Understanding the Key Functions of Government in Society Civic Education SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10

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Subject: Civic Education
Term: First Term
Week: Week 10
Class: SSS 1
Topic: Functions of Government

Previous Lesson

Topic: Rights of Individuals

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Define government.
• Identify the organs of government.
• List the levels of government.
• Describe the functions of government.

Instructional Materials

• Wall charts
• Pictures
• Related online video
• Flash cards

Methods of Teaching

• Class discussion
• Group discussion
• Questioning
• Explanation
• Role modeling
• Role delegation

Reference Materials

• Scheme of Work
• Online information
• Textbooks

Content

Definition of Government
Government is the machinery through which a country’s affairs are directed and managed. It consists of elected or appointed groups responsible for coordinating, organizing, and directing the affairs of the people.

Organs of Government
There are three main organs of government:

1. Legislative
2. Judiciary
3. Executive

Functions of Government

The government performs several vital functions, including:

1. Security
   • The government provides security for its citizens by protecting lives and property. It ensures a safe environment free from threats and violence.
2. Settlement of Disputes
   • The judiciary, as an organ of the state, settles disputes and resolves conflicts among individuals, groups, and between governments.
3. Economic Function
   • The government promotes economic growth, encourages industrialization and agricultural development, and regulates economic activities.
4. Law Making
   • The legislative arm of government is responsible for creating laws that govern the country, typically enacted through the National Assembly.
5. Foreign Relations
   • The government establishes and maintains friendly relations with other countries, promoting international trade and fostering world peace.
6. Management
   • The government manages and controls the affairs of the state, ensuring that all activities align with national goals.
7. Provision of Amenities
   • The government provides social amenities such as electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals, and communication services to improve the quality of life for citizens.
8. Protection of Rights
   • The government guarantees human rights, which are outlined in the constitution, and protects these rights through the judiciary and various agencies.
9. Job Creation
   • The government is responsible for providing employment opportunities and recruiting personnel for civil service, military, and other governmental positions.
10. Public Revenue

• The government raises funds through taxes, fines, and other revenues to finance its services and functions.

Functions of the Organs of Government

Legislative

• Nigeria has a bicameral legislature known as the National Assembly, which consists of two chambers: the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House).

Functions of the Legislature

1. Law Making
   • The primary function of the legislature is to make laws, known as Acts of Parliament or Acts of the National Assembly.
2. Approval of Appointments
   • The legislature confirms or rejects appointments made by the executive, including ministers and ambassadors.
3. Amendment
   • The legislature has the power to amend the constitution as necessary.
4. Oversight
   • It monitors the actions of the executive and judiciary to ensure compliance with the constitution.
5. Public Enlightenment
   • The legislature informs citizens about its activities and government policies.
6. Treaties
   • The legislature ratifies international agreements and treaties that Nigeria enters into.
7. Investigation
   • It has the authority to investigate government activities to uphold accountability.

Executive

• The executive branch at the federal level consists of the President, Vice President, Ministers, and security agencies. At the state level, it includes the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Commissioners.

Functions of the Executive

1. Maintenance of Law and Order
   • The executive ensures that peace and order are upheld throughout the country.
2. Initiating Bills
   • The executive drafts and presents proposed laws (bills) to the legislature for consideration.
3. Policy Formulation
   • It develops and implements government policies to address national issues.
4. Job Creation
   • The executive is responsible for appointing public officials and improving job opportunities.
5. Accountability
   • The executive may be called upon to explain its actions and decisions to the public and other government organs.

Judiciary

• The judiciary is the third organ of government and plays a crucial role in interpreting laws.

Functions of the Judiciary

1. Punishment of Offenders
   • The judiciary ensures that individuals who break the law are appropriately punished, which may include imprisonment or fines.
2. Indirect Law Making
   • Through case law, the judiciary helps shape and develop the law as it interprets legal statutes.
3. Administrative Duties
   • The judiciary performs administrative functions such as issuing marriage certificates and administering oaths.
4. Dispute Resolution
   • It resolves disputes between individuals, groups, and the government, ensuring justice is served.

Revision Questions

1. a. What is a right?
   b. Discuss six of your rights.
2. Itemize and discuss eight functions of government.
3. a. List the three organs of government.
   b. Provide five examples of the executive at the federal level.
4. What are the functions of the legislature?
5. What are the functions of the judiciary?

Presentation

Step 1: The class teacher revises the previous topic to refresh students’ memories.
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, outlining its relevance and significance.
Step 3: The teacher encourages students to contribute their thoughts and ideas, providing corrections where necessary.

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson by providing a concise note on the topic, emphasizing the key points covered. Necessary assessments and marking of students’ contributions will follow.