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Cameroon GCE O-Level Citizenship Education study materials
Cameroon GCE O-Level Citizenship Education study resources

Cameroon GCE O-Level Citizenship Education practice questions

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Question 1Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which document proves that a person born in Cameroon is a citizen by birth and is often required when registering for the GCE examination?

  1. A birth certificate Correct answer.
  2. A driver's licence
  3. A business registration card
  4. A tax clearance certificate

Explanation

Citizenship by birth is evidenced by a birth certificate, which records place of birth and parentage. Schools and examination boards ask for it to confirm identity and nationality before registering a candidate. The other documents serve administrative or commercial purposes and do not establish nationality.

Question 2Citizenship, identity and belonging

In Cameroon, a child born to Cameroonian parents abroad may acquire nationality through which principle?

  1. Jus sanguinis, meaning descent from citizen parents Correct answer.
  2. Jus soli, meaning birth on the territory
  3. Marriage to a citizen later in life
  4. Naturalisation after five years of residence

Explanation

Jus sanguinis is the rule that nationality follows blood or descent, so a child of Cameroonian parents is Cameroonian wherever the birth occurs. Jus soli instead attaches nationality to the place of birth. Naturalisation and marriage are separate routes available to foreigners, not to a child born a citizen by descent.

Question 3Citizenship, identity and belonging

A young Cameroonian moves to Douala from Bamenda for work. Which term best describes this movement within the national territory?

  1. Refugee resettlement
  2. Immigration
  3. Emigration
  4. Internal migration Correct answer.

Explanation

Internal migration is movement from one part of a country to another by people who remain within the same state. Emigration and immigration describe crossing an international border, outward and inward respectively. Refugee resettlement involves forced displacement across borders and protection by another state.

Question 4Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of the following best expresses the idea of national identity?

  1. A shared sense of belonging built on common history, symbols and citizenship Correct answer.
  2. A preference for goods produced in one's own country
  3. Loyalty to a political party rather than to the state
  4. The practice of speaking only one's mother tongue

Explanation

National identity is the feeling of belonging to a nation, sustained by shared history, language, symbols such as the flag and anthem, and common citizenship. It is broader than consumer preference or language use alone. Loyalty to a party is partisan and does not define national belonging.

Question 5Citizenship, identity and belonging

The Cameroon national flag carries green, red and yellow with a five-pointed star. What does the red band most commonly represent?

  1. The blood shed for independence and national unity Correct answer.
  2. The Sahara desert to the north
  3. The forest resources of the southern regions
  4. The Atlantic coastline

Explanation

In the Cameroonian flag the red band stands for the blood sacrificed in the struggle for independence and for national unity. Green is associated with vegetation and hope, and yellow with the sun and the northern savannah. The star symbolises unity among the regions.

Question 6Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of these situations shows a person exercising civic responsibility rather than merely enjoying a right?

  1. Voting in a municipal election after checking the register Correct answer.
  2. Travelling abroad on a valid passport
  3. Attending a football match with friends
  4. Buying land in one's home village

Explanation

Voting after verifying registration combines a right with the duty to participate responsibly in public affairs. Civic responsibility involves active contribution to the community and respect for procedures. The other activities are lawful personal choices with no civic obligation attached.

Question 7Citizenship, identity and belonging

A person who has lived lawfully in Cameroon for the required period and applies to become Cameroonian is seeking citizenship by which route?

  1. Birth on the territory
  2. Naturalisation Correct answer.
  3. Descent
  4. Recovery of lost nationality

Explanation

Naturalisation is the grant of nationality by the state to a foreigner who meets legal conditions such as residence, good conduct and integration. Descent and birth on the territory are ways of acquiring nationality automatically at birth. Recovery applies to former citizens who lost their nationality, not to first-time applicants.

Question 8Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which behaviour best illustrates tolerance in a culturally diverse Cameroonian school?

  1. Requiring all students to abandon their mother tongues
  2. Allowing students of different regions and languages to take part equally in school activities Correct answer.
  3. Choosing class leaders only from one ethnic group
  4. Grouping students strictly by their region of origin

Explanation

Tolerance means accepting and respecting differences of language, region, religion and culture while treating everyone as equal. Inclusive participation in school activities puts that principle into practice. Forcing assimilation, segregation or ethnic favouritism does the opposite.

Question 9Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which statement correctly distinguishes a citizen from a foreign resident in Cameroon?

  1. A foreign resident cannot attend school
  2. A citizen pays no taxes of any kind
  3. A citizen holds full political rights such as voting and standing for office Correct answer.
  4. A foreign resident cannot own property

Explanation

The clearest legal difference is political: citizens may vote and be elected to public office, while foreign residents generally cannot. Citizenship also carries duties such as allegiance. It does not exempt anyone from taxation, and foreign residents may lawfully own property and attend school.

Question 10Citizenship, identity and belonging

A community association in Buea organises a clean-up of the local market each month without payment. This activity is best described as:

  1. A legal obligation enforced by the courts
  2. An act of emigration
  3. A form of political campaigning
  4. Voluntary civic engagement Correct answer.

Explanation

Unpaid collective work for the public good is voluntary civic engagement, showing solidarity and a sense of belonging. It is not compelled by courts, nor is it a campaign activity. Emigration refers to leaving the country, which is unrelated here.

Question 11Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of these is the strongest example of a national symbol that unites citizens at official ceremonies?

  1. A family photograph
  2. The national anthem Correct answer.
  3. A school timetable
  4. A private company logo

Explanation

The national anthem is an official emblem of the state, played at ceremonies to express shared identity and respect for the nation. School timetables, company logos and family photographs are private or administrative items. National symbols carry public, unifying meaning recognised by law and custom.

Question 12Citizenship, identity and belonging

A Cameroonian who marries a foreign national wants to know how the spouse may eventually become Cameroonian. Which answer is most accurate?

  1. The spouse acquires nationality only by buying land
  2. The spouse may apply for naturalisation after meeting the residence and other legal conditions Correct answer.
  3. The spouse can never acquire Cameroonian nationality
  4. The spouse becomes a citizen automatically on the wedding day

Explanation

Marriage does not confer nationality automatically; the foreign spouse must apply and satisfy conditions such as lawful residence and good conduct set by law. Nationality by marriage is therefore a form of facilitated naturalisation. Property ownership is irrelevant to nationality.

Question 13Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which pair correctly matches a duty of the citizen with the right it supports?

  1. Watching television - voting in elections
  2. Joining a club - obtaining a passport
  3. Travelling abroad - receiving a pension
  4. Paying taxes - enjoying public services such as schools and hospitals Correct answer.

Explanation

Rights and duties are linked: taxes fund the public services that citizens have a right to use. The other pairs are arbitrary and show no causal or legal connection. Understanding this link is central to responsible citizenship.

Question 14Citizenship, identity and belonging

A person who flees armed conflict in a neighbouring country and is granted protection in Cameroon is legally described as:

  1. A naturalised citizen
  2. An emigrant from Cameroon
  3. A tourist
  4. A refugee Correct answer.

Explanation

A refugee is someone who crosses an international border because of persecution, conflict or disaster and receives protection from the host state. Emigrants leave their own country to settle elsewhere, and naturalised citizens have completed the legal process of acquiring nationality. Tourists travel temporarily for pleasure.

Question 15Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which action by a public official would most clearly violate the principle of equal citizenship?

  1. Asking applicants to present identity documents
  2. Recording applications in a register
  3. Refusing to issue a document to someone because of their ethnic group Correct answer.
  4. Charging the official fee for a document

Explanation

Equal citizenship means the state treats all nationals alike, so refusing a service on ethnic grounds is discrimination and a breach of that principle. Charging lawful fees, verifying identity and keeping records are normal administrative procedures. They apply to everyone and do not single anyone out.

Question 16Citizenship, identity and belonging

The motto 'Paix, Travail, Patrie' on Cameroonian state emblems promotes which set of values?

  1. Faith, hope and charity
  2. Peace, work and fatherland Correct answer.
  3. Unity, discipline and labour
  4. Liberty, equality and fraternity

Explanation

The national motto is Peace, Work, Fatherland, calling citizens to live peacefully, work for development and love their country. 'Liberty, equality, fraternity' is the French republican motto, and 'Unity, discipline, labour' belongs to another state. 'Faith, hope and charity' is a religious formulation.

Question 17Citizenship, identity and belonging

In citizenship terms, what does 'belonging' most fully involve?

  1. Speaking one language fluently
  2. Holding a residence permit in any country
  3. Being accepted as a member of a community with rights, duties and a shared identity Correct answer.
  4. Owning property in a locality

Explanation

Belonging combines legal membership, with its rights and duties, and a social sense of acceptance and shared identity. A residence permit is a temporary legal status without full membership. Language and property may support integration but do not by themselves create belonging.

Question 18Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of the following is a lawful way for a citizen to influence government decisions between elections?

  1. Refusing to pay taxes
  2. Bribing a councillor
  3. Damaging public property in protest
  4. Submitting a petition to the local council Correct answer.

Explanation

Petitions, consultations and peaceful assembly are lawful channels for citizens to express views and influence policy between elections. Bribery, tax refusal and vandalism are offences that undermine rather than strengthen democratic participation.

Question 19Citizenship, identity and belonging

A child is found abandoned in Cameroon and both parents are unknown. Under nationality principles, how is the child's status usually determined?

  1. The child is presumed a citizen by birth until the contrary is proven Correct answer.
  2. The child must wait until age eighteen to be registered
  3. The child automatically takes the nationality of the finder
  4. The child has no nationality at all

Explanation

To avoid statelessness, the law generally presumes that a foundling born in the country is a citizen until evidence shows otherwise. This protects the child's right to a nationality and identity. The finder's own nationality is irrelevant, and no waiting period is imposed.

Question 20Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which statement about dual nationality is most accurate in general citizenship terms?

  1. It means holding the nationality of two states at the same time, which depends on the laws of both Correct answer.
  2. It is the same as being stateless
  3. It means holding two passports from the same state
  4. It is granted automatically to every migrant

Explanation

Dual nationality arises when a person is a national of two states simultaneously, for example by birth in one country to parents of another. Whether it is allowed depends on the nationality laws of both states. It is not statelessness, not two passports from one state, and never automatic for all migrants.

Question 21Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of these best explains why birth registration is important for citizenship?

  1. It creates an official record of identity and nationality that the person can rely on later Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the need for a national identity card forever
  3. It determines the child's future profession
  4. It immediately grants the child the right to vote

Explanation

Birth registration provides documentary proof of identity, age and parentage, which underpins access to nationality, schooling and other services. It does not grant voting rights to a child, replace later identity documents or decide a career. The record is the foundation on which later claims rest.

Question 22Citizenship, identity and belonging

A citizen publicly insults and threatens a neighbour because of the neighbour's religion. Which value of citizenship is most directly violated?

  1. The duty to pay taxes
  2. The obligation to register a business
  3. Respect for the dignity and freedom of others Correct answer.
  4. The right to a fair trial

Explanation

Citizenship requires respect for the dignity, religion and freedoms of others, and insulting or threatening someone on religious grounds breaches that respect. Tax payment, fair trial and business registration concern other matters and are not engaged by the conduct described.

Question 23Citizenship, identity and belonging

Which of the following best describes the relationship between citizenship and the rule of law?

  1. Citizenship means the majority may ignore the law
  2. Citizenship requires that officials be exempt from the law
  3. Citizenship is meaningful when the law applies equally to rulers and ordinary citizens Correct answer.
  4. Citizenship allows citizens to choose which laws to obey

Explanation

The rule of law means that everyone, including those in authority, is subject to the law and accountable under it. Citizenship is meaningful in such a system because rights are protected and duties apply equally. Exempting officials, majority disregard or selective obedience would destroy that equality.

Question 24Citizenship, identity and belonging

A youth group in a border town wants to promote peaceful coexistence with people of another nationality. Which action best reflects good citizenship?

  1. Organising joint cultural and sports activities with clear rules of respect Correct answer.
  2. Spreading rumours that foreigners cause all local problems
  3. Encouraging insults against foreign traders
  4. Preventing foreign children from using the public playground

Explanation

Good citizenship promotes peaceful coexistence through dialogue, shared activities and respect for the dignity of all persons, including foreigners lawfully present. Rumour-mongering, exclusion and insults fuel xenophobia and conflict. Joint activities build trust while respecting the law.

Question 25Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Under the Cameroonian Constitution, which institution holds the power to make laws at the national level?

  1. The Constitutional Council sitting in ordinary session
  2. The National Assembly and the Senate meeting in Parliament Correct answer.
  3. The Council of Ministers chaired by the Prime Minister
  4. The Supreme Court sitting in joint chambers

Explanation

Legislative power in Cameroon is exercised by Parliament, which under the Constitution is made up of the National Assembly and the Senate. The two chambers deliberate on bills and vote them into law, normally after a bill has been tabled by the Government or by a member of Parliament.

Question 26Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

In the constitutional order of Cameroon, who is the head of the executive and guarantor of national unity?

  1. The President of the Republic Correct answer.
  2. The President of the National Assembly
  3. The President of the Senate
  4. The Prime Minister

Explanation

The Constitution vests executive power in the President of the Republic, who is elected by direct universal suffrage. He is described as the guardian of the Constitution, the guarantor of national independence and territorial integrity, and the guarantor of national unity.

Question 27Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A bill has been adopted by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Senate, which rejects it. What is the constitutional consequence?

  1. The bill is definitively abandoned and cannot be reintroduced in the same year
  2. The President of the Republic must dissolve the Senate before the bill can proceed
  3. A joint commission is set up and, if agreement fails, the National Assembly may adopt the text again by absolute majority Correct answer.
  4. The Constitutional Council itself rewrites the disputed clauses of the bill

Explanation

When the two chambers disagree, the Constitution provides for a joint commission to propose a common text. If the commission fails to agree or the text is again rejected, the National Assembly may adopt the bill a second time by an absolute majority of its members.

Question 28Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which body in Cameroon is competent to rule on the constitutionality of laws and on disputes relating to presidential and parliamentary elections?

  1. The National Anti-Corruption Commission
  2. The Constitutional Council Correct answer.
  3. The Court of First Instance
  4. The Economic and Social Council

Explanation

The Constitutional Council is the jurisdiction charged with reviewing the constitutionality of laws, treaties and regulations, and with settling electoral disputes for presidential, parliamentary and senatorial elections. Its decisions are binding on all public authorities.

Question 29Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which of the following best describes the role of the Prime Minister in the Cameroonian institutional system?

  1. He appoints the members of the Constitutional Council
  2. He commands the armed forces as their supreme chief
  3. He presides over the National Assembly when it votes the budget
  4. He directs the action of the Government and answers for it before Parliament Correct answer.

Explanation

The Prime Minister is the head of Government and directs its action, ensuring the implementation of laws and answering questions from Parliament on behalf of the Government. He is appointed by the President of the Republic, who remains the head of the executive.

Question 30Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A citizen claims that a law adopted by Parliament violates a provision of the Constitution. Before which institution should the challenge be brought, and at what stage?

  1. Before the Constitutional Council, before the law is promulgated Correct answer.
  2. Before the Senate, which may veto the law a second time
  3. Before the Supreme Court, after the law has entered into force
  4. Before the Court of Appeal of the citizen's place of residence

Explanation

Constitutional review in Cameroon is exercised before promulgation: the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate or one third of the members of either chamber may refer a law to the Constitutional Council. Once promulgated, the law is shielded from this form of review.

Question 31Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which of the following is a function of the Senate in Cameroon's constitutional order?

  1. Supervising the conduct of presidential elections
  2. Representing decentralised territorial collectivities and deliberating on bills Correct answer.
  3. Appointing judges to the Supreme Court
  4. Voting the budget of the armed forces alone

Explanation

The Senate is the upper chamber of Parliament and is designed to ensure the representation of decentralised territorial collectivities. It debates and votes on bills alongside the National Assembly and exercises other functions conferred by the Constitution.

Question 32Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

The National Assembly votes a motion of censure against the Government. What is the constitutional effect if the motion succeeds?

  1. The President of the Republic is automatically removed from office
  2. The National Assembly is dissolved by the Constitutional Council
  3. The Prime Minister must tender the resignation of the Government to the President Correct answer.
  4. The motion has only advisory value and no binding effect

Explanation

A successful motion of censure obliges the Prime Minister to offer the resignation of the Government to the President of the Republic. The President then decides on the appointment of a new Prime Minister and Government.

Question 33Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which institution is described in the Constitution as the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary in Cameroon?

  1. The Constitutional Council
  2. The President of the Republic, assisted by the Higher Judicial Council Correct answer.
  3. The National Assembly through its Committee on Justice
  4. The Bar Association of Cameroon

Explanation

The Constitution states that judicial power is exercised by the courts and that the President of the Republic is the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary. He is assisted in this task by the Higher Judicial Council, which advises on judicial appointments and discipline.

Question 34Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A candidate at a presidential election disputes the results announced by the electoral body. Which body has jurisdiction to decide the dispute?

  1. The Administrative Court
  2. The Constitutional Council Correct answer.
  3. The National Assembly
  4. The Supreme Court

Explanation

The Constitution expressly gives the Constitutional Council jurisdiction over disputes relating to presidential, parliamentary and senatorial elections. It examines the results and proclaims the final outcome.

Question 35Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which of the following reflects the constitutional principle of the separation of powers in Cameroon?

  1. The courts exercise judicial power independently of the executive and the legislature Correct answer.
  2. The National Assembly appoints the Prime Minister
  3. The President of the Republic may sit as a judge in the Supreme Court
  4. Judges are members of the National Assembly by virtue of their office

Explanation

The separation of powers means that legislative, executive and judicial functions are exercised by distinct organs that check one another. In Cameroon, judicial power is exercised by the courts, which are expected to act independently of the other branches.

Question 36Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

What is the role of the Economic and Social Council in Cameroon's institutions?

  1. It appoints the members of the Supreme Court
  2. It supervises the implementation of the Constitution
  3. It gives advisory opinions on economic, social and cultural questions referred to it Correct answer.
  4. It votes the national budget together with the National Assembly

Explanation

The Economic and Social Council is an advisory assembly whose opinions are sought on economic, social and cultural matters, including draft laws and plans. It does not have legislative or judicial power.

Question 37Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Under the Constitution, who has the power to declare a state of emergency in Cameroon?

  1. The Prime Minister alone
  2. The Constitutional Council
  3. The President of the Republic Correct answer.
  4. The President of the National Assembly

Explanation

The Constitution empowers the President of the Republic to declare a state of emergency or a state of siege when circumstances so require. Such measures are taken in the interest of public order and national security.

Question 38Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the President of the Republic and the Government?

  1. The Government appoints the President after parliamentary elections
  2. The President is chosen by the Government from among its members
  3. The Prime Minister appoints the President during the investiture ceremony
  4. The President appoints the Prime Minister and may terminate the Prime Minister's functions Correct answer.

Explanation

The President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's proposal, the other members of Government. He may also terminate the functions of the Prime Minister, which confirms his primacy over the executive.

Question 39Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A law is promulgated and later found to conflict with a treaty duly ratified by Cameroon. Which constitutional organ is competent to examine this conflict?

  1. The Supreme Court, which automatically annuls the law
  2. The National Assembly's legal committee, which amends the law
  3. The Constitutional Council, which verifies the constitutionality of treaties and laws before promulgation Correct answer.
  4. The Senate, which suspends the law pending revision

Explanation

The Constitutional Council examines the constitutionality of laws and treaties, and a treaty provision may be invoked in that review where it bears on constitutionality. The review is conducted before promulgation, so the Council's role is preventive rather than a posteriori.

Question 40Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

What is the function of the Higher Judicial Council in Cameroon?

  1. It hears appeals against decisions of the Constitutional Council
  2. It advises the President on the appointment and discipline of judges Correct answer.
  3. It votes laws on the organisation of courts
  4. It drafts the annual budget of the judiciary alone

Explanation

The Higher Judicial Council is the body that assists the President of the Republic, guarantor of judicial independence, in matters of appointment, promotion and discipline of judges. It therefore plays a central role in the governance of the judiciary.

Question 41Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which organ of the State is responsible for implementing the national budget once it has been voted by Parliament?

  1. The Constitutional Council
  2. The National Assembly's finance committee
  3. The Economic and Social Council
  4. The Government, through the ministries and public accounting officers Correct answer.

Explanation

Parliament authorises the budget, but its implementation is an executive task carried out by the Government through ministries and public accounting officers. Parliament later controls execution through the finance law review.

Question 42Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which of the following statements about the duration of the mandate of the President of the Republic of Cameroon is correct as provided by the Constitution?

  1. The President is elected for a term of seven years, renewable Correct answer.
  2. The President serves for life once elected
  3. The President is elected for a term of five years, non-renewable
  4. The President is elected for a term of four years, renewable once

Explanation

The Constitution fixes the presidential term at seven years, and the mandate is renewable. The President is elected by direct universal suffrage by the entire electorate.

Question 43Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A member of the National Assembly is also appointed to a ministerial post. What does the constitutional rule on incompatibility require?

  1. The member automatically becomes President of the National Assembly
  2. The member must give up the parliamentary seat or decline the ministerial appointment Correct answer.
  3. The member may hold both posts and vote in the Assembly as a minister
  4. The member may hold both posts but must abstain from budget votes

Explanation

The Constitution provides that the functions of a member of Parliament are incompatible with certain other functions, notably membership of the Government. A person appointed minister must therefore choose between the parliamentary seat and the ministerial office.

Question 44Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which body in Cameroon exercises control over the regularity of public expenditure and can sanction mismanagement?

  1. The Constitutional Council's electoral section
  2. The National Assembly's committee on foreign affairs
  3. The Audit Bench of the Supreme Court and the Chamber of Accounts Correct answer.
  4. The Economic and Social Council's finance commission

Explanation

The Audit Bench of the Supreme Court, also referred to as the Chamber of Accounts, verifies the accounts of public accounting officers and may sanction irregularities. It is the jurisdictional organ of financial control alongside administrative inspection services.

Question 45Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

What is the constitutional status of the English and French languages in Cameroon?

  1. Both are recognised only in the private sector
  2. French is official and English is recognised only in courts
  3. English is official and French is a working language only
  4. Both are official languages of equal status Correct answer.

Explanation

The Constitution provides that the official languages of the Republic are English and French, with equal status. The State undertakes to guarantee the promotion of bilingualism and the protection of minority languages.

Question 46Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

A group of citizens wants to propose a revision of the Constitution. Which organ is competent to examine and adopt a constitutional revision?

  1. Parliament meeting in Congress, after the proposal has been examined by the Constitutional Council Correct answer.
  2. The Council of Ministers alone
  3. The Supreme Court sitting in plenary
  4. The Senate alone

Explanation

Constitutional revision is adopted by Parliament convened in Congress, which brings together the National Assembly and the Senate. The Constitutional Council is consulted beforehand on the procedure and on the substance of the proposal.

Question 47Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which statement best explains why the Constitution of Cameroon is described as the supreme law of the State?

  1. All other laws and acts must conform to it, and the Constitutional Council enforces that conformity Correct answer.
  2. It is the oldest law in the country and therefore prevails
  3. It can be amended by a simple decree of the Prime Minister
  4. It applies only to the President and members of Parliament

Explanation

The supremacy of the Constitution means that all laws, treaties and administrative acts must conform to its provisions, and the Constitutional Council is the organ that enforces this conformity. No ordinary law may validly contradict a constitutional rule.

Question 48Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

Which of the following is a function of the National Assembly in the control of government action?

  1. Addressing oral and written questions to the Government Correct answer.
  2. Commanding the armed forces in wartime
  3. Appointing the Prime Minister
  4. Declaring the state of emergency

Explanation

Parliamentary control of government action includes oral and written questions, commissions of inquiry and motions of censure. These tools allow members of the National Assembly to question ministers on policy and administration.

Question 49Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

The President of the Republic addresses the nation and the National Assembly on the state of the nation. What constitutional instrument allows him to do so?

  1. A message to Parliament, which does not require a vote of the Assembly Correct answer.
  2. A motion of censure adopted by the Senate
  3. A decree of the Prime Minister authorising the address
  4. A decision of the Constitutional Council

Explanation

The Constitution allows the President of the Republic to communicate with Parliament through messages that are read to the Assembly. Such a message does not open a debate or require a vote, which preserves the separation of powers.

Question 50Cameroon state institutions and constitutional order

In Cameroon, which institution has the constitutional power to amend the Constitution?

  1. The National Assembly and the Senate meeting together as the Congress Correct answer.
  2. The President of the Republic acting by decree
  3. The Supreme Court sitting in plenary session
  4. The Constitutional Council

Explanation

Under the Constitution, revision of the Constitution is a power shared by the two chambers of Parliament, which must meet jointly as the Congress to adopt a constitutional amendment. The President may initiate a revision, but he does not adopt it alone. The Constitutional Council reviews the constitutionality of laws but does not amend the Constitution.