Are you writing Government in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO Government syllabus helps you know where all your NECO Government questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO Government exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration and study tips on Government in NECO exam this year.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO CHEMISTRY EXAM
Let’s begin…
NECO Government Exam Structure
The exam is divided into two papers:
Paper 1
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 1 hour
- Total of 40 marks
Paper 2
Paper 2 is an essay-type test and is slightly longer. You will have 2 hours to answer questions from two sections:
Section A: Elements of Government
This section contains five questions, but you are required to answer only two. Choose the questions you feel most confident about. Each question carries 12 marks.
Section B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
This section focuses on the political and constitutional landscape in West Africa and beyond. You will be given sets of five questions for each member country, and you will select the set that corresponds to your exam location. From that set, answer two questions. Each question carries 15 marks, making a total of 60 marks available in this section.
See NECO Government Syllabus
Here are the Government topics and areas of concentration under each topic which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
NECO Government Syllabus
1. MEANING AND SCOPE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER – GOVERNMENT
- Government as an institution of the state. Definition of state, features, structure and functions.
- Government as a process or art or governing.
- Government as an academic field of study – reasons for studying government
2. BASIC CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT
- Basic concepts
- Basic principles
3. CONSTITUTIONS
- Definition and Sources
- Functions
- Types and Features, (written and unwritten, rigid and flexible)
4. ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT
- The Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary – Judicial Independence (Types, structure, composition/membership, functions, powers, and limitations)
5. STATE STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNMENT
- Types – Unitary, Federal, Confederal, Presidential or Non-parliamentary, Parliamentary or Cabinet, Monarchical and Republican. Meaning, types, features, merits and demerits.
6. CITIZENSHIP
- Meaning, mode of acquisition, rights, duties and obligations of individuals in the state. Means of safeguarding rights of citizens.
7. POLITICAL PARTIES AND
PARTY SYSTEMS
- Political Parties – definition, organization/structure, and functions
- Party Systems – definition, types, merits and demerits
8. PRESSURE GROUPS, PUBLIC OPINION AND MASS MEDIA
- Pressure Groups – definition, types, mode of operation and functions
- Public opinion – definition, formation, measurement and importance
- Mass Media – definition, roles and impact
9. THE ELECTORAL SYSTEMS, PROCESSES AND ELECTORAL MANAGEMENT BODY
- Electoral Systems and Processes
- Electoral Management Body
10. PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE ADMINISTRATION
- Public/Civil Service
- Public/Civil Service Commission
- Public Corporations
- Local Governments
11. PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM OF CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES
The Structural Organization of the following:
- Nigeria – Hausa/Fulani, the Yoruba and the Igbo
- Ghana – The Akan and the Talensi
- Sierra Leone – The Mende and Temme
- The Gambia – The Wolof, Mandingo and Jola
- Liberia – The Vai and the Kru
12. COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION
- The Policy and Structure of the British Colonial Administration
- The Policy of French Colonial Administration
- Impact, Advantages and disadvantages of Colonial Rule
13. NATIONALISM IN CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES
- Nationalism: Meaning, factors and effects
- Key Nationalist leaders/movements and their contributions
14. CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES
- Pre-Independence Constitutions
- Post-Independence Constitutions
15. DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES
- Formation, Objectives, Sources of Finance, Achievements and Failures
16. MILITARY RULE IN THE
CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE
COUNTRIES
- Causes, effects and various military regimes
17. FEDERAL/UNITARY SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT IN WEST AFRICA
- Origin, factors, structure, features and problems
18. FOREIGN POLICIES OF THE CANDIDATES’ RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES
- Definitions, factors, objectives, advantages and disadvantages
19. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- The United Nations Organizations (UNO), The Commonwealth of Nations, African Union (AU) – NEPAD, The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
- Origin, aims/objectives, achievements and problems
Smart Study Tips for NECO Government
- Create a weekly study plan by topic
- Group similar topics for better understanding
- Time yourself when practicing past questions.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO Government syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on the NECO Government Syllabus
Government is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO Government syllabus and prepare smartly. Use this post as your study guide, cover every topic, and tackle past questions consistently.
Good luck with your preparation!
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