The Concept of Separation of Power and Functions

Subject : Social Studies

Topic : Separation of power and functions

Class : Primary 4

Term :  Second Term

Week : Week 6

Previous Knowledge : Pupils have previous knowledge of

The concept of State Government

that have been taught in their former lessons and classes

Behavioural Objectives : At the end of the lesson , pupils should be able to

• say the meaning of separation of power
• list the importance of separation of power
• Mention problems of power sharing eg corruption
• Discuss how to promote cooperation between the state and local government in Nigeria eg maintenance of peace and order in the state etc

Methods Of Teaching 

• Discussion
• Explanation
• Dramatization
• Dialogue
• Story telling
• Questions and Answers
• Role Modelling

Instructional Materials 

• Wall Charts
• Pictures
• Online materials
• Textbooks
• Scheme of work
• Workbooks

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Content 

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely . if there is concentration of powers in one hand , then corruption is definitely going to set in , Hence there is a need for power separation and division  of duties and functions .

What is separation of power ? 

The concept of separation of power states that power must be separated between all arms of government so that any of the three arm does not necessary becomes more powerful than the other

SEPARATION OF POWER AND FUNCTIONS AMONG THE THREE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT 

The three arms of government and how they share specific roles or duties

The Legislative arm of government  : This arm of government is responsible for law making laws .They pass out bills to the president .When these bills are signed , they become law

The Executive arm of government : This arm of government is responsible for the implementation or execution  of laws that are made by the legislative arm of government.

The  Judiciary arm of government :  This arm of government gives meaning or more interpretation or clarification to the laws that are made collectively by the legislative arm and judiciary arm of government

Importance of Separation of Power

Separation of Powers helps to protect freedom. It makes sure that no single arm of government becomes too strong unnecessarily . The theory presents us with the functional classification of three arms of government

The executive branch carries out the laws but cannot make laws to make themselves powerful.

Also the judiciary is responsible for making sure that criminals are punished, so that members of the government or legislature cannot ignore the law as the judiciary can check on them.

Separation of powers is also called a system of checks and balances because the arms of government  can check up on each other and if any of the arms of government get too strong, that branch will be balanced by the others.

Separation of powers refers to the division of powers into distinct branches of government, each with their own responsibilities.

The intent of separation of powers is to prevent the concentration of unchecked power and to provide for checks and balances, in which the powers of one arm of government  is limited by the powers of another to prevent abuses of power and avoid autocracy.

How to promote co-operation between the states and local government

Maintain peace and order in the state

Ensure that people in the local government pay

Their taxes, levies etc.

For the people to benefit adequately from these governments, there are areas where they need to cooperate and work together as explained below.

1 Both the local and state governments make or formulate laws and policies that would make it easier for them to govern the people, and also improve the people’s living standards.

2 Both of them construct and maintain roads, bridges and recreation centers.

3 Local and state government should work together in building and maintaining schools, markets, health centers and courts.

4 Both of them should work together and make sure that the people pay taxes.

5 Local and state governments create job opportunities for the people.

6 Both tiers of government should co-operate to maintain law and order in the state.

7 They should ensure that funds allocated to the state are used judiciously.

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Presentation 

The topic is presented step by step

Step 1 : He revises the previous topics which was

The concept of State Government

Step 2 : The class teacher introduces the new topic

1. Problems of power sharing in Nigeria include corruption, nepotism, and a lack of accountability. Corruption can occur when those in power abuse their positions and embezzle public funds, leading to a lack of resources for essential services and development. Nepotism can occur when people in power favor their friends and family for positions and opportunities, rather than choosing the most qualified candidates. A lack of accountability can occur when those in power are not held responsible for their actions, leading to a culture of impunity and a lack of trust in government.
2. To promote cooperation between the state and local government in Nigeria, there are several steps that can be taken. One is to ensure that there is a clear delineation of responsibilities between the two levels of government, with each level responsible for specific functions and services. This can help to prevent conflicts and ensure that resources are used effectively. Another step is to establish mechanisms for communication and consultation between the two levels of government, such as regular meetings and joint planning sessions. This can help to ensure that policies and initiatives are aligned and that resources are used effectively. Finally, promoting a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between the state and local government can help to maintain peace and order in the state, as well as promote development and progress. This can be achieved through public education and awareness campaigns, as well as training and capacity building programs for government officials at all levels

Step 3 : The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and he or she corrects them when the needs arise

Evaluation 

1 What is the meaning of separation of power .

2 Mention two importance of separation of power

Conclusion 

The class teacher gives out a short note and he or she goes round to do the necessary marking .

Assignment 

1. What is one problem that can occur with power sharing in Nigeria? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. A lack of communication and consultation between levels of government c. A lack of respect and cooperation between government officials d. A lack of transparency and accountability in government
2. What is one example of corruption in power sharing? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. Favoring friends and family for positions and opportunities c. A lack of communication and consultation between levels of government d. A lack of transparency and accountability in government
3. How can cooperation be promoted between the state and local government in Nigeria? a. By establishing a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between government officials b. By embezzling public funds to ensure resources for development c. By creating conflict between the state and local government d. By favoring friends and family for positions and opportunities
4. What is one step that can be taken to ensure clear delineation of responsibilities between state and local government? a. Regular meetings and joint planning sessions b. Embezzling public funds for essential services and development c. Ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on personal gain d. Fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between government officials
5. What is one example of nepotism in power sharing? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. Favoring friends and family for positions and opportunities c. A lack of communication and consultation between levels of government d. A lack of transparency and accountability in government
6. What is one example of a lack of accountability in power sharing? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. Favoring friends and family for positions and opportunities c. Ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on personal gain d. A lack of communication and consultation between levels of government
7. What is one example of promoting a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between government officials? a. Establishing mechanisms for communication and consultation b. Embezzling public funds for essential services and development c. Fostering conflict between the state and local government d. Training and capacity building programs for government officials at all levels
8. What is one example of a lack of communication and consultation between state and local government? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. A lack of transparency and accountability in government c. Ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on personal gain d. Holding meetings and joint planning sessions to discuss policies and initiatives
9. What is one step that can be taken to establish mechanisms for communication and consultation between state and local government? a. Ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on personal gain b. Fostering conflict between the state and local government c. Regular meetings and joint planning sessions d. Embezzling public funds for essential services and development
10. What is one example of a lack of respect and cooperation between government officials? a. A lack of resources for essential services and development b. Favoring friends and family for positions and opportunities c. A lack of communication and consultation between levels of government d. Ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on personal gain

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NEXT LESSON

Division of labour