Political Development in Africa

12 Grade 7 Social Studies questions on Political Development in Africa, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   In which year did Kenya gain independence from British colonial rule?

   A. 1953

   B. 1960

   C. 1963

   D. 1978

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Before colonial rule, many African communities were governed using traditional systems. A community ruled by a king is described as having which kind of political organisation?

   A. A stateless society

   B. A colonial government

   C. A multiparty democracy

   D. A centralised system

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   The council of elders in many traditional African societies was mainly responsible for:

   A. Printing money

   B. Running schools

   C. Building modern roads

   D. Settling disputes and making decisions

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Kenya attained its independence from British colonial rule in which year?

   A. 1895

   B. 1920

   C. 1963

   D. 1978

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   3 marks

   The council of elders played a central role in many traditional African communities. State three functions of the council of elders.

   (3 marks)

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6. Question 6

   4 marks

   Many African countries gained their independence from colonial rule in the 20th century. a) State the year in which Kenya attained its independence. (1 mark) b) Name Kenya's first Prime Minister, who later became the first President. (1 mark) c) Give two methods that Africans used to fight for their independence from colonial rule. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   a) Kenya attained its independence in the year 1963 (12th December 1963). b) Kenya's first Prime Minister, who later became the first President, was Jomo Kenyatta (Mzee Jomo Kenyatta). c) Two methods Africans used to fight for independence (any two): - Armed struggle / use of force, for example the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. - Formation of political parties and movements to demand self-rule. - Holding meetings, demonstrations and strikes to pressure the colonial government. - Writing petitions and sending delegations to present their grievances. - Use of newspapers and trade unions to spread political awareness.

7. Question 7

   4 marks

   Many African countries struggled for independence from colonial rule.

   (a) Give two methods that Africans used to fight for their independence. (2 marks)

   (b) State two problems that African countries faced immediately after gaining independence. (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Two methods Africans used to fight for independence: - Armed struggle/liberation wars (e.g. the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya). - Forming political parties and associations to press for self-rule (constitutional/political methods). (Other acceptable: holding strikes and demonstrations; use of trade unions; negotiation/constitutional conferences; petitions.) (b) Two problems faced after independence: - Shortage of trained and skilled personnel (e.g. doctors, engineers, administrators). - Poverty and lack of enough funds to develop the country. (Other acceptable: ethnic/tribal conflicts; poor infrastructure; over-dependence on former colonial powers; illiteracy.)

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   Some African communities had no single ruler but were led by councils of elders. Such communities are described as:

   A. Decentralised/stateless societies

   B. Monarchies

   C. Republics

   D. Empires

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   3 marks

   Ancient African kingdoms such as Mali and Ghana were powerful and well organised. State three factors that contributed to the rise of these ancient African kingdoms.

   (3 marks)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    In a centralised African kingdom, who held the highest political authority?

    A. Every adult equally

    B. The king or chief

    C. Visiting traders

    D. The youngest member

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Traditional African societies had different forms of political organisation. (a) Distinguish between a centralised and a decentralised political system. (2 marks) (b) Give one example of a community that practised each system in Africa. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) A centralised system had a single powerful ruler (king/chief) governing the whole community, while a decentralised/stateless system had no single ruler and was led by councils of elders or clan heads (2 marks). (b) Centralised example: Buganda Kingdom / Asante / Ancient Ghana / Mali (1 mark); Decentralised example: Agikuyu / Maasai / Igbo (1 mark).

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Which of the following ancient African kingdoms was known for its wealth in gold and trade?

    A. The Mongol Empire

    B. The Roman Empire

    C. The Ghana Empire

    D. The British Empire

    (1 mark)

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