Government : Types, Levels and Arms of Government in Nigeria

Subject : Social Studies

 

 

Topic : The concept of Government

 

 

Class : Primary 4

 

 

Term :  Second Term

 

Week : Week 2

 

Previous Knowledge : Pupils have previous knowledge of

 Rights of a citizen

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 government
• say the duties of government
• explain the levels of government
• write out the arms of government

 

 

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

 

 

 

Content 

What is the meaning of government  ?

Government is the machinery through which the affairs of the people is directed and controlled . Government also comprises of men and women that control , direct and regulate the affairs of men .

Government can also be defined  as the group of people who are in  power and authority to make, interpret and execute the laws in society.

There are three levels of government in Nigeria which are the federal government, the state government, and the local government.

Each of these governments has its own duties as they are written in the Nigerian constitution

LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

• Federal government : This is the highest level of government in Nigeria . The seat of the Federal government is in Abuja . The president of the federal Republic of Nigeria as at March 2021 is President Muhammadu Buhari . The duties of the Federal government of Nigeria are contained in the Exclusive List of The Constitution. These duties are related to security , circulation of money or monetary policies ,  Aviation , National borrowing ,Awards of National titles ,exchange control , export duties ,etc
• State government : This is the second level of government in Nigeria. There are thirty six states in Nigeria and each state is handed by a governor . The Governor of Lagos state as at March 2021 when this article was written was Babajide Sanwoolu. The duties of the state government are spelt out in the concurrent list of the constitution . The duties of the state government include health, education, agriculture, road, housing etc
• Local government : The local government is the closest government to the people  in Nigeria. The local government is the government at the grassroot . There are 774 local government in Nigeria and Lagos state has 20 local government areas with 37 Local Council Development  Area (LCDA). The local government authorities deal with market women issues or chieftaincy matters

 

ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

• The Executive : The executive arm of government implement the law . Examples are the president , the governors , the police ., The Army etc
• The Legislature : The Legislative arm of government make laws . Examples are the Senate , The senators , the councillors  , House of Assembly etc
• The Judiciary : The judiciary arm of government are saddled with the responsibility of interpreting the dictates of the law. Examples are the judges , lawyers, Barristers etc

 

 

 

Qualities of a good government for a government to be acceptable to the people.

Such a government are expected to have certain qualities and standards, which meet the expectations of the people.

Such qualities include the following:

1 Honesty: A government that does not cheat people, steals or lies, is said to be honest and generally accepted by the people

.2 Accountability: A government that does not do things in secret, but explains things to people without hiding anything, is a good government.

A government that spends public money wisely, and uses such money to provide for people’s needs without stealing such money is also a good government.

It is said to be accountable to the people.3 Transparency: A transparent government is honest, upright and responsible. It is ready to be criticized by the people, and ready to fulfil the will of the people.

 

 

 

Presentation 

The topic is presented step by step

 

 

Step 1 : He revises the previous topics

 

 

Step 2 : The class teacher introduces the new topic

 

 

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

 

Summary

1. Government refers to the system or group of people responsible for governing or managing a country or state. It is a group of individuals, institutions, and entities that have the power to make and enforce laws and regulations for the benefit of society.
2. Two duties of the federal government are:

• Providing national defense and ensuring the safety and security of citizens within the country’s borders. This includes maintaining a strong military and intelligence apparatus to protect against external threats and internal security challenges.
• Ensuring economic stability and growth by implementing policies that promote economic development, regulating industries, and managing fiscal and monetary policy.

3. The three levels of government in Nigeria are:

• Federal government: This is the national government of Nigeria and is responsible for managing affairs at the national level.
• State government: Nigeria is divided into 36 states, each with its own government responsible for managing affairs at the state level.
• Local government: There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria, each with its own elected officials responsible for managing affairs at the local level.

4. The three arms of government in Nigeria are:

• Executive arm: This is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies. The President, Vice President, and ministers at the federal level, and Governors and Commissioners at the state level, are part of the executive arm.
• Legislative arm: This is responsible for making laws. At the federal level, the National Assembly is the legislative arm, while at the state level, it is the State House of Assembly.
• Judiciary arm: This is responsible for interpreting and upholding the law. It includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts at the federal and state levels.

5. Two functions of local government in Nigeria are:

• Provision of basic amenities: Local government is responsible for providing basic amenities such as water, sanitation, and healthcare to citizens at the grassroots level.
• Promotion of grassroots development: Local government is responsible for promoting development at the grassroots level by initiating projects and programs that will uplift the living standards of the people in their respective areas.

Evaluation 

1 Say the meaning of government .

2 Write out two duties of federal government

3. Write out three levels of government in Nigeria

4. List three arms of Government in Nigeria

5. Mention two functions of local government in Nigeria

 

 

Conclusion 

 

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

 

Assignment 

1. What is the primary duty of the federal government in Nigeria? a) Providing healthcare services b) Ensuring national defense and security c) Collecting taxes from citizens d) Promoting cultural development
2. Which of the following is NOT a level of government in Nigeria? a) Federal government b) State government c) Municipal government d) Local government
3. What is the function of the legislative arm of government in Nigeria? a) Interpreting the law b) Enforcing the law c) Making laws d) None of the above
4. How many states are there in Nigeria? a) 36 b) 50 c) 25 d) 40
5. Which arm of government is responsible for interpreting and upholding the law? a) Executive arm b) Legislative arm c) Judiciary arm d) All of the above
6. What is the primary function of local government in Nigeria? a) Making national laws b) Providing national defense c) Providing basic amenities d) Implementing economic policies
7. Which of the following is NOT an arm of government in Nigeria? a) Executive arm b) Legislative arm c) Judicial arm d) Municipal arm
8. What is the main function of the executive arm of government? a) Making laws b) Interpreting laws c) Enforcing laws d) None of the above
9. What is the highest court in Nigeria? a) The Supreme Court b) The Court of Appeal c) The High Court d) The Magistrate Court
10. What is the primary responsibility of the federal government with respect to the economy? a) Ensuring economic stability and growth b) Providing healthcare services c) Promoting cultural development d) Maintaining national security

Next Lesson

The concept of local Government