Pen-Write E-Library

SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
THEME 4: REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
1. Revision of last term’s work.
1. Characteristics of Democracy: (a) Representative democracy and its characteristics
2. Characteristics of Democracy: (b) Rule of law and maximum liberty for its citizens.
3. Characteristics of Democracy: (c) Rule of majority with adequate safeguards to the minorities.
THEME 5: PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
4. The Major Pillars of Democracy: (a) The Constitution: Definition and explanation of the constitution with its characteristics.
5. The Major Pillars of Democracy: (b) Strong institutions e.g. the arms of government, armed forces, civil societies, etc.
6. The Major Pillars of Democracy: (c) Federalism, State and Local Governments.
7. The Major Pillars of Democracy: (d) Citizen’s responsibilities (e) Political parties and free press.
THEME 6:HUMAN RIGHTS
8. Brief History Background of UDHR: (a) Meaning of UDHR – Universal Declaration of Human Rights (b) Historical background of UDHR.
9. The Seven Core Freedoms of UDHR: (a) Meaning of the seven core freedoms of UDHR. (b) Seven core freedoms of UDHR e.g. freedom from discrimination, want, fear, etc.
10. Revision

TOPIC: REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
CONTENT: 1. Representative Democracy
2. Characteristics of Representative Democracy
Meaning of Democracy
The term ‘democracy’ comes from the Greek word d’emokratia meaning rule of the people which was coined from demos meaning people and kratos meaning authority or power. Democracy originated from Greek city states. However, Abraham Lincoln the late American President defined democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
SUB-TOPIC 1:MEANING OF REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY.
Representative democracy is a form of government that is founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the people, as opposed to autocracy and direct democracy. In order words, it is a type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected representatives. It is also a government by the consent of the people and government by the majority of the people. It is a form of government that allows the will of the people to prevail, because the majority of the people will take decisions concerning what the country will do or not. That means, the majority will always have their way while the minority will have a say in any democratic government.
EVALUATION:
1. Explain the meaning of democracy.
2. Mention the two Greek words from which the term “democracy” is derived and the meaning of the words.
Sub-Topic 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
There are many characteristics of representative democracy. Here are some of them:
1. Periodic free and fair elections: There should be periodic free and fair elections through which people elect their choice leaders and can equally remove them whenever they are not performing.
2. Supremacy of the Constitution: One major characteristic/feature of democracy is the existence of a constitution, written or unwritten, which guides and controls the actions of the government and the governed. A country’s constitution is supreme and above any person, groups or interest.
3. Rule of Law: The law of the land or nation should be respected and obeyed by both government and the governed. No one should be placed above the law or seen to be above the law. All citizens are equal before the law and must be obedient to it.
4. Independent judiciary: The Judiciary as the last hope of common man should be free from the control and influence of the executive and legislature so that it can settle political disputes arising from election fairly.
5. Political Equality: Every citizen in a democratic government is given opportunity to vote and be voted for provided they are qualified to participate in the electoral process.
6. The will of the people: In democracy, the will of the people prevails over and above over the will of individuals, groups or sections. A democratic government must have the support of the citizens and be ready to serve their interest.
7. Separation of Powers: In a democratic government, the powers of the three organs of government are separated, both in functions and personnel, with checks and balances.
8. Multi-Party System: One of the principles of democracy is the existence of many political parties in a country. These political parties compete to ensure that the right and competent people are elected.
9. Freedom of the Press: The press is like the watch dog of the society and so should be allowed to investigate and criticize the government policies and programmes where there are flaws and lapses and commend and praise the government when they have done well. The citizens should be free to express their views through the press.
10. Tolerance of opposition: In a democratic government, organized opposition is allowed to criticize government actions, policies and programmes.
11. Accountability of the government to the people: Government should be transparent in money and other issues of public interest. The government should be responsible, accountable and responsive to the people that voted it into power.
12. Fundamental Human Rights: Certain rights of the citizens should be protected and guaranteed by a democratic government. Citizens should enjoy the right of movement, speech, religion, life and property, personal liberty, etc.

EVALUATION:
1. Enumerate seven characteristics or features of democracy.
2. Explain two ways by which the government can be accountable to the people.
3. Differentiate between periodic free and fair election and political equality.
4. Explain the principle of multi-party system in democracy.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Enumerate seven features of democracy.
2. Explain two ways by which the government can be accountable to the people.
3. Differentiate between periodic free and fair election and political equality.
4. Explain the principle of multi-party system in democracy
5. State in detail the meaning of democracy.
6. Mention the two Greek words from which the term “democracy” is derived and their meaning.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
OBJECTIVE TEST:
1. Democracy originated from ________ (a) America (b) Europe (c) Nigeria (d) Greece
2. The word “d’emokratia” means ________ (a) democracy (b) rule of the people (c) Separation of power (d) Leadership and followership
3. There are _________ of government in every democratic government. (a) three organs (b) thirty six states (c) Local government system (d) two organs
4. Representative democracy is also known as ______ (a) direct democracy (b) Indirect democracy (c) Civilized democracy (d) classical democracy
5. The theory of the rule of law was propounded by ________ (a) Professor A.V.Dicey (b) Professor Max Weber (c) Professor J.J Rousseau (d) Professor G.A Almond
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Enumerate five characteristics of democracy and explain any one of them.
2. For representative democracy to succeed, there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled. What are those conditions?
3. Define the term “Rule of Law” and highlight the key principles of the rule of law.
4. Explain the concept of majority rule in a democratic setting.
5. Explain the meaning of democracy.
PRE- CLASS READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read about the rule of law and maximum liberty for its citizens
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
State the meaning of rule of law
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, SS1 by Ben. Emunemu et al (pages 36-39)
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, SS1 by Ben. Emunemuetal(pages 36-39)
2. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools SS 1 by Ukegbu Mercy N.etal

TOPIC: REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
CONTENT 1: The meaning and origin of rule of law.
2. Rule of law and maximum liberty for its citizens.
SUB-TOPIC1: THE MEANING AND ORIGIN OF THE RULE OF LAW.
The rule of law means that the action of government must be according to the laws of the land. Government must not act according to their own will or how they feel and must not misuse power. The doctrine of the rule of law was propounded by professor A.V.Dicey in his book titled “Introduction to the law of the constitution “which was published in 1885.
The rule of law is based on three principles viz:
1. The supremacy of the law: This means that the law is the highest authority in the land. It states that both the rulers and the ruled are under the law and the rulers must rule the people according to the law. Punishment for breaking the law must be given according to what the law says and nothing more or less. No one must be punished except the person has been found guilty by the law court. This is the principle of impartiality.
2. Equality before the law: This means that all persons are equal before the law of the land whether rich, poor, governor, president, military officer or no matter your position in the society. Everybody is subject to the law and treated equally.
3. Right to personal liberty: The rule of law protects and guarantees the right of an individual in society. Professor A.V.Dicey calls them the natural rights and gifts from God and they should be exercised by everybody within the limits of the law of that land or how the constitution of a country allows it. These rights include; right to life, speech, association, movement etc.
The benefits of the rule of law as against Arbitrary Rule are:
1. The rule of law ensures the independence of the judiciary.
2. It ensures the supremacy of the law above everybody, government and its agencies.
3. It gives all citizens equal protection before the law.
4. It ensures equality of all citizens before the law and does not offer any special protection to anybody.
5. It ensures that no man is punished or made to suffer unnecessarily until he is tried in the court and found guilty.
6. It eliminates the possibility of tyrants and dictators coming to power in the society.
7. It allows an accused person to choose lawyers to defend him, no matter how serious his offence is.
8. The rule of law protects and strengthens democracy, separation of powers and checks and balances.
Punishment for breaking the law includes:
1. Detention
2. Death
3. Denial of basic services
4. Imprisonment
5. Withdrawal of Rights
6. Fine
7. Sanctions


EVALUATION
1. Define the rule of law and highlight the key principles of the rule of law.
2. Enumerate the factors that can limit the rule of law in any given society.
3. List any five benefits of the rule of law.
4. Outline six punishments that can be given to a law breaker.
SUB-TOPIC 2: THE RULE OF LAW AND MAXIMUM LIBERTY FOR CITIZENS.
The Rule of Law is a principle that states that the law is supreme and that all citizens, including the government are subjected to it and entitled to its protection. The rule of law is a principle that attempts to protect the rights of citizens from arbitrary and abusive use of government power. Therefore, the rule of law is supposed to promote equality under the law.
Characteristics of the rule of law
1. The law is supreme to both individuals and government.
2. The principle of rule of law is based on justice and equity.
3. There are restrictions on the exercise of arbitrary power
4. There is an independent judiciary.
5. It safeguards the rights of the individuals.
6. There are checks and balances among the three arms of government.
7. Elections should be free and fair.
Liberty for Citizens
Liberty which also means freedom is the right of individuals to act according to their choice, having the rule of law in mind. Liberty means a generalized body of rights, such as the right to economic opportunity and education. A right is a freedom which a person enjoys as a result of his/her citizenship of a country. It is a justified claim or entitlement, or the freedom to do something.
These are the rights of the citizens as contained in the nation’s constitution.
1. Right to life
2. Right to personal liberty
3. Right to dignity of human person
4. Right to private and family life
5. Right to freedom of expression or speech
6. Right to freedom of movement
7. Right to vote and be voted for
8. Right to fair hearing in court
9. Right to freedom from discrimination
10. Right to freedom of religion, thought and conscience
11. Right to peaceful assembly and association
12. Right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.
Limitations of Liberty
There are limitations to liberty of citizen to avoid the abuse of our rights and rights of others. There is limitation of the rights of individuals during the period of emergency rule or curfew. During the civil war for example, all fundamental human rights, as contained in the constitution, are suspended. These include the right to freedom of movement, expression and assembly.
EVALUATION
1. The rule of law is a principle that states that the law is supreme. Explain the meaning of this principle.
2. List any five characteristics of the rule of law and explain the benefits of any one of them to our nation.
3. Explain the usefulness of liberty for citizens under the rule of law.
4. List seven rights of Nigerian citizens as contained in the nation’s constitution.
5. Enumerate the circumstances that can lead to limitations of citizens’ right.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Define the rule of law and highlight the key principles of the rule of law.
2. Enumerate the factors that can limit the rule of law in any given society.
3. List any five benefits of the rule of law.
4. Outline six punishments that can be given to a law breaker in Nigeria.
5. The rule of law is a principle that states that the law is supreme. Explain the meaning of this principle.
6. List any five characteristics of the rule of law and explain the benefits of any one of them to our nation.
7. Explain the usefulness of liberty for citizens under the rule of law.
8. List seven rights of Nigerian citizens as contained in the nation’s constitution.
9. Enumerate the circumstances that can lead to limitations of citizens right
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test:
1. The rule of law is limited by all these factors except (a) State of emergency (b) Diplomatic immunity (c) Delegated legislation (d) Delegation of authority
2. The making of laws by the legislature is done through the process called (a) Elective process (b) Executive process (c) Legislative process (d) Judicial process
3. One of the ways through which the judiciary can enforce the rule of law is by (a) punishing the offenders (b) controlling the executive (c) controlling the legislature (d) Amending the constitution.
4. The organ of government which enforces the rule of law is------------- (a) Executive (b) Legislature (c) Judiciary (d) National Assembly
5. These are the rights of citizens except (a) Right to life (b) Right to personal liberty (c) Right to own property (d) Right to jump bail.
Essay Test:
1. List the three principles of the rule of law and explain one of term.
2. List five benefits of free and fair election to any nation.
3. Explain some conditions that can hinder the fundamental human rights of the citizens.
4. The law is supreme to both individuals and government alike. Discuss.
5. Outline the name of the person who introduced the rule of law, the year he postulated the policy and the title of the book in which he wrote it.
PRE- CLASS READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read majority rule with adequate safeguards of rights of the minorities.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools SS1 by Ben Emunemuetal(pages37-38)
REFERENCE TEXT:
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools SS1 by Ben Emunemu etal (pages 37-38)
2. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools SS 1 Ukegbu Merry N.etal
3. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Js 2 Ukegbu Merry N.et al

TOPIC: REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
CONTENT: MAJORITY RULE WITH ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS OF RIGHTS OF THE MINORITIES
In a democratic system leaders are voted into power through its most popular principle known as majority rule; that is, the side with the most votes wins the election.
Indeed, the majority vote decides who should form the government. So, when it is said that “the people have spoken” or the “people’s will should be respected, the people are generally expressed through its majority.
If majority rule continue to be the only expression of supreme power in a democracy, then the rights of the minority will be abused and violated continually.
Therefore, the minority must have the right to seek and possess all the rights necessary to compete fairly in elections such as freedom of speech, assembly, association and petition malpractices, otherwise, the majority would make itself permanent and become dictatorship.
Factors that bring about minorities in society
The minorities refer to a relatively small group of people within a community or country that is different because of race, religion, language, opinion, political conviction, etc. Such group may feel inferior or cheated or neglected in the distribution of amenities, employment, offices, etc
The factors that bring about minority groups include:
1. Boundary adjustments.
2. Creation of local government areas or states.
3. Beliefs, languages and superstitions.
4. Formation of political parties, clubs and organizations, etc
5. Illiteracy and ignorance
6. Choice of subjects and poor education.
Adequate Safeguard for the Minority Group
The following must be done to ensure adequate safeguard for the Minority Groups:
a. Adequate provision of social amenities in the state to bring about even distribution of all essential needs of life to all and sundry.
b. Free and quality education should be given to all the citizens with special attention given to the minority groups.
c. There should be legislative provision in the constitution for the rights and privileges of the minority groups in the country to be protected.
d. Employment opportunities should be made available for the minority groups to enable them fill their own quota.
e. A department or commission should be created both at the state and federal levels to carter for the interests of the minority group.
f. Government should take caution in the creation of more state and local government areas so that the call for more states and local government creation will not lead to the creation of bigger problems.
g. Boundary adjustment should be done based on natural landmarks such as language, common origin, traditions, geographical factors and interests.
h. Multi-party system gives more room for the emergency of minority groups in Nigeria with so many political parties.
i. Minority groups should be recognized and given the opportunity to express their views, rights and consider such in the formulation of policies and programmes.
EVALUATION
1. State five factors that brought minority into the society
2. Enumerate 7 safeguide for the minority in the society
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Mention five methods by which minority problems can be solved in the society.
2. Enumerate the reasons why the will of the majority always prevail in a democratic system.
3. State six ways through which minority groups emerge in the society.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
OBJECTIVE TEST:
1. In a democratic system leaders are voted into power through its most popular principle known as ________ (a) Minority rule (b) majority rule (c) ethnic rule (d) religion rule
2. All the followings are the Factors that bring about minorities in society except _______ (a) Boundary adjustments (b) Creation of local government areas or states (c) Beliefs, languages and superstitions (d) None of the above
3. The following are the ways to Adequate Safeguard Minority Group ______ (a) Boundary adjustment (b) Multi-party system (c) majority rule (d) Adequate provision of social amenities
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Enumerate 7 safeguides for the minority in the society
2. How was minority brought into the society? State six
PRE- CLASS READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read about the meaning and characteristics of Constitution.

WEEKEND ACTIVITY
Explain the types of constitution
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, SS1 by Ben. Emunemuetalpages 36-40 and answer the questions that follow.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, SS1 by Ben. Emunemuetalpages 36-39
2. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools SS 1 by Ukegbu Mercy N.etal

TOPIC: PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
CONTENT: 1. The constitution: The definition, meaning and explanation of the constitution
2. The characteristics of the constitution
SUB-TOPIC: 1. THE DEFINITION AND MEANING OF THE CONSTITUTION
The practice of democracy is based on certain institutions, doctrines and laws without which it becomes difficult to operate. These institutions, doctrines and laws are referred to as the major pillars of democracy. One of these pillars of democracy is the constitution.
MEANING OF CONSTITUTION
Constitution is defined as a document in which the organization of the government, its powers and limitations on the exercise of such powers, together with the relation to individuals are all carefully laid down. It is also referred to as a body of rules or regulations governing the affairs of an organized group.
TYPES OF CONSTITUTIONS
A constitution may be written or unwritten, rigid or flexible, unitary or federal, depending on the type of government it support, such as presidential, parliamentary, unitary, federal, etc. The constitution is superior to any other law in the country and it provides differences in patterns of governance.
Examples of constitutions include:
Written constitution
A written constitution consists of a single document in which the whole government is described and ruled for its conducts are presented in an orderly sequence. It codifies most of the fundamental laws, principles and institutions, which characterized the political structure of a given state in a single document. A written constitution could also be rigid. The countries that operate written constitutions are: Nigeria, The United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia and Brazil.


Unwritten constitution
Unwritten constitution does not codify all the basic laws of the country in a single document, rather, all the basic laws are written in different documents. In unwritten constitutions, provisions or clauses are found in different sources such as traditional norms and customs, conventions, statutory regulations and so on. The example of an unwritten constitution is that of Great Britain.
Rigid constitution
A rigid constitution is one which cannot be amended easily. It can only be amended through a rigorous process, which includes a referendum. A rigid constitution is often adopted by countries to allay the fears of the minority and to uphold the rule of law. Examples of countries with rigid constitutions are the United States of America (USA), Switzerland, Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
Flexible constitution
A flexible constitution can be amended or changed easily without any lengthy or difficult process. A flexible constitution encourages despotic or oppressive rules. The following countries operate flexible constitutions, New Zealand, Finland, Italy, Togo and some other African countries.
Unitary constitution
A unitary constitution is one that allows the central government of a country to operate absolute power without sharing with the component units such as state and local governments. Examples of countries with unitary constitution are France, Britain and Belgium.
Federal constitution
A federal constitution allows the sharing of power between the central government and the other component units such as state and local governments which make up the federation. Examples of countries with federal constitutions are USA, Nigeria, Canada, Australia and India.
SOURCES OF CONSTITUTIONS
The constitutions can be derived from the following sources:
a. Historical documents
b. Past experiences
c. Acts of Parliament or statute
d. Decrees
e. Intellectual works of lawyers and scholars of notes
f. International Agreements and Treaties
g. Common laws of the land
h. Customs and traditions
i. Judicial decisions/ precedents
j. Conventions
k. Constitutional conferences, etc.
EVALUATION
1. What is constitution?
2. List and explain the various types of constitution
3. Itemize the sources of constitution
SUB-TOPIC: 2. CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION.
The following are the characteristics of the constitution:
1. A constitution is the whole body of fundamental laws, customs, etc, according to which a particular government of a country or an organization operates.
2. It has a preamble or introduction which states the ideological stand of the constitution.
3. The constitution states the types of party that will operate in a country.
4. It names the organs of government, their functions and their relations to one another.
5. A constitution of a country specifies the rights and duties of the citizens.
6. Constitution may be found in one document but supplemented by organic laws.
7. It specifies the types and characteristics of government, either Unitary, Federal, Presidential or Cabinet system to be adopted.
8. It provides the procedure for the amendment of the constitution.
9. Constitution provides for revenue allocation formula.
10. It states the tenure of office holders and their qualifications.
EVALUATION
1. List three characteristics/features of constitution.
2. Explain why constitution is necessary in your country.
3. List five sources of constitution in your state.
4. State five influence of constitution on the government and citizens of Nigeria.
5. Explain some of the contents of our national constitution.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. List three characteristics/features of constitution.
2. Explain why a constitution is necessary in your country.
3. List five sources of constitution in your state.
4. State five influence of constitution on the government and citizens of Nigeria.
5. Explain some of the contents of our national constitution.
6. What is constitution? (b) Explain the differences between flexible and rigid constitution.
7. Explain three types of constitution.
8. Differentiate between written and unwritten constitution.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test:
1............. constitution is often adopted by countries to alley the fear of the minority and uphold the rule of law. (a) federal (b) rigid (c) written (d) flexible
2. All these countries operate flexible constitution except.................. (a)Togo (b) Canada (c) Finland (d) Italy.
3. Sources of constitution include all the following except.................(a) customs and traditions (b) judicial precedents (c) presidential acceptance speech (d) conventions.
4. A written constitution could also be.................(a) rigid (b) flexible (c) unwritten (d) rejected.
5. Unwritten constitution is usually...........................document. (a) contained in more than one (b) contained in one (c) not written in any (d) written in the heart and not in the
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. (a) Define the term ‘constitution’. (b) Explain the meaning of constitution.
2. Explain the challenges surrounding the use of flexible constitution .in a country.
3. What are the defects and benefits of rigid constitution?
4. List three characteristics of constitution and explain any one of them.
5. Give a detail explanation on unitary constitution and the countries that operate it.
PRE – READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read about the strong institutions e.g. the arms of government armed forces, civil societies, etc.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by Ben Emunemu et al. (pages 43 – 44) Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Read through the different constitutions and identify the loopholes in them and give your suggestions on the way forward.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1.Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by Ben Emunemu et al. (pages 43 – 44) Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited.
2. Comprehensive Government for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 – 3 by Johnson UguojiAnyaele. A Johnson Publishers Limited.

TOPIC: Pillars of Democracy
CONTENT: 1 Strong institution e.g. the arms of government, armed forces, civil societies, etc
SUB-TOPIC 1: STRONG INSTITUTIONS
In any political system, there exist three main arms of government that discharge specific duties for the administration of a political entity. The three arms of government are the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
The Executive
The executive arm of the government consists of all the agencies and officers that are concerned with the execution of government policies. This arm of government is associated with the role of acting as the country’s head of state at all ceremonial occasions and as the leaders of government business.
Functions of the executive arm of government
1. Issuance of rules and statutory orders in accordance with the constitutional provisions or the power granted by the legislature as the case may be.
2. Execution and implementation of policies, laws, rules and regulations.
3. Initiating and defending bills in the parliament
4. Allocation of resources after the parliament’s approval
5. Preparation of the budget for every financial year
6. Supervising government projects
7. Negotiating with other nations on treaties
The Legislature
This is the arm of government that is responsible for making of laws for the administration of the country. It is usually referred to as the parliament. The members of parliaments are either nominated or elected from different parts of the nation. There are two types of legislature: bicameral and unicameral legislature.
A bicameral legislature exists in a society where there are two chambers or houses, that is, the upper and the lower chamber. In Nigeria, the lower chamber is called the House of Representative while the upper chamber is known as the Senate. The two houses are collectively referred to as the National Assembly. Unicameral legislature exists in countries where there is only one chamber. This is practiced in countries like Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
Functions of the legislative arm of government
1. Enactment of laws for the smooth running of government;
2. Approval of budget that is presented by the executive arm of the government;
3. Screening and approval of ministerial nominees, ambassadors and other key government officials;
4. Approval of treaties made with other nations by the executive arm of the government;
5. Amendment of the constitution;
6. Setting up of probe panels to investigate the activities of governmental institutions such as parastatals and corporations.
7. The removal of erring members of the executive through the process of impeachment by passing a vote of no confidence.
The judiciary
This arm of government is concerned with the interpretation and the application of the law. The duties of the judiciary are carried out in the various courts of law. The members of the judiciary include the judges, lawyers, court clerks and other officials working in the courts of law. Under the judiciary we have the following courts; customary court, magistrate court, High court.
Functions of the judiciary
1. The interpretation of the laws of the country as contained in the constitution
2. It punishes offenders who contravene the law.
3. Settling disputes between people on one hand and between individuals and the government on the other hand.
4. It acts as check to the other arms of government.
5. It advises the government on legal and constitutional matters.
6. It protects the fundamental rights of individual citizens.
7. It makes regulations in the course of interpreting the existing laws.
ARMED FORCES
The armed forces in Nigeria comprise of the army, the navy and the air force. Their responsibility is to defend the territorial integrity of the country. The arm forces protect the nation and the entire citizens against internal and external aggression.
The Nigerian armed forces carry out the following:
a. They defend their country against external threats.
b. Collective security within the West African Sub-region.
c. Assistance to the United Nations (UN) and other regional peace mission.
d. They strengthen our national character by delimitating social vices.
CIVIL SOCIETIES
A civil society can be defined as a field of actions that is made up of associations, voluntary, autonomous professional or non-professional, which has risen out of self-organisational efforts of various social forces.
The primary function of civil societies is to provide a platform for citizens to express their interest, preferences and ideas. They exchange information, achieve collective goals and make demands on the government to improve the structure and functioning of the state.
Types of civil societies in Nigeria
1. Professional association, labour and student groups: Examples are The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), The Nigeria society of Engineers, The Nigerian labour Congress, etc. They fight against unpopular state policies that result in socio-economic hardships of citizens.
2. Human rights and pro-democracy groups: Civil society organisations in this category include the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Campaign for Democracy (CD), Committee for Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Constitutional Rights Projects (CRP), and the league for Human Rights (LHR), etc.
3. Business groups: This refers to civil group within the organised business/private sector. They exist in key sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, agriculture, banking and petroleum. Examples are the Nigeria chambers of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Manufacturing Associations of Nigeria (MAN), National Association of Nigeria Farmers (NANF) and Employers Consultative Group (ECG).
TRADE UNIONS
A trade union could be defined as the bonding of workers or employees to regulate the terms and conditions of employment of workers. Trade union not only negotiates with the employers but also monitor them to ensure that the agreed terms are not eroded, otherwise they can embark on industrial action. Examples are the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Petroleum and Natural gas Association of Nigeria (PENGASAN), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Evaluation:
1. What is the function of the armed forces in Nigeria?
2. List three arms of government and explain their functions
3. Explain the following words:
a. Bicameral Legislature
b. Unicameral Legislature
4. List four trade unions in Nigeria and briefly explain their functions
5. List five human rights and pro-democracy groups in Nigeria.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Mention the major function of the armed forces in Nigeria?
2. List three arms of government and explain their functions
3. List four trade unions in Nigeria and briefly explain their functions
4. List five human rights and pro-democracy groups in Nigeria.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. The arm of the government responsible for the execution of government policies is called _________ (a) Legislature (b) Judiciary (c) Parliament (d) Executive
2. Which of these is not among trade unions? (a) Trade Union Congress (b) Nigerian Union of Teachers (c) Petroleum and Natural Gas Association of Nigeria (d) The Nigerian Medical Association
3. The Judiciary is described as __________ (a) the last hope of common man. (b) the body that makes law (c) the highest of the three arms of government (d) the only body of government that is not corrupt
4. A bicameral legislature exists in a society where there __________ (a) are two chambers (b) is one chamber (c) is no chambers or houses (d) are threechambers
5. The arm of government that make laws is the ___________ (a) executive (b) legislature (c) Judiciary (d) the president
Essay test:
1. List the three armed forces in Nigeria and explain their duties.
2. List the duties of the civil societies in Nigeria.
3. List three methods which the Nigeria Labour Congress uses to press home their demands.
4. Explain the roles and duties of the executive arm of government in Nigeria
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about federalism and other tiers if government
READING ASSIGNMENT
Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by Ben Emunemu et al. (pages 45 – 49) Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
WEEKEND ACIVITY
Examine the problems associated with the local government system in Nigeria and possible solutions to the problems.
REFERENCE TEXTS
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by Ben. Emunemu etal. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
2. Learn Africa Civic Education for senior secondary schools, Book 1 by R.W Okunloye, etal Learn Africa Plc.

TOPIC: The major Pillars of Democracy
CONTENT: i Federalism
ii State and Local governments.
Sub-Topic 1: Federalism
Federalism is a system of government, which divides government powers among the federal governments. In a federal system, there are three tiers of government, namely:
i. Federal government
ii. State government
iii. Local government
Federal government
The federal government is the first tier of government. It oversees and regulates the actions of other tiers of government. The federal government exercise control over the exclusive list such as foreign affairs, currency, defense, immigration, mines and power, petroleum, etc.
Function of the federal government
i. It ensures even development of the various parts of the country
ii. It allocates resources to the state and local government
iii. It formulates policies on foreign trade
iv. It maintains internal defense and protects the nation from external attacks
v. It maintains diplomatic relations with international community
vi. It exercise control over the exclusive list as contained in the constitution.
State government
The state government is the second tier of government. It is headed by the governor who is the chief executive of the state, assisted by the deputy governor and other government functionaries. The state governor performs some functions under the concurrent list such as education, agriculture, public service, transportation, health etc.
Functions of the state government
i. It checks the powers of local government authority.
ii. It plans, executes and oversees development projects all over the state.
iii. It establishes and maintains educational institutions, trunk C roads to connect the State Head Quarters.
iv. It provides social amenities for its citizens
v. It ensures the security of lives and properties of citizens in the state
Local government
The local government is the third tier of government. It was formally established as third tier of government in 1976, during the Obasanjo regime. Local Government is referred to as the government at the grass root level, which means that, it is the closest to the people. It is headed by a chairman, assisted by the Vice-Chairman, elected councillors and other local government officials
Functions of the local government
i. Construction and maintenance of trunk C roads
ii. Construction and maintenance of markets stalls, motor parks and recreational centre
iii. Collection of rates, radio and television licenses
iv. Registration of births, deaths and marriages
v. Planning and making of recommendations to the state government on the economic development of the local community.
vi. Provision of health and environmental services like health centre and refuse disposal.
EVALUATION
1. List the three tier of government in Nigeria and explain one of them
2. Enumerate the function of the federal government
3. Explain to a lame man why the local government is referred to as the government at the grass root.
4. Differentiate between the duties of the local government chairman and that of state governor.
5. Explain the meaning of federalism
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Enumerate the positive influence of federalism in Nigeria
2. Explain in detail any one of the following:
a. Federal government
b. State government
c. Local government
3. List the three tier of government in Nigeria and explain on e of them
4. Enumerate the function of the federal government
5. Explain to a lame man why the local government is referred to as the government at the grass root.
6. Differentiate between the duties of the local government chairman and that of state governor.
7. Explain the meaning of federalism
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. Federalism is a system which _______ (a) divides governmental powers among the three tiers of government (b) encourages frustration and disunity in the state (c) gives room for the minority groups to function (d) allows equality in government
2. Among the three tiers of government ____________ is the second tier (a) state government (b) federal government (c) local government (d) ward level
3. All these are the tiers of government except (a) federal government (b) local government (c) state government (d) regional government
4. Which of the following is the function of state government? (a) it checks the powers of local government authority (b) it checks the powers of federal government (c) it acts as checks and balance to both the federal and local government (d) it is established to compete with the federal government
5. The local government was formally established as the third tier of government in the year ___________ (a) 1960 (b) 1963 (c) 1978 (d) 1976
Essay test
1. Explain the roles of the local government to grass root development
2. Explain the differences between state and local government systemin a democratic settings.
3. Federal government is the power house of the three tiers of government. Discuss
PRE READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about federalism and press freedom
READING ASSIGNMENT
Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1 by Ben Emunemu et al. (pages 50 – 51) Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
List five problems of federalism and suggest how to solve them.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by Ben. Emunemuetal . Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
2. Learn Africa Civic Education for senior secondary schools, Book 1 by R.W Okunloye, etal Learn Africa Plc.

TOPIC: The major pillars of Democracy
CONTENT: 1. Citizens responsibilities
2. Political parties and free press
Sub-Topic 1: Citizens responsibilities
A citizen is a member of a state or country. Citizens are individuals that are granted equal rights and equal status in the performance of their duties in the nation.
Some of the responsibilities of citizens are:
1. Loyalty to the country: As a citizen, one must show an absolute sense of loyalty by protecting the interest of your country.
2. Payment of taxes and rates: A citizen must pay taxes and rates to the government of his country.
3. They should obtain licenses such as vehicle license, dog license, etc
4. Citizens should respect the National symbols such as National Anthem, National Flag, etc
5. They should be proud of their country and project the image of the country positively.
6. They should respect their constituted authorities such as the President, governors, religious leaders, principals and others.
7. They should exercise the civil right by voting or being voted for during elections.
8. They should maintain law and order by being obedient to the law of the land.
9. They should have respect for public properties and protect them.
10. Citizens should report criminals to the police and other law enforcement agents.
EVALUATION
1. Who is a citizen?
2. List five duties of citizens in Nigeria
3. Explain why the duties of citizen are important in nation building.
4. Enumerate some of the ways the government can encourage its citizens.
5. Examine what would happen in a given nation, should the citizens fail to perform their responsibilities.
Sub-Topic 2: Political parties and free press.
Political parties are organizations that share common political ideas, interests and concerns whose main objective is to contest and win elections in order to form a government.
Each political party has written constitution and a manifesto. The constitution contains rules and regulations that govern the party members, while the manifesto contains the party ideas and programmes for the electorate.
Nigeria operates a multi-party system. These parties are screened and registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The following are some of the registered political parties in Nigeria.
1. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
2. All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)
3. Labour Party of Nigeria (LPN)
4. All Progressive change (APC), etc.
Functions of Political parties
These are some of the functions of political parties:
i. Recruitment of political leaders like the President, Governors and others.
ii. Promotion of public interest in politics.
iii. It brings people together from different groups of people and among different ethnic groups.
iv. Promotion of political education and socialisation.
v. Serving as linkage between the people and the government.
The Party System
This refers to the political parties that are recognised and allowed to operate in the country.
i. Competitive Party System: Under this system two or more political parties are involved.
ii. Non-competitive party system: This is a system where only one political party is legally allowed or recognised.
iii. Two-party system: This exists where there are two major or dominant parties with equal strength and ability to win elections.
iv. Zero-Party or no Party System: This is a system whereby choice of individual is based on personal merit rather than on party lines.
Free Press
The press has been described as the total sum of all the organisations and systems that make up the mass media of a society. The press comprises the electronic and the print media. In order to achieve their main goal, there should be press freedom. Press freedom is the right to publish prints, broadcast or disseminate information without government interference or control.
Nigeria (1999) constitution states that:
The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter, that is, chapter II and uphold the responsibility of the government to the people.
Functions of press
i. To provide news and information
ii. To educate the public on local, national and international issues.
iii. To advertise and promotes sales.
iv. To entertain the readers and the general public
v. To analyze and interprets events and issues.
vi. To transmit social heritage form one generation to another.
EVALUATION
1. Explain the term, “political parties”
2. List five functions of political parties
3. What is the meaning of free press? (b) List three types of mass media.
4. Differentiate between competitive and non-competitive party system.
5. Enumerate five functions of the press in Nigeria.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What should the citizens of any nation do to encourage their government?
2. Explain two-party system of government.
3. Explain the following: i Competitive System ii Zero-Party System
4. Explain the term, “political parties”
5. List five functions of political parties
6. What is the meaning of free press? (b) List three types of mass media.
7. Who is a citizen?
8. List five duties of Nigeria citizens.
9. Explain why the duties of citizen are important in nation building.
10. Enumerate some of the ways the government can encourage its citizens.
11. Examine what would happen in a given nation should the citizen fail to perform their responsibilities.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. The following are mass media except__(a) Radio (b) television (c) Newspaper (d) the press
2. Political parties are organisations that share (a) common ideas and interests (b) posts and money for their members (c) divergent ideas and views (d) the nation into groups
3. The body that registers political parties in Nigeria is_________ (a) National Electoral Commission (b) Dependent Electoral Commission (c) Federal national Commission (d) Independent Electoral Commission
4. A system whereby choice of individual is based on personal merit is ____ (a) One Party system (b) Two Party system (c) Zero Party system (d) Multiple Party System
5. The press is comprises of both ________ media. (a) electronic and print (b) newspapers and magazines (c) television and radio (d) sports commentators and television
ESSAY TEST:
1. What are the documents needed for the formation of any political party?
2. List the duties of INEC in the electoral process.
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about the history and background of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by Ben. Emunemu et al. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited, pages 51 -54
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Examine the different party systems and suggest the best option for Nigeria.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by Ben. Emunemu et al. Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited.
2. Learn Africa Civic Education for senior secondary schools, Book 1 by R.W Okunloye, et al Learn Africa Plc.

TOPIC: UDHR
CONTENT: 1. Meaning of UDHR – Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2. Historical background of UDHR

SUB-TOPIC 1: MEANING OF UDHR
UDHR means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration took place on December 10, 1948, in Paris, France. The declaration was translated into at least 375 languages and dialects,and it consists of 30 articles, which are known as UDHR. The document has great significance in the history of Human Right.
Human right can be defined as the right and freedoms that all humans are entitled to. These are certain entitlements that everyone has access to because they are humans.
The summary of the 30 articles of UDHR are;
1. We are all born free and equal
2. Do not discriminate
3. No slavery
4. No torture
5. You have rights no matter where you go
6. We are all equal before the law
7. Your human rights are protected by the law
8. No unfair detention
9. The right to life
10. The right to trial
11. We are always innocent till proven guilty
12. The right to privacy
13. Freedom to move
14. Right to seek a safe place to live
15. Right to a Nationality
16. Marriage and family
17. The right to your own things
18. Freedom of thought
19. Freedom of expression
20. The right to public assembly
21. The right to democracy
22. Social security
23. Workers’ rights
24. The right to play
25. Food and shelter for all
26. The right to education
27. Copyright
28. A free and fair world
29. Responsibility
30. No one can take away your Human Rights
EVALUATION
1. What is Human Right?
2. State the meaning of UDHR
3. List 10 out of the 30 articles in UDHR document
SUB- TOPIC 2: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF UDHR
After the World War I (1914-1918) that led to the loss of lives and great suffering of people, the League of Nation was created to unite the people of the world and prevent a re-occurrence of another world war. Yet in 1939, World War II broke out and millions of people died. The League of Nations failed to prevent war and was scrapped as a world body. Another body called the United Nations Organization was set up to achieve World Peace and freedom.
A universal declaration that specified the rights of individuals was put together by a committee led by Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the then President of the United States of America, Franklin Roosevelt. The Universal Declaration of human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization (UNO) on December 10, 1948. And it consists of thirty articles. The United Nation went further to create International laws to protect Human Rights. This process took the United Nations about twenty years. Base on this December 10, is always celebrated as the International Human Right Day.
EVALUATION
1. Briefly state the Historical Background of UDHR
2. Mention the day that is celebrated as the‘International Human Right Day’ and the events that led to it.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is Human Right?
2. State the meaning of UDHR
3. List 10 out of the 30 articles in UDHR document
4. Briefly state the Historical Background of UDHR
5. Which day is celebrated as the International Human Right Day?
6. List six consequences of Cultism
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. UDHR document has ____ articles (a) 25 (b) 30 (c) 40 (d) 31
2. UDHR was adopted by the General Assembly of UNO on _____ (a) December 10, 1948 (b) December 10, 1848 (c) December 20, 1948 (d) November 10, 1948
3. The First World War was between ___________ (a) 1914-1918 (b) 1918-1922 (c) 1814-1818 (d) 1924-1928
4. The Meaning of UDHR is _________ (a) United Declaration of Human Rights (b) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (c) Universal Declaration of Human Riot (d) Universe Declaration of Human Rights
5. All these are in the document of UDHR except ___________ (a) No slavery (b) Torture of human being (c) You have rights no matter where you go (d) We are all equal before the law
ESSAY
1. What is Human Rights?
2. State the meaning of UDHR
3. List 10 out of the 30 articles in UDHR document
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by Ukegbu Merry N, Meybiks Nig. Publisher, (pgs 94 – 97)
PRE –CLASS READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about seven core freedoms of UDHR
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
Enumerate the seven core freedoms of UDHR.
REFERENCE TEXTS
1. Basic Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by Ukegbu Merry N, Meybiks Nig. Publisher, pages 94 – 97.
2 Evans Civic education for senior secondary schools 1 by Dr. Ben Emunemu et al, Evans Brothers Nigeria Publishers Limited, pages 58.

TOPIC: THE SEVEN CORE FREEDOMS OF UDHR
CONTENT: 1.Meaning of the seven core freedoms of UDHR
2. Seven core freedoms of UDHR
SUB –TOPIC 1:MEANING OF THE SEVEN CORE FREEDOMS OF UDHR
The seven core freedoms are the most important fundamental articles of the UDHR. They are the vital part of the rights declared by UDHR. The entire articles in the declaration of Human Rights are important but these seven core Freedoms are the most important ones. They are designed to enable everyone to live a decent, secure and peaceful life in all the country in the world.
EVALUATION
1. What is meant by Seven Cores of Freedom?
SUB-TOPIC 2: SEVEN CORE FREEDOMS OF UDHR
The seven core freedom is designed for all races, sex, religion or political belief. They are:
1. Freedom from discrimination: Nobody, no matter the race, religion or gender should be discriminated against because all human beings are the same no matter where they come from.
2. Freedom from fear: Citizens should not live with the fear of molestation or deprivation of their rights.
3. Freedom of Movement: Citizens must be free to move about or settle in any part of the country without any restriction.
4. Freedom of Religion: Citizens must be free to practice any religion of their choice without any fear of discrimination.
5. Freedom of Expression: people are free to express their opinion on any issue/ matter affecting their lives or the lives of other citizens of the country.
6. Freedom from want or Deprivation: Citizens are entitled to have the basic necessities of life like food, clothes and shelter.
7. Freedom of Assembly and Association: People have the right to associate with other people or group as they desire, in as much it is not a secret cult.
EVALUATION
1. Explain the seven core of freedoms
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Expatiate the seven core freedoms
2. Explain in detail Seven Core Freedoms
3. What is meant by Seven Core of Freedoms
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The vital part of the rights declared by UDHR is known as ______ (a) six core of freedom (b) eight core freedoms (c) seven core freedoms (d) none of the above
2. All the following are the vital part of the rights declared by UDHR except….(a) freedom of assembly (b) freedom of expression (c) freedom of laziness (d) freedom of religion
3. _______ was the revolution that brought about the declaration of the right of man and of citizens. (a) German revolution (b) French revolution (c) English revolution (d) Poland revolution
ESSAY
1. What is meant by Seven Cores of Freedom?
2. Explain the seven core of freedoms
PRE –CLASS READING ASSIGNMENT
Revise all the works done in second term in preparation for the end of term’s examination.
Read about Citizenship Education
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
Read about the next term’s work
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Melrose Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by O.O. Oyelami, Melrose Books and Publishing Ltd, (pages 22 – 23)
REFERENCE TEXTS
1. Melrose Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by O. Oyelemi et al. Melrose Publishers Limited. (Pages 22–23).
2.Evans Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1 by Ben Emunemu et al. Evans Brothers (Nig.) Publishers Limited (Page 58).