The constitution: Meaning and Types Civic Education JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Civic Education JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 1

Subject: Civic Education
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 13-14 years
Topic: The Constitution
Sub-topic:
I. Definition of Constitution
II. Types of Constitution
III. Identify the Various Colonial Nigerian Constitutions
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Define the term “Constitution.”
2. Explain the different types of constitutions.
3. Identify and describe the various colonial Nigerian constitutions.

Keywords

• Constitution
• Written Constitution
• Unwritten Constitution
• Colonial Nigerian Constitutions

Set Induction

Start by asking students if they know what rules are and why they are important in school or at home. Relate this to how a constitution serves as a set of rules for a country.

Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with rules and regulations in their school and home environment.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Chart showing types of constitutions.
• Copies of the Nigerian Constitution (if available).

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss how rules are necessary in their everyday lives and link it to how a constitution is essential for the governance of a country.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

Learning Materials

• Textbooks
• Handouts on types of constitutions

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Civic Education Textbook for JSS 3

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (if available) to display images of historical documents

What is the meaning of constitution?

A constitution is a document that sets out the rules by which a country or other organization is governed. It typically contains a statement of the values and principles of the organization, as well as outlining the structure and powers of its government. It is a document that governs the activities of the people the controls the activities of a state.

The powers of a constitution are those which define the limits on the authority of the government. They may be divided into two categories: express powers and implied powers. Express powers are those which are specifically enumerated in the constitution, while implied powers are those which are necessary to carry out the express powers.

Some of the political leaders in Nigeria whose activities are regulated and bounded by the constitution are the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The Constitution is the supreme law of Nigeria. It sets out the framework within which the country is governed and establishes the institutions and processes through which power is exercised.

Types of constitution

A constitution is a document that establishes the rules and principles of a government. It outlines the powers and duties of the government, as well as the rights of the people. There are two main types of constitution: written and unwritten.

A written constitution is a document that sets forth the rules and principles of a government. It is usually created by a committee of experts, and then ratified by the people. The United States Constitution is an example of a written constitution.

An unwritten constitution is not set forth in a single document. Instead, it is based on a collection of documents, including laws, court decisions, and traditions. The United Kingdom has an unwritten constitution.

There are also two types of written constitution: rigid and flexible. A rigid constitution is difficult to change, while a flexible constitution is easier to change. The United States Constitution is an example of a rigid constitution, while the Constitution of France is an example of a flexible constitution.

Finally, there are two types of government: federal and unitary. A federal government is a central government that shares power with smaller units of government, such as states or provinces. A unitary government is a central government that has all the power. The United States has a federal government, while France has a unitary government.

Theory 

1. What is the meaning of constitution?

2. What are the types of constitution?

3. What are the examples of country with written constitution?

4. What are the examples of country with unwritten constitution?

5. What are the examples of country with rigid constitution?

6. What are the examples of country with flexible constitution?

7. What are the examples of federal constitution?

8. What are the examples of unitary constitution?

Content

I. Definition of Constitution

• A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.
• It serves as the highest law of the land and guides the actions of government and the rights of citizens.

II. Types of Constitution

1. Written Constitution:
   • This is a formal document that defines the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the laws of the country.
   • Example: The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Unwritten Constitution:
   • This is not codified in a single document but is based on conventions, traditions, and judicial decisions.
   • Example: The United Kingdom operates under an unwritten constitution.

III. Identify the Various Colonial Nigerian Constitutions

1. Clifford Constitution (1922):
   • Introduced by Sir Hugh Clifford, it provided for a Legislative Council and expanded the role of Nigerians in governance.
2. Richards Constitution (1946):
   • Introduced by Governor Arthur Richards, aimed to promote unity among Nigerians and allowed for greater participation of Nigerians in legislative processes.
3. Macpherson Constitution (1951):
   • Named after Governor John Macpherson, this constitution involved greater consultation with Nigerians, introducing regional legislatures.
4. Lyttleton Constitution (1954):
   • Introduced by Oliver Lyttleton, it marked Nigeria’s transition towards a federal system of government.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. A constitution is a set of fundamental ________ or established precedents.
   • a) rules
   • b) laws
   • c) regulations
   • d) principles
2. The Nigerian Constitution is an example of a ________ constitution.
   • a) written
   • b) unwritten
   • c) verbal
   • d) legal
3. The Clifford Constitution was introduced in ________.
   • a) 1922
   • b) 1946
   • c) 1951
   • d) 1954
4. The ________ Constitution promoted unity among Nigerians.
   • a) Clifford
   • b) Richards
   • c) Macpherson
   • d) Lyttleton
5. An unwritten constitution is based on ________ and judicial decisions.
   • a) laws
   • b) traditions
   • c) principles
   • d) rules
6. The ________ Constitution was the first to introduce elective principles in Nigeria.
   • a) Richards
   • b) Macpherson
   • c) Clifford
   • d) Lyttleton
7. Nigeria’s transition towards a federal system of government began with the ________ Constitution.
   • a) Clifford
   • b) Richards
   • c) Macpherson
   • d) Lyttleton
8. The Macpherson Constitution involved greater ________ with Nigerians.
   • a) consultation
   • b) governance
   • c) legislation
   • d) unity
9. The United Kingdom operates under a(n) ________ constitution.
   • a) written
   • b) unwritten
   • c) legal
   • d) informal
10. A ________ constitution is usually found in a formal document.
    • a) written
    • b) unwritten
    • c) customary
    • d) legal
11. The Lyttleton Constitution was introduced in ________.
    • a) 1946
    • b) 1922
    • c) 1954
    • d) 1951
12. The Clifford Constitution established a ________ Council in Nigeria.
    • a) Executive
    • b) Legislative
    • c) Judicial
    • d) Constitutional
13. ________ Constitution was named after Governor John Macpherson.
    • a) Clifford
    • b) Richards
    • c) Lyttleton
    • d) Macpherson
14. Conventions and traditions are features of a(n) ________ constitution.
    • a) written
    • b) unwritten
    • c) statutory
    • d) formal
15. The Richards Constitution aimed to promote ________ among Nigerians.
    • a) governance
    • b) laws
    • c) unity
    • d) education

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What is a constitution?
   • A constitution is a document that outlines the fundamental principles and laws governing a country.
2. Why is a written constitution important?
   • It clearly defines the structure of government and the rights of citizens, making it easier to refer to.
3. Can a country operate without a written constitution?
   • Yes, countries like the United Kingdom operate with an unwritten constitution based on conventions and traditions.
4. What was significant about the Clifford Constitution?
   • It was the first to introduce elective principles in Nigeria.
5. How did the Richards Constitution differ from the Clifford Constitution?
   • It sought to unify Nigeria and allowed for greater Nigerian participation in governance.
6. Which constitution marked Nigeria’s move towards federalism?
   • The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.
7. Who introduced the Macpherson Constitution?
   • Governor John Macpherson in 1951.
8. What is an unwritten constitution?
   • An unwritten constitution is not codified in a single document but is based on customs, conventions, and judicial decisions.
9. Which country is known for having an unwritten constitution?
   • The United Kingdom.
10. What did the Lyttleton Constitution achieve?
    • It introduced a federal system of government in Nigeria.
11. When was the Richards Constitution introduced?
    • In 1946.
12. Who introduced the Clifford Constitution?
    • Sir Hugh Clifford in 1922.
13. What is the primary purpose of a constitution?
    • To provide a legal framework for government and to protect citizens’ rights.
14. Why is the Nigerian Constitution considered written?
    • Because it is a formal document that is codified and can be referenced.
15. What is the role of a constitution in governance?
    • It guides the structure and functions of government and outlines the rights and duties of citizens.

Presentation

Step 1:

• Teacher’s Activities: The teacher reviews the previous topic on the importance of government and rules.
• Learners’ Activities: Students recall and share what they remember about the importance of rules in governance.

Step 2:

• Teacher’s Activities: The teacher introduces the topic “The Constitution” and explains the definition and types of constitutions.
• Learners’ Activities: Students listen and take notes, asking questions where necessary.

Step 3:

• Teacher’s Activities: The teacher explains the various colonial Nigerian constitutions and their significance.
• Learners’ Activities: Students discuss in pairs and share their understanding of each colonial constitution.

Assessment

• Evaluate students through oral questions, short written exercises, and group discussions on the constitution.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. What is a constitution?
2. List and explain two types of constitutions.
3. Which constitution was introduced by Sir Hugh Clifford?
4. In what year was the Lyttleton Constitution introduced?
5. What is the main feature of an unwritten constitution?
6. How did the Richards Constitution aim to unify Nigeria?
7. What role did the Macpherson Constitution play in Nigerian governance?
8. Which constitution is associated with the introduction of a federal system in Nigeria?
9. What was a significant outcome of the Clifford Constitution?
10. Explain why the Nigerian Constitution is considered written.

Conclusion

The teacher will go around to mark the students’ work, provide corrections, and answer any further questions.