Civic Education Questions and Answers – JSS3 – 3rd Term
Examination malpractice is a serious offense. It may lead to disqualification, repetition, or suspension. Avoid it at all costs.
Table of Contents – Weekly Scheme of Work
- Week 1: Elections and Voters’ Responsibilities
- Week 2: Elections and Voters’ Responsibilities (Continued)
- Week 3: Qualification for Registration for Election in Nigeria
- Week 4: Qualification for Registration for Election in Nigeria (Continued)
- Week 5: Electoral Malpractices
- Week 6: Electoral Malpractices (Continued)
- Week 7: Illiteracy
- Week 8: Revision of First Term Work
- Week 9: Revision of Second Term Work
- Week 10: Revision of Third Term Work
- Week 11: Examination
- Week 12: Examination Review
Objective Questions
- What is the primary purpose of an election in a democratic society?
A. To install military leaders
B. To increase taxation
C. To choose leaders through voting
D. To celebrate independence - Which of the following best defines a voter?
A. Someone who campaigns for politicians
B. A person registered to vote in an election
C. A lawmaker in the National Assembly
D. A government official - Who conducts national elections in Nigeria?
A. EFCC
B. WAEC
C. INEC
D. FRSC - One of the responsibilities of a voter is to:
A. Monitor police activities
B. Vote based on group and religion
C. Bribe election officers
D. Participate in elections responsibly - Which of the following is NOT a requirement to register as a voter in Nigeria?
A. Must be 18 years or older
B. Must own a car
C. Must be a Nigerian citizen
D. Must reside in the constituency - A free and fair election means:
A. Everyone wins
B. Voting is compulsory
C. The results reflect the people’s will
D. Only one party is allowed to contest - What is the full meaning of INEC?
A. International Economic Council
B. Independent National Electoral Commission
C. Internal National Education Council
D. Independent Nigeria Energy Council - One major form of electoral malpractice is:
A. Voter education
B. Voter registration
C. Multiple voting
D. Queue formation - Illiteracy affects elections because:
A. Illiterates cannot vote
B. It leads to informed decisions
C. Illiterates may be easily deceived
D. It reduces corruption - A consequence of electoral malpractice is:
A. Free education
B. Legitimate leadership
C. Political instability
D. Economic growth - Which arm of government ensures that elections are held fairly?
A. Executive
B. Judiciary
C. Legislature
D. Electoral body - A person who votes more than once in an election is guilty of:
A. Patriotism
B. Bribery
C. Electoral offence
D. Loyalty - One effect of illiteracy in a democracy is:
A. Improved literacy rates
B. Voter manipulation
C. Increased development
D. Better governance - During elections, voters are expected to:
A. Destroy opposition posters
B. Vote according to instructions
C. Collect money to vote
D. Vote for friends and family - Who is disqualified from registering as a voter in Nigeria?
A. Someone who is 19 years old
B. Someone serving a prison sentence
C. A retired civil servant
D. A government teacher - Which of these promotes free and fair elections?
A. Political thuggery
B. Vote buying
C. Transparent counting of votes
D. Violence at polling stations - Which is NOT a function of INEC?
A. Conducting elections
B. Registering political parties
C. Supervising court proceedings
D. Educating voters - Electoral malpractice is a threat to:
A. Justice and fairness
B. Personal ambition
C. Culture and tradition
D. Economic inequality - What is voter apathy?
A. High voter turnout
B. Voters refusing to vote
C. Counting of votes
D. Late registration - The minimum age for voting in Nigeria is:
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25 - A registered voter must:
A. Wear white clothes to vote
B. Present their PVC during voting
C. Be a member of a political party
D. Pay money before voting - An election conducted with violence and fraud is:
A. Democratic
B. Transparent
C. Credible
D. Not free and fair - Illiteracy may cause voters to:
A. Vote wisely
B. Understand manifestos
C. Vote based on popularity, not issues
D. Reject electoral malpractice - Voter education is aimed at:
A. Teaching voters how to rig
B. Reducing voter turnout
C. Promoting informed participation
D. Discouraging elections - Which of the following is true of credible elections?
A. Only wealthy candidates win
B. Voters are paid to vote
C. Votes are counted accurately
D. Ballot boxes are hijacked - Which of these people is NOT qualified to vote?
A. A 21-year-old Nigerian citizen
B. A 30-year-old foreigner living in Lagos
C. An 18-year-old graduate
D. A retired soldier - The act of selling one’s vote for money is called:
A. Integrity
B. Patriotism
C. Vote buying
D. Justice - INEC was established to:
A. Control school exams
B. Conduct national sports
C. Oversee elections
D. Regulate churches - What is one duty of a responsible voter?
A. Causing violence at the polling unit
B. Selling voter’s card
C. Voting wisely without being influenced
D. Voting for all the candidates - The impact of illiteracy on democracy is that it:
A. Promotes democratic values
B. Encourages meaningful debates
C. Weakens voters’ understanding
D. Supports good governance - Who ensures law and order during elections?
A. Political parties
B. INEC officials
C. Police officers
D. Civil servants - Which one is an example of an electoral offence?
A. Peaceful voting
B. Ballot box snatching
C. Campaigning peacefully
D. Wearing party symbols - Elections in Nigeria are held every:
A. 2 years
B. 3 years
C. 4 years
D. 5 years - A major challenge in Nigerian elections is:
A. High food prices
B. Electricity supply
C. Electoral violence
D. Job availability - What is a voter’s card used for?
A. School admission
B. International travel
C. Voting during elections
D. Attending rallies - A democratic election must include:
A. Election rigging
B. Voter intimidation
C. Multiple voting
D. Freedom of choice - Electoral malpractice can cause:
A. Public trust
B. Fairness
C. Chaos and unrest
D. Peaceful transitions - Which of these promotes electoral integrity?
A. Rigging
B. Vote padding
C. Transparent collation
D. Voter suppression - When people are discouraged from voting, it is called:
A. Election freedom
B. Civic education
C. Voter suppression
D. Political support - A free and fair election gives power to:
A. Political thugs
B. The people
C. Criminals
D. Election riggers
Theory Questions
- Explain the importance of elections in a democratic society.
- List and explain five qualifications required for voter registration in Nigeria.
- What is electoral malpractice? Identify and explain four common forms of electoral malpractice in Nigeria.
- Describe how illiteracy can negatively affect the electoral process in Nigeria.
- Identify and explain any four responsibilities of a registered voter.
- Outline the functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- Discuss the consequences of electoral malpractice in Nigeria.
- Explain the term ‘free and fair election.’ What are the characteristics of such an election?
- What measures can the Nigerian government put in place to reduce voter apathy?
- Discuss the challenges faced by INEC during elections and suggest possible solutions.
Objective Answers
- C — To choose leaders through voting
Elections allow citizens to select their leaders in a democratic society. - B — A person registered to vote in an election
Only registered individuals can vote during elections. - C — INEC
INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria. - D — Participate in elections responsibly
Voters are expected to vote peacefully and according to their conscience. - B — Must own a car
Owning a car is not a requirement for voter registration. - C — The results reflect the people’s will
A free and fair election means outcomes match the true choice of the voters. - B — Independent National Electoral Commission
INEC is Nigeria’s electoral body. - C — Multiple voting
This is voting more than once and is a serious offence. - C — Illiterates may be easily deceived
Illiterate voters are often manipulated due to lack of awareness. - C — Political instability
Electoral malpractice often leads to unrest and instability. - D — Electoral body
INEC ensures fair and transparent electoral processes. - C — Electoral offence
Voting more than once violates electoral laws. - B — Voter manipulation
Illiteracy can lead to uninformed and manipulated voting decisions. - B — Vote according to instructions
Voters should follow the process and make informed decisions. - B — Someone serving a prison sentence
Convicted criminals are not allowed to vote in elections. - C — Transparent counting of votes
Transparency ensures credibility of election results. - C — Supervising court proceedings
This is the duty of the judiciary, not INEC. - A — Justice and fairness
Malpractices erode the foundation of democracy. - B — Voters refusing to vote
Voter apathy is a lack of interest in participating in elections. - B — 18
The legal voting age in Nigeria is 18. - B — Present their PVC during voting
PVC is required to identify a registered voter. - D — Not free and fair
Violence and fraud make elections illegitimate. - C — Vote based on popularity, not issues
Illiterate voters may be swayed by non-substantive factors. - C — Promoting informed participation
Voter education teaches rights, duties, and the voting process. - C — Votes are counted accurately
Accurate results are key to credible elections. - B — A 30-year-old foreigner living in Lagos
Only Nigerian citizens can vote in Nigerian elections. - C — Vote buying
Accepting money to vote for a candidate is an offence. - C — Oversee elections
INEC was created to manage electoral matters. - C — Voting wisely without being influenced
A responsible voter makes informed and honest decisions. - C — Weakens voters’ understanding
Illiteracy leads to poor decision-making during elections. - C — Police officers
Security personnel maintain law and order at polling units. - B — Ballot box snatching
This is a common and dangerous electoral offence. - C — 4 years
General elections are held every 4 years in Nigeria. - C — Electoral violence
A major barrier to peaceful and fair elections. - C — Voting during elections
PVC allows citizens to vote. - D — Freedom of choice
Democracy requires that citizens vote without pressure. - C — Chaos and unrest
Fraudulent elections cause instability. - C — Transparent collation
Public and honest collation ensures fair outcomes. - C — Voter suppression
Discouraging people from voting is a form of suppression. - B — The people
Free elections empower citizens to choose their leaders.
Theory Answers
1. Explain five major functions of elections in a democratic state.
In a democratic state, elections serve as a foundation for governance and political stability. They are vital for the legitimacy of leadership and the protection of citizens’ rights.
- Choosing Leaders: Elections allow citizens to elect leaders who represent their interests in government. It is the primary way power is transferred legally and peacefully.
- Ensuring Accountability: Through elections, leaders are held accountable. If they fail to perform, they may be voted out in the next election.
- Promoting Participation: Elections encourage political participation, enabling people to express their opinions and be involved in national development.
- Strengthening Democracy: Regular and fair elections are essential to sustaining democratic practices, as they reaffirm citizens’ rights to choose.
- Peaceful Change of Government: Instead of violence or military coups, elections provide a legal and peaceful method of changing governments.
2. Describe the process of voter registration in Nigeria.
Voter registration in Nigeria is coordinated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The process is as follows:
- Announcement by INEC: INEC announces the registration exercise and informs the public of the date and centers.
- Eligibility Verification: Interested citizens must be Nigerian, aged 18 and above, and possess valid means of identification.
- Biometric Capture: At the registration center, the citizen’s biometric data—fingerprints and facial image—are captured digitally.
- Data Entry and Validation: Personal details such as name, address, gender, and occupation are entered into the INEC database for validation.
- Issuance of Temporary Voter Card: A temporary voter card is issued immediately, which can be exchanged for a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before the election.
3. Identify and explain five causes of electoral malpractice.
Electoral malpractice occurs when election processes are manipulated. Causes include:
- Greed for Power: Politicians may rig elections to win by any means due to desperation or ambition.
- Weak Electoral Laws: Ineffective laws and poor enforcement enable malpractice without serious consequences.
- Poverty and Illiteracy: Poor and uneducated voters are easily bribed or deceived by politicians.
- Poor Electoral Supervision: When election officials are untrained or corrupt, malpractice becomes common.
- Political Thuggery: The use of violence and intimidation discourages free participation and leads to rigging.
4. Discuss the effects of electoral malpractice on a country.
Electoral malpractice weakens the political and economic systems of a country. Effects include:
- Loss of Public Trust: Citizens lose confidence in the electoral process and democracy.
- Political Instability: Rigged elections often lead to protests, violence, or unrest.
- Bad Governance: When wrong leaders are imposed, it leads to poor policies and suffering for citizens.
- Low Voter Turnout: People become discouraged from voting when they believe their votes won’t count.
- Violation of Human Rights: Manipulation, intimidation, and violence often result in injuries or deaths.
5. Explain five consequences of illiteracy on voter behaviour.
Illiteracy negatively affects how voters understand and engage with the electoral process:
- Poor Understanding of Issues: Illiterate voters may not understand manifestos or policy differences between candidates.
- Susceptibility to Manipulation: They are easily deceived by politicians with false promises or money.
- Voting Errors: Illiterate voters may make mistakes during voting, like thumbprinting the wrong place.
- Limited Political Participation: They may avoid participation altogether due to fear of embarrassment or confusion.
- Inability to Hold Leaders Accountable: Without basic education, voters cannot properly assess leaders’ performance.
6. Define electoral violence and explain four ways it can be prevented.
Electoral violence refers to violent acts such as attacks, intimidation, or destruction during the electoral process. It can be physical or psychological and disrupts peaceful elections.
Prevention measures include:
- Voter Education: Educating citizens on their rights and the importance of peaceful participation reduces tension.
- Strong Electoral Laws: Enforcing laws and punishing offenders helps deter violence.
- Security Deployment: Adequate security at polling stations can prevent thuggery and protect voters.
- Neutral Electoral Body: INEC must remain unbiased and transparent to avoid disputes.
7. List and explain four duties of voters during elections.
Voters play a critical role in the success of an election. Their duties include:
- Registering to Vote: Citizens must register with INEC and obtain a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
- Peaceful Conduct: Voters should avoid violence, respect others, and obey election guidelines.
- Voting Wisely: They should vote based on facts, not sentiment, ethnicity, or bribes.
- Avoiding Multiple Voting: Voters must only vote once to uphold fairness and legality.
8. What is INEC? List and explain four of its functions.
INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is the body responsible for managing elections in Nigeria.
Functions of INEC include:
- Conducting Elections: It organizes national and state elections for political offices.
- Registering Voters: INEC compiles the register of eligible voters and issues PVCs.
- Monitoring Political Parties: It ensures parties operate within the law and conducts primaries fairly.
- Educating the Public: INEC informs citizens about their voting rights and election processes.
9. Describe four qualifications for voter registration in Nigeria.
To register as a voter in Nigeria, one must:
- Be a Nigerian Citizen: Only citizens have the right to vote.
- Be 18 Years or Older: The legal voting age is 18.
- Be of Sound Mind: Individuals must be mentally stable and aware of their decisions.
- Reside in the Area: One must live in or originate from the area where they wish to register.
10. Highlight five reasons why some Nigerians do not vote during elections.
Reasons include:
- Fear of Violence: Previous experiences of electoral violence discourage people from voting.
- Loss of Confidence: Citizens may feel their vote does not count due to rigging.
- Lack of Interest: Some are indifferent to politics and government.
- Poor Voter Education: They may not understand the voting process or the importance of voting.
- Physical Barriers: Challenges like long distances to polling units or health conditions prevent participation.
Conclusion
If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead. Exams aren’t just about testing what you know they’re about preparing your mind for the future. Civic Education helps you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the role you play in building a better Nigeria. As you revise each topic from Weeks 1 to 12, take time to think critically about how elections, voters, and governance affect your community. These aren’t just theories for exams they are life lessons in leadership, responsibility, and national development.
Avoid shortcuts like examination malpractice. It might seem tempting in the moment, but it can destroy your academic record and future opportunities. Focus instead on consistent study, asking questions when in doubt, and using resources like this blog to deepen your understanding. With discipline and dedication, success is not a matter of if, but when.
