HomePrimary 5Civic EducationImportance of the Arms of Government in Nigeria for Primary 5

Importance of the Arms of Government in Nigeria for Primary 5

Primary 5, Second Term: Civic Education Lesson Plan

Week 5: Importance of the Arms of Government

Subject: Civic Education

Class: Basic 5 / Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 9–11 years
Topic: Importance of the Arms of Government
Sub-Topic: Why each arm of government is important
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. List the importance of each arm of government.
  2. Discuss the significance of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial arms in maintaining democracy and law.

Keywords

  • Importance
  • Executive
  • Legislative
  • Judiciary
  • Governance
  • Democracy

Set Induction

The teacher will start by asking the students:

  • “Why do you think we need different people to make, enforce, and interpret laws?”
  • “Can the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary work without each other?”

These questions will prompt pupils to think about the roles and importance of the arms of government, setting the stage for the lesson.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have learned about the functions of the arms of government in the previous lesson. They understand the basic roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial arms.

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Flashcards showing the three arms of government.
  • Charts with the roles of each arm of government.
  • Videos or pictures that illustrate the importance of each arm.
  • Real-life examples of Nigerian government practices.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher revises the previous lesson on the functions of the arms of government, focusing on how each arm plays a role in the country’s development. This connects to the new topic on why these arms are important.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking: Understanding why each arm of government is crucial.
  • Collaboration: Group work for discussing the importance of each arm.
  • Communication: Sharing ideas and justifying opinions during the class discussion.
  • Citizenship: Understanding the importance of good governance 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
  • Demonstration
  • Group work
  • Discussions

Instructional Materials

  • Charts
  • Flashcards
  • Videos
  • Resource persons

Content

Importance of the Arms of Government in Nigeria

Each arm of government plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s democracy:

  1. Executive Arm
    • Importance:
      • Ensures that laws passed by the legislature are put into action.
      • Maintains national security and peace.
      • Implements policies for national development.
      • Represents the country in international affairs.
      • Prepares the national budget.
    • Example: The President signing into law policies on education or health.
  2. Legislative Arm
    • Importance:
      • Makes laws that guide the nation.
      • Holds the Executive accountable through investigations.
      • Approves the national budget to ensure that government funds are used properly.
      • Represents the views and needs of the people.
      • Provides a check on the power of the Executive.
    • Example: The Senate approving a new law on health or security.
  3. Judicial Arm
    • Importance:
      • Interprets laws and resolves disputes.
      • Protects citizens’ rights and freedoms.
      • Ensures that no one is above the law, not even the government.
      • Safeguards the Constitution by making sure laws are in line with it.
      • Ensures justice for the people.
    • Example: The court ruling on a case of unfair treatment or land dispute.

Examples

  1. The Executive ensures peace through the military and police.
  2. The Legislature approves the national budget, which affects education and infrastructure.
  3. The Judiciary interprets laws to ensure fairness in society.
  4. The Executive negotiates treaties and agreements with other countries.
  5. The Legislative Arm proposes and passes new laws to help develop the country.

Evaluation

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. The _______ Arm of government makes laws.
    a. Executive
    b. Legislative
    c. Judicial
  2. The _______ Arm of government ensures that laws are enforced.
    a. Executive
    b. Legislative
    c. Judicial
  3. The _______ Arm of government interprets laws.
    a. Executive
    b. Legislative
    c. Judicial
  4. The _______ represents the people and approves the national budget.
    a. Executive
    b. Legislative
    c. Judicial
  5. The _______ ensures the rights and freedoms of citizens are protected.
    a. Executive
    b. Legislative
    c. Judicial

(Continue with more questions following this format.)

15 FAQs with Answers

  1. Question: Why is the Executive important?
    Answer: The Executive is important because it ensures laws are carried out, maintains national security, and represents Nigeria internationally.
  2. Question: What is the role of the Legislature in Nigeria?
    Answer: The Legislature makes laws, approves the budget, and holds the Executive accountable.
  3. Question: How does the Judiciary protect the rights of citizens?
    Answer: The Judiciary ensures that the laws are fair and protects individuals’ rights through court rulings.

(Continue with 15 questions in this format.)

Presentation Steps

  1. Introduction:
    • The teacher revises the previous topic on the functions of the arms of government.
    • Introduces the new topic by explaining the importance of these arms in a democracy.
  2. Development:
    • The teacher explains the importance of each arm in maintaining order, law, and development in the country.
    • Uses examples to illustrate how each arm contributes to governance.
  3. Student Contribution:
    • Pupils discuss the importance of each arm in small groups and present their findings to the class.
    • Teacher provides corrections and additional insights where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Explains the importance of each arm of government.
  • Guides pupils through discussions and presentations.
  • Provides examples to help students understand the relevance of the arms of government.

Learners’ Activities

  • Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
  • Participate in group discussions.
  • Present their group work to the class.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

  1. What does the Executive Arm do to maintain peace?
  2. Why is the Legislative Arm important in a democracy?
  3. How does the Judiciary ensure fairness in the country?
  4. What is the role of the Executive in economic development?
  5. Why is it important to have separate arms of government?
    (Continue with 10 more short-answer questions.)

Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the importance of each arm of government, emphasizing their roles in ensuring the proper functioning of Nigeria.
  • Provides feedback on the group presentations and answers any questions from pupils.

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