Civic Engagement in Governance

16 Grade 9 Social Studies questions on Civic Engagement in Governance, with worked marking schemes. 16 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   When citizens hold their elected leaders responsible for how they use public resources, they are promoting

   A. dictatorship

   B. tribalism

   C. corruption

   D. accountability

   (1 mark)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Which independent body is responsible for conducting and managing elections in Kenya?

   A. The Senate

   B. The Judiciary

   C. The Kenya Police Service

   D. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

   (1 mark)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

3. Question 3

   5 marks

   Civic engagement means the participation of citizens in the affairs of their country.

   (a) Define the term 'devolution' as used in governance in Kenya. (2 marks)

   (b) Describe three ways in which an ordinary citizen can participate in governance at the county level. (3 marks)

   (5 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Devolution is the transfer/sharing of political, administrative and financial powers and functions from the national government to the county governments, so that decisions and services are brought closer to the people. (b) Three ways a citizen can participate in governance at county level: 1. Voting in elections to choose the Governor, Member of County Assembly (MCA) and other leaders. 2. Attending and contributing in public participation forums (public barazas) where county budgets and development plans are discussed. 3. Giving views/petitions to the County Assembly or holding leaders accountable by following up on how public resources are used. (Other acceptable: joining community development committees; reporting corruption; paying taxes/levies honestly; vying for an elective post.)

4. Question 4

   1 mark

   In Kenya, the constitutional right of eligible citizens to vote for their leaders is exercised through

   A. national prayers

   B. payment of taxes

   C. elections

   D. census

   (1 mark)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Differentiate between the rights and the responsibilities of a citizen, giving one example of each.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

6. Question 6

   6 marks

   Explain three benefits a country gains when its citizens actively engage in governance.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three explained (2 marks each): promotes accountability/reduces corruption as leaders are watched; ensures decisions reflect people's needs/priorities; strengthens democracy and peaceful coexistence; improves service delivery; fosters a sense of ownership/national unity. Award 1 point, 1 explanation.

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which of the following is the MINIMUM age at which a Kenyan citizen is allowed to register as a voter?

   A. 25 years

   B. 21 years

   C. 16 years

   D. 18 years

   (1 mark)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   A group of citizens collects signatures to petition Parliament to change a law they feel is unfair. This act of civic engagement is known as

   A. voting

   B. campaigning

   C. voter registration

   D. petitioning

   (1 mark)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

9. Question 9

   2 marks

   Define the term 'civic engagement' as used in governance.

   (2 marks)

   Marking scheme for this question

   Create a free account to see it

10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Residents of a ward gather in a public meeting (baraza) to give their views on how county funds should be spent. This is an example of

    A. voter bribery

    B. political campaigning

    C. tax evasion

    D. public participation in governance

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Which of the following is the most direct way a Grade 9 learner can practise civic engagement at the community level?

    A. Participating in a community clean-up and reporting issues to local leaders

    B. Refusing to attend school

    C. Ignoring local meetings

    D. Avoiding contact with elected representatives

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it

12. Question 12

    5 marks

    Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the governance of their country.

    (a) Explain the meaning of 'civic engagement'. (2 marks)

    (b) Describe three ways through which a Grade 9 learner can participate in the governance of the school and community. (3 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Civic engagement refers to the active participation of citizens in the political, social, and public affairs of their community or country in order to improve the well-being of society and influence decision-making. It involves taking part in activities that promote good governance and public good. (b) Any three ways a learner can participate, such as: contesting for or voting in school elections (e.g. for prefects, class representatives, or student council members); participating in public/community meetings (barazas) and giving views on issues affecting the community; joining clubs and societies (e.g. environmental, peace, or human rights clubs) that promote good causes; taking part in community service activities such as cleaning the environment; respecting and obeying school rules and the law; reporting wrongdoing such as corruption or bullying to the relevant authorities; or participating in peaceful dialogue and decision-making at school.

13. Question 13

    4 marks

    State four ways in which citizens in Kenya can participate in governance.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a responsibility (rather than a right) of a citizen that supports good governance?

    A. Freedom of movement

    B. Freedom of speech

    C. Obeying the law and paying taxes

    D. Owning property

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it

15. Question 15

    1 mark

    Which of the following is the most direct way a Grade 9 learner's family can take part in choosing leaders at the county level?

    A. Paying school fees on time

    B. Voting in elections for governors and members of the county assembly

    C. Watching news bulletins about politics

    D. Reading the county newspaper

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it

16. Question 16

    6 marks

    A youth group wants to influence how their county allocates money for water projects but does not know the right channels. Suggest three legal/peaceful ways the group can make their voice heard.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three explained (2 marks each): attend and present views at county public participation forums; write a petition to the county assembly; engage their elected MCA/representative; use peaceful demonstrations/social media advocacy; submit memoranda during budget hearings. Award 1 method, 1 explanation.

17. 12 more marking schemes are on this page. A free account opens all of them, and lets you build your own paper on the topics you have actually taught, laid out in KNEC format with its full marking scheme.

    Create a free account

More Grade 9 Social Studies topics