The NECO Government Exam is a major part of the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Nigeria. It tests students’ knowledge of political structures, institutions, ideologies, and events both in Nigeria and globally. One of the best ways to pass this exam is to focus on frequently repeated topics and past questions.
This blog serves as your comprehensive study guide, highlighting the most commonly tested areas and actual sample questions to practice with for the 2025/2026 NECO Government exam.
Top Benefits of Studying Repeated NECO Topics
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Saves revision time
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Boosts exam confidence
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Improves chances of scoring high
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Helps you understand question patterns
Highly Repeated Topics in NECO Government Exam
1. Meaning, Scope, and Functions of Government
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Definitions of government
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Basic concepts: sovereignty, power, authority
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Functions of government (legislative, executive, judiciary)
Sample Question:
Define government and explain any three of its major functions.
2. Types and Forms of Government
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Unitary, federal, and confederal systems
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Presidential vs Parliamentary systems
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Republican and monarchical forms
Sample Question:
Differentiate between a federal and a unitary system of government.
3. Basic Concepts of Government
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Constitution, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers
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Political legitimacy
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Citizenship and Human Rights
Sample Question:
Explain the term “Rule of Law” and state three of its principles.
4. Political Ideologies
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Capitalism, Socialism, Communism, Fascism
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Features and differences
Sample Question:
Highlight three major features of socialism.
5. Constitutional Development in Nigeria
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Clifford Constitution (1922)
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Richards Constitution (1946)
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Macpherson Constitution (1951)
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Lyttleton Constitution (1954)
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1960 Independence Constitution
Sample Question:
Outline three main features of the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
6. Pre-Colonial Political Systems in Nigeria
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Hausa/Fulani Emirate
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Yoruba (Oyo Empire)
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Igbo Acephalous System
Sample Question:
Discuss the features of the Igbo pre-colonial political system.
7. Colonial Administration in Nigeria
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Indirect Rule
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British colonial policies
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Native Authority System
Sample Question:
State two advantages and two disadvantages of the indirect rule system in Nigeria.
8. Post-Independence Political Crises
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1966 military coup
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Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)
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Political instability and transitions
Sample Question:
What were the major causes of the Nigerian Civil War?
9. Political Parties and Pressure Groups
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First and Second Republic parties
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Functions and structures of political parties
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Differences between political parties and pressure groups
Sample Question:
Mention four functions of political parties in a democracy.
10. Arms of Government
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The Legislature
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The Executive
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The Judiciary
Sample Question:
Explain how the principle of separation of powers applies to the three arms of government.
11. Civil Service and Public Corporations
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Functions of civil service
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Features of public corporations
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Differences between public and private sectors
Sample Question:
List four characteristics of the Nigerian civil service.
12. Electoral Systems and Electoral Bodies
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Electoral processes
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Functions of INEC
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Voter registration
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Electoral malpractice
Sample Question:
Describe three roles played by INEC during Nigerian elections.
13. International Organizations
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ECOWAS, AU, UN, Commonwealth
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Nigeria’s role in global politics
Sample Question:
State three objectives of the African Union (AU).
Sample NECO Government Objective Questions
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The principle of separation of powers is closely associated with:
A. John Locke
B. Thomas Hobbes
C. Montesquieu
D. Karl Marx
Answer: C -
A system where the central government is supreme and other governments derive their power from it is:
A. Confederal
B. Unitary
C. Federal
D. Parliamentary
Answer: B -
Which of these political ideologies supports private ownership of property?
A. Communism
B. Capitalism
C. Fascism
D. Socialism
Answer: B -
The first political party in Nigeria was:
A. NCNC
B. NPC
C. Action Group
D. NNDP
Answer: D -
The agency responsible for organizing elections in Nigeria is:
A. EFCC
B. INEC
C. ICPC
D. NJC
Answer: B
Study Tips for NECO Government Exam
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Study past questions regularly
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Draw charts for political structures
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Create flashcards for definitions and ideologies
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Practice essay writing and structured answers
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Join a study group or attend tutorials
FAQs About NECO Government Exam 2025/2026
Q1: Is NECO Government mostly theory or objectives?
Both. It includes Paper I (Objective) and Paper II (Essay/Structured Questions).
Q2: Are pre-colonial political systems still asked in 2025?
Yes. They are among the most repeated topics.
Q3: What’s the best way to prepare?
Use past questions, cover all frequently repeated topics, and understand the logic behind each system.
Q4: Can I pass NECO Government without cramming?
Absolutely. Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing.
Q5: Are there diagrams or illustrations in the exam?
Not usually, but understanding government structures visually can help you during revision.
Conclusion
With this complete list of highly repeated topics and practice questions, you're equipped with the best strategy to excel in your 2025/2026 NECO Government exam. Stay consistent, revise smart, and practice writing structured answers — success is yours!
Let me know if you’d like this guide in PDF format or want similar versions for other NECO subjects.