Understanding the Differences Among the Three Arms of Government in Nigeria
Primary 5, Second Term: Civic Education Lesson Plan
Week 6: Differences Among the Three Arms of Government in Nigeria
Subject: Civic Education
Class: Basic 5 / Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 6
Age: 9–11 years
Topic: Differences Among the Three Arms of Government in Nigeria
Sub-Topic: Understanding the Unique Roles of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- List the differences between the three arms of government in Nigeria.
- Discuss the unique functions and powers of each arm of government.
Keywords
- Differences
- Executive
- Legislature
- Judiciary
- Functions
- Powers
Set Induction
The teacher asks the students to recall the three arms of government. They are prompted with questions such as:
- “How is the work of the Executive different from that of the Legislature?”
- “What do you think makes the Judiciary different from the other two arms?”
These questions will encourage pupils to think about how each arm of government works differently.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils have already learned about the functions and importance of the three arms of government. They understand the roles each arm plays in the governance of Nigeria.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Flashcards showing the three arms of government.
- Diagrams comparing the functions and powers of the arms.
- Charts for class discussions.
- Pictures or short videos explaining the differences in roles.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher revises the previous lesson on the importance of the arms of government, then connects this understanding to the new topic by explaining that each arm performs distinct roles, even though they work together.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking: Pupils will analyze the distinct roles of each arm of government.
- Collaboration: Working together in groups to compare the three arms.
- Communication: Expressing ideas and opinions clearly about the differences between the arms.
- Citizenship: Understanding how governance is structured and functions in a democracy.
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Civic Education Textbooks for Basic 5
- The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Simplified Edition)
Instructional Techniques
- Explanation
- Group discussions
- Class comparison activities
- Visual aids (diagrams and flashcards)
Instructional Materials
- Flashcards
- Diagrams of the three arms of government
- Videos
- Charts
Content
Differences Among the Three Arms of Government in Nigeria
Each arm of government has distinct roles, powers, and responsibilities:
- Executive Arm
- Role: The Executive is responsible for enforcing laws and implementing policies.
- Power: Executes laws, manages national security, handles foreign relations, and prepares the national budget.
- Example: The President, as the Head of State, appoints ministers and oversees the functioning of various government departments.
- Legislative Arm
- Role: The Legislature makes, amends, and repeals laws.
- Power: Passes laws, approves budgets, and checks the Executive by investigating its actions.
- Example: The National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) discusses and passes laws that affect the nation.
- Judiciary Arm
- Role: The Judiciary interprets the laws and ensures justice.
- Power: It has the power to review laws, resolve disputes, and protect citizens’ rights.
- Example: Judges and courts make decisions on legal matters, ensuring that laws are applied fairly.
Examples
- The Executive ensures that laws passed by the Legislature are implemented.
- The Legislative debates and makes laws for the country.
- The Judiciary ensures that laws are followed and interprets their meanings in court cases.
- The Executive manages foreign affairs, while the Legislative handles domestic laws.
- The Judiciary resolves disputes between citizens or between the government and citizens.
Evaluation
15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- The _______ Arm of government makes laws.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial - The _______ Arm of government interprets and applies laws in court.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial - The _______ Arm of government enforces laws and implements policies.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial - The _______ Arm of government checks the actions of the Executive.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial - The _______ Arm of government protects citizens’ rights by ensuring fair legal processes.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judicial
(Continue with more questions following this format.)
15 FAQs with Answers
- Question: How does the Executive differ from the Legislature?
Answer: The Executive enforces laws, while the Legislature makes laws. - Question: What is the primary function of the Legislature?
Answer: The Legislature makes, amends, and repeals laws. - Question: How does the Judiciary ensure fairness?
Answer: The Judiciary interprets the laws and ensures that they are applied correctly in court.
(Continue with 15 questions in this format.)
Presentation Steps
- Introduction:
- The teacher revises the previous topic on the importance of the arms of government.
- The new topic is introduced by explaining that although all three arms are important, they have different roles and responsibilities.
- Development:
- The teacher explains the differences between the arms using real-life examples and visual aids.
- Pupils are encouraged to think about why these differences are important for the smooth functioning of government.
- Student Contribution:
- Pupils participate in a class discussion about the differences, sharing their own ideas and examples.
Teacher’s Activities
- Explains the differences among the arms using examples.
- Guides pupils through the comparison and provides corrections where needed.
- Organizes a group discussion to reinforce the lesson.
Learners’ Activities
- Listen to the teacher’s explanation and participate in class discussions.
- Work in groups to compare the three arms.
- Share their thoughts and ask questions about the differences among the arms of government.
Assessment (Evaluation Questions)
- What does the Executive Arm do?
- How does the Legislature make laws?
- What role does the Judiciary play in ensuring justice?
- Which arm of government prepares the national budget?
- How does the Legislative Arm hold the Executive accountable?
(Continue with 5 more short-answer questions.)
Conclusion
- The teacher recaps the differences between the three arms of government.
- Pupils reflect on why it is important for each arm to function separately yet work together.
- Teacher provides feedback on students’ participation in class discussions.