Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria for Primary 5 Civic Education
Primary 5, Second Term: Civic Education Lesson Plan
Week 4: Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria
Subject: Civic Education
Class: Basic 5 / Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 4
Age: 9–11 years
Topic: Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria
Sub-Topic: Roles and responsibilities of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Arms
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify the three arms of government in Nigeria.
- Explain the main functions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial arms.
- Understand the importance of the separation of powers.
- Recognize the relationship between the arms of government in maintaining law and order.
Keywords
- Functions
- Executive
- Legislative
- Judiciary
- Governance
- Separation of powers
Set Induction
The teacher begins by asking pupils:
- “Who can tell me what government does in our country?”
- “Do you know the people responsible for making laws and implementing them?”
These questions will spark curiosity and prepare the pupils for the lesson.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils have learned about the definition and meaning of government in the previous lesson.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Posters or charts showing the three arms of government.
- Pictures of government officials (e.g., President, Governor, Judges).
- Flashcards illustrating the functions of each arm.
- Videos or audio clips about the Nigerian government.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils about the three arms of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary, which they learned in Week 3.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing the functions of government arms.
- Communication: Group discussions and presentations.
- Collaboration: Working in groups for activities.
- Citizenship: Understanding governance and responsibilities.
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Civic Education Textbooks for Basic 5
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Simplified Edition)
Instructional Techniques
- Identification
- Explanation
- Questions and answers
- Demonstration
Instructional Materials
- Flashcards
- Charts
- Handouts
- Videos
- Resource persons
Content
Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria
- Executive Arm
- Administers and implements laws and policies.
- Headed by the President at the federal level and Governors at the state level.
- Key Functions:
- Makes policies for national development.
- Enforces laws.
- Maintains peace and security.
- Prepares and executes the national budget.
- Represents Nigeria in international affairs.
- Legislative Arm
- Responsible for making laws.
- Headed by the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
- Key Functions:
- Drafts and passes bills into laws.
- Approves the national budget.
- Checks the activities of the executive.
- Approves the appointment of ministers and other officials.
- Investigates and addresses public complaints.
- Judicial Arm
- Interprets laws and resolves disputes.
- Headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
- Key Functions:
- Ensures justice is served in legal matters.
- Protects the constitution and citizens’ rights.
- Punishes violators of the law.
- Resolves conflicts between individuals and government institutions.
- Declares laws unconstitutional when necessary.
Examples
- The President signing a law into action (Executive function).
- The National Assembly debating a new education bill (Legislative function).
- A court resolving a land ownership dispute (Judicial function).
- The Legislature approving the appointment of a Chief Justice.
- The Judiciary overturning an unfair government decision.
Evaluation
15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- The arm of government that implements laws is the ______.
a. Legislative
b. Executive
c. Judicial - The ______ makes laws in Nigeria.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judiciary - The ______ interprets the laws of the country.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judiciary - The President represents the ______ Arm of government.
a. Executive
b. Legislative
c. Judiciary - The ______ approves the national budget.
a. Judiciary
b. Executive
c. Legislature
Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria for Primary 5
15 FAQs with Answers
- Question: What are the three arms of government?
Answer: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary. - Question: Who heads the Executive Arm?
Answer: The President at the federal level. - Question: What does the Legislative Arm do?
Answer: It makes laws.
Functions of the Arms of Government in Nigeria for Primary 5
Presentation Steps
- Introduction:
- The teacher revises the definition of government.
- Introduces the topic by showing charts and posters.
- Development:
- Teacher explains the functions of each arm using charts.
- Uses examples to illustrate functions.
- Student Contribution:
- Pupils discuss examples of each arm’s roles.
- Pupils create posters in groups on each arm’s functions.
Teacher’s Activities
- Explains each arm’s functions.
- Uses posters and flashcards.
- Guides group presentations.
Learners’ Activities
- Listen and ask questions.
- Participate in discussions.
- Create and present group posters.
Evaluation Questions
- What is the main function of the Executive Arm?
- Who makes laws in Nigeria?
- What is the role of the Judiciary?
(Continue with 10 short-answer questions.)
Conclusion
- Summarize the functions of each arm of government.
- Highlight the importance of the separation of powers.
- Provide feedback to pupils on their group presentations.
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