Post-Independence Constitutions: JAMB Government Questions, Answers & Notes

What Post-Independence Constitutions covers in the JAMB Government syllabus

After independence, Nigeria's constitutions evolved with its republics. The 1963 Republican Constitution (First Republic) made Nigeria a republic and is often called autochthonous (home-grown); it kept the parliamentary system. The 1979 Constitution (Second Republic) introduced the American-style presidential system, with the President as both head of state and government and a clear separation of powers, plus a chapter on Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles. The current 1999 Constitution (as amended) ushered in the Fourth Republic (civilian rule from May 1999); it is supreme, guarantees fundamental human rights (Chapter IV), provides three tiers of government (federal, state, local) and establishes INEC for periodic elections. Military coups repeatedly suspended these constitutions, replacing them with decrees.

For Post-Independence Constitutions, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Trace the 1963, 1979 and 1999 constitutions and the republics
• Explain the shift from parliamentary to presidential government
• Describe key features: supremacy, rights, three tiers, directive principles

Key facts & revision notes: Post-Independence Constitutions

These are the recurring points our Post-Independence Constitutions questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• The 1979 Constitution introduced the presidential system of government in Nigeria.
• From independence to 1966, Nigeria operated the parliamentary (Westminster) system.
• The 1979 Constitution introduced the American-style presidential system.
• Nigeria currently operates the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
• The 1999 Constitution ushered in the current civilian, democratic rule (the Fourth Republic).
• Under the presidential constitutions (1979, 1999), the President is both head of state and government.
• These presidential constitutions provide a clear separation of powers among the three arms.
• The Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles chapter is a feature of the 1979 and 1999 constitutions.
• The 1999 Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights in Chapter IV.
• The 1999 Constitution ushered in the Fourth Republic (from May 1999).
• The First Republic (1963-1966) operated under the 1963 Republican Constitution.
• The Second Republic (1979-1983) operated under the 1979 Constitution.
• Military coups suspended constitutions and replaced constitutional rule with military decrees.
• Under constitutional supremacy, all persons and authorities are subject to the constitution.
• The 1999 Constitution provides for three tiers: federal, state and local government.
• The 1999 Constitution establishes INEC and provides for periodic democratic elections.
• They provide the framework for democratic governance, defining institutions and protecting rights.
• The 1963 Republican Constitution is often described as autochthonous — home-grown, enacted by Nigerians.
• The major change was from the parliamentary system (1963) to the presidential system (1979).
• They reflect Nigeria's ongoing search for a stable, workable and acceptable system of government.
• The 1999 Constitution took effect on 29 May 1999.
• A Constituent Assembly finalised the 1979 Constitution.
• Nigeria's presidential model followed the USA.
• The Prime Minister held executive power pre-1979.

Worked examples

Three Post-Independence Constitutions questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Post-Independence Constitutions is tested in JAMB Government

Our Post-Independence Constitutions bank holds 40 questions (1 easy, 23 medium, 16 hard). JAMB Government typically returns to Post-Independence Constitutions year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Post-Independence Constitutions questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Post-Independence Constitutions. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Government item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Post-Independence Constitutions is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Post-Independence Constitutions

The errors that cost marks on Post-Independence Constitutions are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Post-Independence Constitutions actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Post-Independence Constitutions part of the JAMB Government syllabus?

Yes. Post-Independence Constitutions is a recognised topic in the JAMB Government syllabus, covering trace the 1963, 1979 and 1999 constitutions and the republics. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Post-Independence Constitutions questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Post-Independence Constitutions questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Post-Independence Constitutions?

After independence, Nigeria's constitutions evolved with its republics. The 1963 Republican Constitution (First Republic) made Nigeria a republic and is often called autochthonous (home-grown); it kept the parliamentary system. The 1979 Constitution (Second Republic) introduced the American-style pr…

How do I answer Post-Independence Constitutions questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Post-Independence Constitutions. Practising timed Post-Independence Constitutions questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Government Post-Independence Constitutions questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Post-Independence Constitutions questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Post-Independence Constitutions practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Government syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.