Oligarchy Meaning, features, types Communism Definition origin and development, principles of communism, relationship between communism and socialism

POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT.

Subject :

GOVERNMENT

Class :

SS 1

Term :

FIRST TERM

Week :

Week 9

Topic :

• Oligarchy: meaning, features, types

• Communism: Definition origin and development, principles of communism, relationship between communism and socialism

Previous Knowledge :

The pupils have previous knowledge of

BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT SOCIALISM AND CAPITALISM

that was taught as a topic in their previous lesson

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

• Define Oligarchy. 
• Say the features of oligarchy. 
• Mention types of oligarchy.
• Communism: Definition origin and development,
• principles of communism, relationship between communism and socialism

Teaching and Learning Resources :  .

• Online materials
• Schemes of work
• Textbooks
• Newspaper
• Films that are related to the topic
• Pictures
• Activity charts

CONTENT :

WEEK 9

TOPIC: BASIC CONCEPTS

CONTENT:

• Oligarchy: meaning, features, types

• Communism: Definition origin and development, principles of communism, relationship between communism and socialism

Sub-Topic 1:

OLIGARCHY – Definition

Oligarchy can be defined as government by few privilege and powerful people. It is a very selfish type of government because the government is ruling for the interest of the few people in government. Also, oligarchy can be defined as a form of government in which the power to rule and direct the affairs of a society or country is vested in the hands of few people.

Evaluation

1) What is an oligarchy?

A) A form of government in which power lies with a small number of people

B) A form of government in which the majority rules

2) Which countries are oligarchies?

A) Russia, Venezuela, North Korea

B) Italy, Brazil, Argentina

3) What are the characteristics of an oligarchy?

A) rule by a small elite, power rests with a tiny minority, decisions made behind closed doors

B) rule by the people, open and transparent government, everyone has a say

4) How does an oligarchy differ from democracy?

A) In an oligarchy, the elite make decisions in secret, while in democracy the people have a say

B) In an oligarchy, the wealthy few rule, while in democracy everyone is equal

5) Is an oligarchy a good or bad form of government?

A) It depends

B) No, it’s not a good form of government because it concentrates power in the hands of a few people

FEATURES OF OLIGARCHY

1. Power is concentrated in the hands of a few rich or influential people.
2. It is a government steered by the minority over the majority.
3. Oligarchy may take various forms such as gerontocracy, autocracy etc.
4. The system favours the rich at the expense of the poor.
5. There is no rule of law.
6. Wealth and nobleness become the main criteria for attaining to political offices

1. What is an oligarchy?

A. A form of government in which power lies with a small number of people

B. A form of government in which power lies with the majority of the people

2. What are the features of an oligarchy?

A. Power lies with a small number of people, there is a lack of public participation, and decisions are made in the interests of the elite

B. Power lies with a small number of people, there is a high level of public participation, and decisions are made in the interests of the people

3. Who makes up an oligarchy?

A. The wealthy, the nobility, and the military

B. The wealthy, the clergy, and the military

4. What type of system does an oligarchy have?

A. A capitalist system

B. A socialist system

5. What is the goal of an oligarchy?

A. To maintain power and privilege for a small elite group

B. To provide equality and opportunity for all citizens

TYPES OF OLIGARCHY

1. Aristocracy: It is a government ruled by persons of the highest social rank called nobles. It is the rule by the group considered to be the best in terms of intellectual capability. It is often referred to as a rule by the elites in the society.
2. Plutocracy: It is a government ruled or controlled by a few rich and powerful people in the society. The wealthiest class control political power. They include the industrialist, landlords as well as financiers of great business concerns.
3. Military government: This is a form of government under the control of soldiers-Army, Navy and Air force- who seize power from the civilians through force. The military rule by decrees which demand strict obedience.
4. Theocracy: It is a type of government controlled by the priest or religious leaders. In other words it is a form of government believed to have been divinely approved by God. As such obedience to rulers is tantamount to obedience to God.
5. Gerontocracy: It is a government controlled by the aged or old people. Here, age is a major criterion for determining rulers. This is done with the expectation that the aged are experienced, more faithful and accountable.
6. Diarchy: It is a government controlled by two different authorities’ e.g. Civil and military authorities. Nigeria operated this system during Ibrahim Babangida administration between 1991 and 1993
7. .Autocracy:This is the absolute rule of a few individuals who consider themselves as the best in the society. Autocrats rule autocratically that is in absolute power.It is a form of government controlled by a dictator or a group wielding absolute power.
8. Examples are fascist government in Italy and Nazist government in Germany.

Evaluation

1. Which of the following is not a type of oligarchy?

a. Plutocracy

b. Aristocracy

c. Gerontocracy

d. Timocracy

e. Kritarchy

2. Which of the following is an example of an aristocracy?

a. A group of wealthy landowners

b. A group of older citizens

c. A group of religious leaders

d. A group of military leaders

e. A group of political leaders

3. Which of the following is an example of a plutocracy?

a. A government ruled by a single family

b. A government ruled by a small group of people

c. A government in which the wealthy have more power than the poor

d. A government in which everyone has an equal say

e. A government in which the military has more power than the civilian population

4. What is a key difference between an aristocracy and a plutocracy?

a. An aristocracy is a government ruled by a small group of people, while a plutocracy is a government in which the wealthy have more power than the poor.

b. An aristocracy is a government ruled by the wealthy, while a plutocracy is a form of government in which everyone has an equal say.

c. An aristocracy is a government in which the military has more power than the civilian population, while a plutocracy is a government ruled by a small group of people.

d. An aristocracy is a government ruled by a single family, while a plutocracy is a government in which the wealthy have more power than the poor.

e. An aristocracy is a government in which the wealthy have more power than the poor, while a plutocracy is a form of government in which everyone has an equal say.

5. What is an example of a gerontocracy?

a. A government ruled by the elderly

b. A government ruled by the military

c. A government ruled by a single family

d. A government in which the wealthy have more power than the poor

e. A government in which everyone has an equal say

Sub-Topic 2:

COMMUNISM

Definition: Communism is a political and economic system in which the means of production, distribution and exchange are commonly owned and equally distributed. It is based on the principle of “from each according to his capacity and to each according to his needs”. It is the last stage or highest stage of socialism. Karl Marx is regarded as the father of communism.

Features of Communism

1. Collective ownership: The principle advocated for common, collective and public ownership of means of production and distribution for the benefit of all and sundry.
2. Classless society: The principle aimed at achieving a society without classes where there will be no distinction between the rich and the poor.
3. Equitable distribution: The principle also aimed at achieving equitable distribution of resources, goods and services to the citizens to improve their economic welfare and standard of living.
4. One party system: The system allowed one party to exist and operate in the state without any form of official opposition.
5. Application of force: The state in association with the poor and the working class employed the use of force and violence in achieving the idea of classless society.
6. Autocratic in nature: Communism possesses almost all the elements of autocratic government as it was applicable to fascism and totalitarian government. vii.The economy is collectively planned.

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNISM

Communism as an economic/political philosophy was founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the second half of the 19th century. This idea was published in “the Communist Manifesto” in 1848. Their aim was to end capitalism believing that it was the social class system that led to the exploitation of workers. The exploited workers would, according to them be a fundamental process of class conflict that would be resolved through revolution struggle.

In the ensuing conflict, the proletariat will rise against the bourgeoisie and established a communist society. The state will pass through a stage referred to as socialism and settle eventually on a pure communist society. In a communist society, all private ownership will be abolished and the means of production will belong to the entire community. The need of a society would then be put above and beyond specific needs of an individual.

Karl Marx traced the evolution of communism from five stages of the economic system. According to him, the stages are as follow:

1. Primitive society.
2. Feudalism.
3.  Capitalism.
4. Socialism.
5. Communism.

Communism is the last stage of socialism.

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNISM

1. The ownership, management and control of all economic sectors and units are vested in the state.
2. There is collectivism in ownership of small-scale agricultural and trading activities.
3.  The economy is centrally planned.
4.  One party system is adopted and there is no room for opposition.
5.  Political powers and decision making are centralized.
6. Priority is given to the need of the people or masses over the needs of individuals or group of individuals, no matter how highly placed.
7. The contribution to and distribution of national wealth is based on the principle “ from each according to his ability and to each according to his needs”.

Evaluation

1. What economic system do Communists believe in?

A. Capitalism

B. Communism

C. Socialism

D. Feudalism

2. What is the name for the political party that adheres to the Communist ideology?

A. The Republican Party

B. The Democratic Party

C. The Communist Party

D. The Green Party

3. Who wrote the Communist Manifesto?

A. Karl Marx

B. Friedrich Engels

C. Vladimir Lenin

D. Leon Trotsky

4. What is the name of the economic system in which the government owns the means of production?

A. Capitalism

B. Communism

C. Socialism

D. Feudalism

5. In what year was the Communist Manifesto published?

A. 1848

B. 1917

C. 1945

D. 1989

6. What is the name of the political and economic theory that Karl Marx developed?

A. Marxism

B. Communism

C. Socialism

D. Fascism

7. What is the name of the economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit?

A. Capitalism

B. Communism

C. Socialism

D. Feudalism

8. Who led the Soviet Union from 1924 until his death in 1953?

A. Karl Marx

B. Vladimir Lenin

C. Joseph Stalin

D. Leon Trotsky

9. What is the name for a system of government in which a single party controls the state apparatus and media and suppresses opposition?

A. Democracy

B. Republic

C. Monarchy

D. Dictatorship

10. What is the goal of the Communist Party?

A. To overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with a socialist society

B. To reduce inequality and injustice in society

C. To promote economic growth and development

D. To create a classless, Moneyless, and stateless social order structured

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIALISM AND COMMUNISM

1. Socialism advocates collective ownership of factors of production which are organised for the benefit of all while communism is a revolutionary system that advocates the elimination of capitalism, class, state and establishments of common ownership of factors of production.
2. Socialism permits existence of the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat) with the domination of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat. While communism establishes a classless society. iii. Socialism is a stage in the transition from capitalism to communism, while communism is the last stage of socialism.
3. Socialism may be attained by evolutionary or peaceful means while communism can be attained through violent and revolutionary means.
4. Socialism gives to each worker according to his ability while communism gives to each worker according to his needs.
5. Communism is utopian i.e. it cannot be obtained while socialism is realistic

EVALUATION

1. What is oligarchy?
2. Outline five types of oligarchy 3.    Highlight 4 features of oligarchy.
3. Define communism.
4. State 3 features of communism.
5. Explain the relationship between socialism and communism.
6. State 4 principles of communism.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Define oligarchy.
2. Mention and explain five types of oligarchy.
3. State three features of oligarchy.
4. What is communism?
5. What are the major differences between socialism and communism?
6. What is the meaning of oligarchy?

    

7.  What are the features of oligarchy?

    

8.  What are the types of oligarchy?

    

9. What is the definition of communism?
10. What is the origin of communism?

     

11. What are the principles of communism?

     

12. What is the relationship between communism and socialism?
13.  What is the meaning of aristocracy?

     

14.  What are the features of aristocracy?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Objective Test:

1. Nobles who forms government are called
   1. Theocrats
   2. Aristocrats
   3. Plutocrats
   4. Autocrats
2. Oligarchy implies ruler-ship by____________
   1. An absolute monarch
   2. A few powerful individuals
   3. A military government
   4. Charismatic leader.
3. Government by age is called________
   1. Aristocracy
   2. Gerontocracy
   3. Plutocracy
   4. Militocracy
4. A communist system recognises____________
   1. Class division
   2. The need of individuals
   3. Human capital
   4. Division of labour.
5. The highest stage of socialism is
   1. Fascism
   2. Communism
   3. Capitalism
   4. Feudalism

Essay Questions:

1. Define communism.
2. Mention five principles of communism.

READING ASSIGNMENT: Read about fascism and totalitarianism.

PRESENTATION 

The topic is presented step by step

Step 1:

The class teacher revises the previous topic which was BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT SOCIALISM AND CAPITALISM

Step 2.

He introduces the new topic.

Teacher’s activities

He or she may ask leading questions that are related to the topic of discussion.

• Lead the learners on the discussion about the topic
• Ask leading questions

Step 3:

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

Students’ activities 

• Make notes
• Make jotting
• Ask questions

CONCLUSION :

The class teacher wraps up or conclude the lesson by giving out short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.

The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written. He or she does the necessary corrections when the need arises.