FEATURES OF 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

Subject:

Civic Education

Term:

First Term

Week:

Week 11

Class:

JSS 3 / BASIC 9

Previous lesson: Pupils have previous knowledge of

Features of the Independence Constitution of 1960

that was taught in their previous lesson

Topic:

FEATURES OF 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

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

• explain when and why the 1963 Republican Constitution
  was formed
• mention the important features of the 1963 Republican constitution
• explain the weakness or disadvantages of 1963 constitution

Instructional Materials:

• Wall charts
• Pictures
• Related Online Video
• Flash Cards

Methods of Teaching:

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials:

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum
• Workbooks

Content:

FEATURES OF 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

1. It retained the parliamentary system of government.

2. The Queen of England was no longer the head of state.

3. The Prime Minister was the head of the government.

4. The President was the head of state.

5. The unicameral National Assembly was retained.

6. The Senate was abolished.

7. Regionalism was abolished.

8. Federalism was introduced.

9. The judiciary was to be independent of the executive and the legislature.

10. A human rights commission was to be established.

11. The 1960 Independence Constitution was retained with some amendments.

12. The 1962 Republican Constitution was abrogated.

13. The 1963 Republican Constitution was in force for two years, after which the 1965 Constitution came into effect.

14. The 1963 Republican Constitution was promulgated on 9 July 1963 and came into force on 1 October 1963. It was abrogated on 16 September 1965, when the 1965 Constitution came into effect.

15. The Supreme Court was made the highest court of appeal instead of the Privy Council in London.

16. It abolished the judicial service commission.

EVALUATION
What are the features of the 1963 Republican Constitution of 1963?

Advantages or Achievements of 1963 Republican Constitution

1. It gave Nigeria a republican form of government.

2. An elected head of state by the parliament replaced the Queen of England as the head of state.

3. It was the first constitution fully made by Nigerians.

4. It brought British political interference and influence in Nigeria to an end.

5. It recognized and guaranteed fundamental human rights.

6. It established a federal system of government in Nigeria with a three-tier structure of government.

7. It created the office of the Prime Minister to head the executive arm of government at the federal level.

8. Powers were devolved to the regions to enable them govern themselves.

9. It established an independent judiciary.

10. The 1963 Constitution was the longest and most comprehensive constitution Nigeria ever had. It remained in force for 10 years.

DISADVANTAGES/ PROBLEMS / WEAKNESS OF REPUBLICAN

1. No supremacy of the constitution but supremacy of the parliament.

2. No clear separation of power.

3. Lack of effective checks and balances.

4. The executive is not accountable to the legislature.

5. The head of state is not elected by the people.

6. The parliament is not supreme.

7. There is no clear separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.

8. The judiciary is not independent

FEATURES OF 1979 CONSTITUTION

1. It provided for the office of the executive president who was the head of state and commander in –
chief of the Nigerian armed forces.
2. The executive president was both the head of state and head of government.
3. The 1979 constitution introduced the presidential system of government.
4. It provided for the office of the vice president.
5. The president has maximum of two terms of four years each.
6. There was a clear separation of powers among the organs of government.
7. Fundamental human rights were provided in the constitution.
8. It provided for election at the local government level.
9. It initiated the federal character principle.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE 1979 CONSTITUTION

1. It created the office of the executive president to be properly elected.
2. There was a clear separation of powers and functions among the organs of government.
3. The 1979 constitution was supreme.
4. It provided for a new federal capital territory called Abuja.
5. It made provision for the rights of Nigerians.

EVALUATION
1. Mention the features of the 1979 constitution.
2. What were the achievements of the 1979 constitution?

FEATURES OF THE 1989 CONSTITUTION

1. It introduced a two-party system.
2. Legislative houses were to be on part time.
3. It retained the presidential system of government.
4. Fundamental human rights were provided in the constitution.
5. The minimum qualification for major political offices was a school certificate.

FEATURES OF THE 1999 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION

The 1999 Constitution was created as a result of the military coup d’etat which toppled the civilian government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The new constitution was ratified by the military-led government on May 29, 1999. The constitution came into effect on October 1, 1999.

The 1999 Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is the framework upon which the Nigerian state is founded. The constitution provides for the establishment of three arms of government, namely, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.

The constitution also provides for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It establishes the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the body responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria.

The 1999 Constitution is the longest constitution in the world, with a total of 299 articles. The constitution has been amended several times since it was first enacted. The most recent amendment was made in 2010.

The 1999 Constitution provides for a federal system of government. Under this system, power is divided between the federal government and the state governments.

The federal government has exclusive powers over matters listed in the Exclusive Legislative List. These include defense, foreign affairs, currency, trade, and customs.

The constitution also provides for the establishment of a bicameral legislature. The legislature is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senators are elected for a four-year term, while members of the House of Representatives are elected for a three-year term.

The constitution also provides for the election of the president and the vice president. The president is elected for a four-year term, while the vice president is elected for a six-year term.

Presentation

Step 1

The subject teacher introduces the new topic

Step 2.

He introduces the new topic

Step 3:

The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise

Evaluation

Objectives 

1. constitution was completely written by Nigerians A. Clifford B. Macpherson C. Independence D.
Republican
2. ___court became the highest court of appeal in the 1963 republican constitution of Nigeria A. Privy
Council B. High C. Supreme D. Magistrate
3. Which of the following constitutions gave Nigeria a republican form of government? A. 1963 B. 1960 C.
1922 D. 1951-
4. Who among the following replaced the Queen of England as the head of state in 1963 republican
constitution? A. Governor B. Senate President C. Speaker D. An elected head of
state.
5. The was the head of government under the 1963 republican constitution, A. Prime Minister B.
Queen of England C. Premier D. Governor General.

Theory

1. What are the weaknesses of the 1963 republican constitution?
2. Identify the achievements of the 1963 republican constitution.

3. Mention five Nigerians that fought for our independence.
4. Who was the first prime minister of Nigeria?
5. What was the first capital of Nigeria?
6. Mention five political parties we have in Nigeria.
7. Identify five people of integrity in Nigeria.

8. Mention the features of the 1963 Republican Constitution.

9. What were the weaknesses of the 1963 Republican Constitution?

Conclusion:

The subject goes round to mark the pupil’s notes. He does the necessary corrections