BECE Social Studies past questions and answers

The main function of the Judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, is to interpret the Constitution and laws of Ghana. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and has the exclusive power to interpret the provisions of the 1992 Constitution. Maintaining law and order is a function of the Executive (through the police), amending laws is done by Parliament (the Legislature), and arresting criminals is a police function.

Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) are non-renewable energy sources because they take millions of years to form from decomposed organic matter and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. Hydro-energy (from water), fuel wood (from trees that can be replanted), and geothermal energy (from the earth's internal heat) are all renewable because they can be naturally replenished.

Establishing one's own business is an economic right — it relates to the freedom to engage in economic activities, earn a livelihood, and own property. Economic rights enable citizens to participate in the economy and provide for themselves. Having access to the media is a civil right (freedom of information), participation in elections is a political right, and getting married to a person of one's choice is a social right.

Widespread poverty is a major factor contributing to high birth rates in Ghana. Poor families often have more children because children are seen as a source of labour, old-age security, and because access to family planning is limited. Access to healthcare generally reduces birth rates (by reducing infant mortality), increased schooling delays childbearing and empowers women to have fewer children, and religion alone does not directly cause high birth rates.

Under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, citizenship can be acquired by birth, registration, naturalization, adoption, or as a foundling. A foundling is a child found in Ghana whose parents are unknown — such a child is presumed to be a Ghanaian citizen. Travelling to Ghana, receiving education in Ghana, or serving in Ghana do not automatically confer citizenship under the Constitution.

Subsistence farming — where farmers grow just enough food for their own family's consumption — does not increase agricultural productivity. It uses traditional methods, small plots, and produces little surplus for sale. Using modern farming systems (mechanization, improved seeds), training more agricultural extension officers to educate farmers, and using complex farm machinery all contribute to increased agricultural productivity and output.

In Ghana, property inheritance is governed by the customary system (matrilineal or patrilineal), the Intestate Succession Law (PNDC Law 111), and testate (will-based) succession. The matrilineal system is a specific customary inheritance practice. The "nuclear system" is not a recognized mode of inheritance in Ghana — "nuclear" refers to a family structure (parents and children), not an inheritance process.

A large family with eight children is most likely to face the problem of inadequate socialization. With so many children, parents may not have enough time, attention, and resources to properly socialize each child — teaching them values, norms, good behaviour, and life skills. This can lead to some children not receiving the individual guidance they need. High birth rate is a population-level issue rather than a family problem, and delinquency and external influence are possible but not the most direct consequence of family size.