Difference between traditional and constitutional government

Civic Education

Primary 4

First Term

Week: 6th

Class:

primary 4

Topic:

Difference between traditional and constitutional form of government

Behavioural objectives:

At the end of the lesson pupils should be able to differentiate between traditional and constitutional form of government.

Instructional material/Reference material:

Textbook, Charts and pictures

Building Background /connection to prior knowledge: pupils are familiar with the types of government in their previous lessons

Content:

Differences between traditional and constitutional forms of government

Constitutional form of government

1. There is a fixed tenure of office. It means there is a definite period of time the government will spend. It could be four or five years.
2. This government rules according to the provisions of the constitution. It is what the law of the land says that the government must follow when in Power
3. Government i.e. the president, prime minister, and governors are elected by the people. They come to power through periodic elections–– elections are held at regular periods.
4. The government can also be removed by the people through election.
5. This is a modern form of government.
6. this types of government derive their power from the law or constitution of the land

Traditional form of government

1. This government has no fixed tenure. Rulership in this form of government is hereditary. The position is transferred from parents to children and from generation to generation.
2. This government rules according to the tradition and customs of the people. For instance, legal limitations to the powers of the monarch did not exist in ancient times, but they do in modern constitutional government.
3. Most traditional governments are dynasties. Only people from a particular family can have claim to the throne, i.e become rulers.
4. The king or monarch may not leave the throne except through death or abdication, i.e. being forced to leave, which was not common in those days.
5. It is perhaps the oldest form of government.

Evaluation:

1. Explain the meaning of government.
2. Explain traditional form of government.
3. What is constitutional form of government?
4. Identify three differences between the traditional and constitutional forms