Definition and Meaning of Government Civic Education Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 2
Detailed Student-Centered Lesson Plan
Subject: Civic Education
Class: Basic 5 / Grade 5 / Primary 5
Term: Second Term (2nd Term)
Week: Week 2
Age: 10–11 years
Topic: Definition and Meaning of Government
Sub-topic: Forms of Government Practiced in Nigeria
Duration: 60 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define government.
- Explain the meaning of government in simple terms.
- Identify and describe the forms of government practiced in Nigeria.
Keywords
- Government
- Monarchy
- Presidential system
- Republic
- Military rule
Set Induction
The teacher will begin by asking pupils:
- “Who makes the rules in your school or home?”
- “Why do you think rules are important?”
The teacher will then connect their answers to the concept of government.
Entry Behavior
Pupils are familiar with rules and leadership in their families, schools, and communities.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Posters of Nigeria’s political leaders.
- A chart of Nigeria’s governmental timeline.
- Newspaper clippings on government activities.
- Videos on leadership and governance.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher will remind pupils of the previous lesson on Characteristics of a Bad Leader, emphasizing how good leadership relies on government structures.
Embedded Core Skills
- Communication and Collaboration.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.
- Leadership and Citizenship.
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work.
- Posters and charts.
- Short videos or animations on government systems.
Instructional Techniques
- Identification
- Explanation
- Questions and answers
- Demonstration
- Storytelling
Content
Definition and Meaning of Government
- Definition of Government:
Government is the machinery that directs and controls the affairs of people within a country. - Explanation of Government:
- The government ensures that people live peacefully by making and enforcing rules.
- It provides essential services such as schools, hospitals, and security.
- Government officials work together to keep the country running smoothly.
- Forms of Government Practiced in Nigeria:
- Monarchy: Traditional leaders like kings and chiefs ruled communities before colonial times.
- Colonial Rule: Nigeria was controlled by Britain from 1861 to 1960.
- First Republic (1960–1966): A parliamentary republic with a Prime Minister as head of government.
- Military Rule: Nigeria was governed by soldiers between 1966 and 1979, and from 1983 to 1999.
- Presidential System: Since 1999, Nigeria operates a federal republic where the President is both head of state and government.
Examples of Government Functions
- Building schools and hospitals.
- Making laws to ensure safety, like traffic rules.
- Providing electricity and water.
- Defending the country from external threats.
- Collecting taxes to fund public projects.
Evaluation
Meaning of Government
- Government is the ________ that directs the affairs of the people.
a. building b. machinery c. process d. rule - The ________ makes rules and ensures safety in a country.
a. family b. government c. society d. community - Nigeria is currently governed as a ________ republic.
a. military b. colonial c. federal d. monarchical - The President in Nigeria serves for ________ years per term.
a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d. 8 - ________ was the form of government in Nigeria before independence.
a. Monarchy b. Colonial rule c. Presidential system d. Democracy - Military rule in Nigeria lasted from ________ to 1979.
a. 1966 b. 1983 c. 1990 d. 2007 - ________ is an example of a government official.
a. King b. Teacher c. Police officer d. Nurse - The ________ builds roads and bridges for public use.
a. family b. community c. government d. market - In Nigeria, ________ is the head of government.
a. the President b. the Prime Minister c. the King d. the Governor - ________ ensures rules are followed in a country.
a. Teachers b. Soldiers c. Leaders d. Government
Class Activity Discussion
Meaning of Government
- What is government?
- Government is the system that controls a country.
- Why is government important?
- It maintains peace and order.
- Who makes laws in Nigeria?
- The government.
- What is a monarchy?
- A form of government led by kings or queens.
- What does a federal republic mean?
- A government where power is shared between national and state governments.
Presentation Steps
Teacher’s Activities:
- Revise the previous topic.
- Explain the meaning of government.
- Display charts and posters.
- Guide pupils in identifying Nigeria’s government forms.
Learners’ Activities:
- Respond to questions.
- Participate in discussions.
- Write down notes and examples.
Evaluation Questions
- Define government in simple terms.
- List three functions of government.
- Who is the head of government in Nigeria?
- What is a presidential system of government?
- Explain what military rule means.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, marks pupils’ work, and provides feedback.
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