Separation of Power and Functions Social Studies Primary 4 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 6
Lesson Plan: Separation of Power and Functions
Subject: Social Studies
Class: Primary 4
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 6
Age: 8–9 years
Topic: Separation of Power and Functions
Sub-topic: Meaning, Importance, and Functions of Separation of Power
Duration: 40 minutes
Previous Knowledge
Pupils have prior knowledge of the concept of state government and its functions.
Behavioural Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of separation of power.
- State the importance of separation of power.
- Identify the three arms of government.
- Outline the functions of each arm of government.
Keywords
- Separation of Power
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judiciary
- Functions
Set Induction
The teacher shows a picture or chart depicting the three arms of government in Nigeria (Legislative, Executive, Judiciary) and asks:
- “Who makes the laws in Nigeria?”
- “Who ensures the laws are obeyed?”
- “Who settles disputes when laws are broken?”
Entry Behaviour
Pupils are familiar with the state government and its functions from the previous lesson.
Learning Resources and Materials
- A chart showing the three arms of government and their functions.
- Flashcards labeled “Legislative,” “Executive,” and “Judiciary.”
- Visual aids of prominent buildings such as the National Assembly, Aso Rock, and Supreme Court.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils of the state government’s responsibilities and connects these to the broader framework of government organization through separation of power.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking.
- Communication.
- Civic responsibility.
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Social Studies textbook
- Online articles or resources on government structure
Instructional Materials
- Charts illustrating the arms of government.
- Flashcards with examples of functions for each arm.
- Whiteboard and markers.
Content
Meaning of Separation of Power
- Definition:
- Separation of power refers to dividing government responsibilities into three arms: Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary, to prevent one arm from becoming too powerful.
- Importance:
- Ensures no one arm of government has total control.
- Promotes accountability and fairness.
- Prevents misuse of power.
Arms of Government and Their Functions
- Legislative (Lawmakers):
- Makes laws for the country or state.
- Examples: National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
- Executive (Enforces Laws):
- Ensures laws are obeyed.
- Headed by the President (at the federal level) or Governor (at the state level).
- Judiciary (Interprets Laws):
- Settles disputes and ensures laws are applied fairly.
- Examples: Supreme Court, High Court.
Examples of Separation of Power in Action
- The National Assembly passes a new law on education (Legislative).
- The President signs the law and ensures it is implemented (Executive).
- A court resolves a case where the law was not followed (Judiciary).
- A governor ensures state roads are built, following the budget approved by the legislature (Executive and Legislative collaboration).
- A judge rules on a case involving property disputes (Judiciary).
Evaluation
Separation of Power and Functions
- The __________ makes the laws.
a) Executive
b) Legislative
c) Judiciary
d) Police - The __________ enforces the laws.
a) Legislative
b) Judiciary
c) Executive
d) Military - The __________ settles disputes and interprets laws.
a) Executive
b) Judiciary
c) Legislative
d) Police - Separation of power prevents __________.
a) Justice
b) Fairness
c) Misuse of power
d) Freedom - The National Assembly is part of the __________ arm of government.
a) Judiciary
b) Executive
c) Legislative
d) Police
Class Activity Discussion Separation of Power and Functions
- What is separation of power?
- Dividing government roles into three arms: Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.
- Why is separation of power important?
- It prevents one arm from becoming too powerful.
- What does the Legislative arm do?
- Makes laws.
- What is the role of the Executive arm?
- Enforces laws.
- What is the duty of the Judiciary?
- Settles disputes and interprets laws.
- Who heads the Executive arm in Nigeria?
- The President.
- What is an example of the Judiciary’s work?
- A judge settles a land dispute.
Presentation Steps
- Revision:
- The teacher revises the previous topic on state government and its problems.
- Introduction:
- The teacher introduces the concept of separation of power using charts and flashcards.
- Explanation and Discussion:
- The teacher explains the meaning, importance, and functions of separation of power.
- Pupils discuss real-life examples of how the government works.
Teacher’s Activities
- Explain the concept and importance of separation of power.
- Discuss the functions of the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.
- Use charts and flashcards to enhance understanding.
Learners’ Activities
- Identify examples of government roles in their environment.
- Answer questions about the three arms of government.
- Discuss why separation of power is important.
Evaluation Questions
- What is separation of power?
- Name the three arms of government.
- What is the function of the Judiciary?
- Mention one importance of separation of power.
- Who heads the Executive arm in Nigeria?
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson by reviewing the meaning, importance, and functions of separation of power. Pupils are tasked to draw a diagram of the three arms of government in their notebooks.