Disruption of academic calendar; closure of schools.
Poor academic performance; expulsion/rustication.
Destruction of property.
Leads members into crimes such as robbery, rape and kidnapping.
Bad image for the school and family.
(b) Any five:
Strict punishment of cultists by school authorities and the law.
Orientation and enlightenment of students on the dangers of cultism.
Good parental upbringing and monitoring.
Encouraging healthy clubs, sports and recreation.
Students to sign an undertaking not to join cults.
Improved security on campuses.
Religious and moral instruction; guidance and counselling.

List five in each part; brief points are enough for 'list'.

(a) Any five:
Periodic, free and fair elections.
Universal adult suffrage.
Rule of law.
Respect for fundamental human rights.
Separation of powers and checks and balances.
Multi-party system / tolerance of opposition.
Freedom of the press.
Independent judiciary.
Majority rule with respect for minority rights.
(b) Any five:
Promotes peace, stability and security, which attract investment.
Encourages accountability and reduces corruption.
Allows citizens to take part in decisions that affect them.
Protects human rights so people can work freely.
Peaceful change of government through elections.
Brings good governance and fair distribution of resources.
Promotes unity by giving every group a voice.

Five features, then five ways each linked to development.

(a) Political apathy is a lack of interest or unwillingness of citizens to take part in political activities such as voting, joining parties or attending political meetings.
(b) Any three:
Bad or unpopular leaders get into power.
Government loses legitimacy.
Poor representation of the people's interests.
Leaders are not held accountable; corruption grows.
Low voter turnout and weak democracy.
(c) Any three:
Free, fair and credible elections (an independent electoral body).
Political education and enlightenment by the mass media, NOA and civil society.
Good governance and fulfilment of campaign promises.
Protection of voters and violence-free elections.
Respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Answer all three parts; marks are split.

(a) Popular participation is the active involvement of citizens in the political, social and economic activities of their country, e.g. voting, contesting elections, joining parties and community work.
(b) Any six:
Gives government legitimacy.
Helps citizens choose good leaders.
Promotes accountability of leaders.
Makes citizens' views count in decisions.
Promotes political awareness and education.
Strengthens democracy and stability.
Gives a sense of belonging and unity.
Promotes development since people support projects they helped plan.
Protects the rights and interests of citizens.

Define, then six distinct reasons.