2015 - WAEC Government Past Questions and Answers - page 3

A political party is a group of people who try to influence policy agendas and whose ultimate goal is to run the government by getting their favorite candidates elected.

Manifesto; a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate.

A one-party state, single-party state, one-party system, or single-party system is a type of state in which one political party has the right to form the government, usually based on the existing constitution.

A multi-party system is a political system in which multiple political parties across the political spectrum run for national election, and all have the capacity to gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition.

A multi-party system affords that opportunity to the citizenry to have as many choices as possible. Another advantage of a multi-party system is that it allows for a peaceful change of government. The existence of many parties means that there are other parties waiting for their turn to be voted into power.

 franchise is the right to vote and be voted for in a public, political elections.

A country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through periodic elections that are free and fair. Critical development efforts cannot succeed without a legitimate and democratically elected government that is responsive and accountable to its citizens.

Electioneering campaign;  refers to the act of campaigning to influence the result of an election in favor of a particular candidate or party.

Bye- election;  is an election used to fill an office that has become vacant between general elections

Pressure groups are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep governments more responsive to the wishes of the community, especially in between elections. 2. Pressure groups are able to express the views of minority groups in the community who might not otherwise receive a hearing.