The Constitution of Kenya

16 Grade 9 Social Studies questions on The Constitution of Kenya, with worked marking schemes. 16 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   The Constitution of Kenya 2010 created how many county governments?

   A. 47

   B. 10

   C. 8

   D. 290

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Which chapter of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 sets out the rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen?

   A. The Preamble

   B. The Bill of Rights

   C. The chapter on the Judiciary

   D. The schedule on counties

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, how many levels of government were established?

   A. One level only

   B. Two levels: national and county

   C. Three levels: national, regional and county

   D. Four levels

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   State three reasons why a country needs a constitution.

   (3 marks)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, government power is divided among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. This principle is known as:

   A. Devolution of services

   B. Public participation

   C. Free and fair elections

   D. Separation of powers

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   The current Constitution of Kenya was promulgated in the year:

   A. 1963

   B. 1992

   C. 2010

   D. 2007

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   A group of residents attends a county budget meeting to give their views on how funds should be used. Which value of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 does this demonstrate?

   A. Public participation

   B. National security

   C. Separation of powers

   D. Judicial independence

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is divided into chapters. Which chapter contains the Bill of Rights?

   A. Chapter Four

   B. Chapter Three

   C. Chapter Six

   D. Chapter Nine

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   As a citizen, you have both rights and responsibilities under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

   (a) State two rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

   (b) State two responsibilities of a citizen.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Two rights (1 mark each): right to life; right to education; freedom of expression; right to fair hearing; right to clean and healthy environment; freedom of movement; freedom from discrimination. (b) Two responsibilities (1 mark each): obeying the law; paying taxes; protecting public property; respecting others' rights; participating in elections/civic duties; protecting the environment. Accept any two each.

10. Question 10

    4 marks

    The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is divided into chapters that organise the laws of the country.

    (a) State the year in which Kenyans voted to adopt the current Constitution. (1 mark)

    (b) Give three ways in which a constitution is important to a country like Kenya. (3 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Kenyans voted to adopt the current Constitution in the year 2010 (the referendum was held on 4th August 2010 and it was promulgated on 27th August 2010). (b) Three ways a constitution is important: 1. It limits the powers of the government and its leaders, preventing dictatorship/abuse of power. 2. It protects the rights and freedoms of citizens (through the Bill of Rights). 3. It provides the structure of government, showing how the arms (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary) and levels (national and county) operate. (Other acceptable points: it promotes national unity, it spells out the duties of citizens, it provides a framework for resolving disputes, it sets out how leaders are elected.)

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    In which year was the current Constitution of Kenya promulgated, replacing the previous independence constitution?

    A. 2002

    B. 2007

    C. 2010

    D. 2013

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A Constitution is BEST described as:

    A. A book of historical stories about a country

    B. A treaty between two countries

    C. A list of taxes paid by citizens

    D. The supreme law that governs how a country is run

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    The Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes the structure of devolved government.

    (a) State the number of counties created by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. (1 mark)

    (b) Identify the two levels of government established under the Constitution. (2 marks)

    (c) Give one function of the county government. (1 mark)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The Constitution of Kenya 2010 creates 47 counties. (b) The two levels of government are: (i) the National government and (ii) the County governments. The Constitution states that the two levels are distinct and interdependent and are required to conduct their mutual relations on the basis of consultation and cooperation. (c) Any one function of the county government, such as: agriculture; county health services; control of air and noise pollution; cultural activities and county public entertainment; county transport (including county roads, street lighting, and parking); trade development and regulation (markets); county planning and development; pre-primary education and village polytechnics; or implementation of national government policies on natural resource conservation.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Which arm of government is responsible for interpreting the law and settling disputes in Kenya?

    A. The Executive

    B. The Judiciary

    C. The Legislature

    D. The County Assembly

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A learner argues that the President cannot ignore a court ruling because no person or institution is above the law. This argument is based on the principle of:

    A. Cultural diversity

    B. Free education

    C. Trade liberalisation

    D. The rule of law

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    4 marks

    The Constitution of Kenya 2010 introduced a devolved system of government.

    (a) Explain what is meant by devolution.

    (b) State two benefits of devolution to ordinary citizens.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Devolution (2 marks): the transfer/sharing of power, functions and resources from the national government to the 47 county governments so that decisions are made closer to the people. (b) Two benefits (1 mark each): services and resources are brought closer to the people; promotes local development; enhances public participation in decision-making; ensures fairer sharing of national resources; reduces concentration of power at the centre. Accept any two.

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