FUNCTIONS OF THE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA

SUBJECT:

Civic Education

 

CLASS:         

BASIC  5 / GRADE 5 / PRIMARY 5

 

TERM:         

SECOND TERM (2ND TERM) 

 

WEEK:

WEEK 4

 

TOPIC:

Functions of the Arms of government 

 

Previous Lesson: 

ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

 

 

Learning Objectives

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

  • Mention the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria
  • Explain the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria 🇳🇬
  • Students will be able to identify and describe the three main branches of government in Nigeria.
  • Students will understand the functions and responsibilities of each branch of government.
  • Students will be able to explain the importance of the separation of powers among the branches of government.

 

Learning Activities

  • Pupils as individuals mention the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria
  • Pupils as a class explain the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria

 

Embedded Core Skills

  • Communication and Collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Leadership and Personal Development skills
  • Creativity and Imagination
  • Citizenship

 

 

Learning Resources

  • Posters
  • Pictures
  • Resource Person
  • Newspaper
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout / Textbook with fill-in-the-blank questions
  • PowerPoint presentation with slides on the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria
  • Interactive quiz to assess understanding

Government : Types, Levels and Arms of Government in Nigeria

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES:

  • Identification,
  • Explanation,
  • Questions and answers,
  • Demonstration,
  • Story-telling,
  • Videos from source

 

Content

The Functions of The Arms of Government in Nigeria

The Functions of The Executive Arm of Government in Nigeria

The executive arm of government in Nigeria is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies made by the legislative branch. Here are ten key functions of the executive branch in Nigeria:

 

  1. Appointment of government officials: The President has the power to appoint government officials, including members of the cabinet and heads of various departments and agencies.
  2. Administration of justice: The executive branch is responsible for the administration of justice through the judiciary, ensuring that laws are upheld and disputes are resolved fairly.
  3. Defence and security: The executive branch is responsible for the defence and security of the nation, including the maintenance of law and order, the protection of citizens, and the preservation of national unity.
  4. Foreign relations: The executive branch is responsible for representing the country in international relations and negotiating treaties and agreements with other nations.
  5. Economic planning and development: The executive branch is responsible for developing and implementing economic policies that promote growth and development.
  6. Budget preparation and implementation: The executive branch is responsible for preparing the national budget, which must be approved by the legislative branch, and for implementing government spending and revenue policies.
  7. Regulation and control of public utilities: The executive branch is responsible for regulating and controlling public utilities, such as electricity, water, and telecommunications, to ensure that they are operated in the public interest.
  8. Emergency powers: The President has the power to declare a state of emergency in times of national crisis, such as natural disasters or civil unrest, to ensure the safety and security of the people.
  9. Appointment of judges: The President has the power to appoint judges to the courts, including the Supreme Court, to ensure the impartial administration of justice.
  10. Implementation of laws: The executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and policies made by the legislative branch, including the enforcement of penalties for violations of the law.

 

Evaluation :

  1. What is the executive arm of government in Nigeria responsible for implementing and enforcing? a. Laws made by the legislative branch b. Policies made by the legislative branch c. Both laws and policies made by the legislative branch d. None of the above
  2. What power does the President have in Nigeria? a. The power to appoint government officials b. The power to enforce laws and policies c. The power to regulate public utilities d. All of the above
  3. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of administration of justice? a. Upholding laws and resolving disputes b. Negotiating treaties and agreements c. Maintaining law and order d. Representing the country in international relations
  4. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of defence and security? a. Developing and implementing economic policies b. Protecting citizens and preserving national unity c. Regulating public utilities d. Preparing the national budget
  5. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of foreign relations? a. Representing the country in international relations b. Negotiating treaties and agreements c. Maintaining law and order d. Developing and implementing economic policies
  6. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of economic planning and development? a. Developing and implementing economic policies b. Representing the country in international relations c. Regulating public utilities d. Maintaining law and order
  7. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of budget preparation and implementation? a. Preparing the national budget and implementing government spending and revenue policies b. Representing the country in international relations c. Protecting citizens and preserving national unity d. Developing and implementing economic policies
  8. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of regulation and control of public utilities? a. Regulating and controlling public utilities to ensure they are operated in the public interest b. Developing and implementing economic policies c. Representing the country in international relations d. Maintaining law and order
  9. What power does the President have in times of national crisis? a. The power to declare a state of emergency b. The power to regulate public utilities c. The power to represent the country in international relations d. The power to prepare the national budget
  10. What is the executive branch responsible for in terms of implementing laws and policies? a. Implementing laws and policies made by the legislative branch, including enforcement of penalties for violations of the law b. Representing the country in international relations c. Regulating and controlling public utilities d. Developing and implementing economic policies.

 

The Functions of The Judiciary Arm of Government in Nigeria

The judiciary is an independent branch of government in Nigeria that is responsible for interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes. Here are ten key functions of the judiciary in Nigeria:

  1. Interpretation of the constitution: The judiciary is responsible for interpreting the constitution, ensuring that it is applied consistently and in accordance with the rule of law.
  2. Adjudication of disputes: The judiciary is responsible for resolving legal disputes between individuals, organizations, and the government.
  3. Protection of individual rights: The judiciary is responsible for protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination.
  4. Review of legislative acts: The judiciary is responsible for reviewing legislative acts to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law.
  5. Enforcement of laws: The judiciary is responsible for enforcing laws, including the enforcement of penalties for violations of the law.
  6. Administration of justice: The judiciary is responsible for the impartial administration of justice, ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected.
  7. Protection of property rights: The judiciary is responsible for protecting property rights, ensuring that individuals and organizations have the right to own and use property.
  8. Review of executive actions: The judiciary is responsible for reviewing executive actions to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law.
  9. Appointment of judges: The President has the power to appoint judges to the courts, including the Supreme Court, to ensure the impartial administration of justice.
  10. Independence of the judiciary: The judiciary is an independent branch of government, and the judges must be impartial and free from interference in their decision-making.

 

Evaluation :

  1. What is the judiciary in Nigeria responsible for? a. Interpreting the constitution b. Resolving legal disputes c. Protecting individual rights d. All of the above
  2. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of protection of individual rights? a. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination b. Resolving legal disputes between individuals, organizations, and the government c. Reviewing legislative acts to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law d. None of the above
  3. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of review of legislative acts? a. Reviewing legislative acts to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law b. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination c. Resolving legal disputes between individuals, organizations, and the government d. None of the above
  4. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of enforcement of laws? a. Enforcing laws, including the enforcement of penalties for violations of the law b. Reviewing legislative acts to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law c. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination d. None of the above
  5. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of administration of justice? a. The impartial administration of justice, ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected b. Enforcing laws, including the enforcement of penalties for violations of the law c. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination d. None of the above
  6. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of protection of property rights? a. Protecting property rights, ensuring that individuals and organizations have the right to own and use property b. The impartial administration of justice, ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected c. Reviewing legislative acts to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law d. None of the above
  7. What is the judiciary responsible for in terms of review of executive actions? a. Reviewing executive actions to ensure that they are constitutional and in accordance with the rule of law b. Protecting property rights, ensuring that individuals and organizations have the right to own and use property c. The impartial administration of justice, ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected d. None of the above
  8. Who has the power to appoint judges in Nigeria? a. The President b. The legislature c. The judiciary d. None of the above
  9. What is the independence of the judiciary in Nigeria? a. The judiciary is an independent branch of government, and the judges must be impartial and free from interference in their decision-making b. The judiciary is not independent and must take direction from the executive branch c. The judiciary is not independent and must take direction from the legislative branch d. None of the above
  10. What is the role of the judiciary in ensuring the stability and prosperity of Nigeria? a. The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring

The Functions of The Legislative Arm of Government in Nigeria

The legislative arm of government in Nigeria is responsible for making laws and setting public policy. Here are ten key functions of the legislative branch in Nigeria:

  1. Lawmaking: The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, which provide the framework for the functioning of government and society.
  2. Representation: The legislative branch represents the people of Nigeria, serving as a forum for the expression of their views and interests.
  3. Budgetary control: The legislative branch is responsible for approving the national budget and overseeing government spending to ensure that it is in the public interest.
  4. Overseeing the executive branch: The legislative branch is responsible for overseeing the activities of the executive branch and ensuring that it is implementing policies and programs in accordance with the laws and policies established by the legislative branch.
  5. Approval of appointments: The legislative branch has the power to approve or reject the appointment of key government officials, including members of the cabinet, judges, and ambassadors.
  6. Approval of treaties and agreements: The legislative branch is responsible for approving treaties and agreements made by the executive branch with other countries.
  7. Investigation and oversight: The legislative branch has the power to investigate and oversee the activities of the executive and judiciary branches to ensure that they are functioning in the public interest.
  8. Amendment of the constitution: The legislative branch has the power to amend the constitution, providing for changes in the structure and functioning of government as needed.
  9. Protection of individual rights: The legislative branch is responsible for ensuring that individual rights are protected by law, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination.
  10. Promotion of economic development: The legislative branch is responsible for promoting economic development by creating laws and policies that encourage investment, innovation, and growth.

Evaluation :

  1. What is the primary function of the legislative branch in Nigeria? a. Making laws b. Enforcing laws c. Implementing policies d. Resolving legal disputes
  2. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of representation? a. Representing the people of Nigeria as a forum for the expression of their views and interests b. Making laws c. Overseeing the activities of the executive branch d. None of the above
  3. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of budgetary control? a. Approving the national budget and overseeing government spending to ensure that it is in the public interest b. Representing the people of Nigeria as a forum for the expression of their views and interests c. Making laws d. None of the above
  4. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of overseeing the executive branch? a. Overseeing the activities of the executive branch and ensuring that it is implementing policies and programs in accordance with the laws and policies established by the legislative branch b. Approving the national budget and overseeing government spending c. Making laws d. None of the above
  5. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of approval of appointments? a. Approving or rejecting the appointment of key government officials, including members of the cabinet, judges, and ambassadors b. Overseeing the activities of the executive branch c. Making laws d. None of the above
  6. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of approval of treaties and agreements? a. Approving treaties and agreements made by the executive branch with other countries b. Approving or rejecting the appointment of key government officials c. Making laws d. None of the above
  7. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of investigation and oversight? a. Investigating and overseeing the activities of the executive and judiciary branches to ensure that they are functioning in the public interest b. Approving treaties and agreements made by the executive branch with other countries c. Making laws d. None of the above
  8. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of amendment of the constitution? a. Amending the constitution, providing for changes in the structure and functioning of government as needed b. Investigating and overseeing the activities of the executive and judiciary branches c. Making laws d. None of the above
  9. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of protection of individual rights? a. Ensuring that individual rights are protected by law, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination b. Amending the constitution c. Making laws d. None of the above
  10. What is the legislative branch responsible for in terms of promotion of economic development? a. Promoting economic development by creating laws and policies that encourage investment, innovation, and growth b. Ensuring that individual rights are protected by law c. Making laws d. None of the above

 

In Nigeria, there are three main branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judiciary. Each branch has distinct and important functions that contribute to the functioning of the government and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, as well as for overseeing the administration of the government. The President of Nigeria is the head of the executive branch and has the power to appoint government officials, enforce laws and policies, and regulate public utilities. The executive branch is also responsible for the administration of justice, defense and security, foreign relations, economic planning and development, budget preparation and implementation, and regulation of public utilities.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and setting public policy. The National Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is the legislative branch in Nigeria. The legislative branch has the power to approve the national budget, approve or reject the appointment of key government officials, approve treaties and agreements with other countries, investigate and oversee the activities of the executive and judiciary branches, amend the constitution, protect individual rights, and promote economic development.

The judiciary is responsible for interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes. The judiciary is an independent branch of government and is responsible for protecting individual rights, reviewing legislative acts, enforcing laws, administering justice, protecting property rights, reviewing executive actions, and ensuring the impartial administration of justice. The President has the power to appoint judges to the courts, including the Supreme Court.

These are the main functions of the three arms of government in Nigeria, which work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation by upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights

 

Evaluation:

  1. What are the three main branches of government in Nigeria? a. Executive, legislative, and judicial b. Executive, legislative, and administrative c. Executive, parliamentary, and judicial d. Executive, administrative, and parliamentary
  2. What is the main function of the executive branch in Nigeria? a. Implementing and enforcing laws b. Making laws c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  3. Who is the head of the executive branch in Nigeria? a. The President b. The Speaker of the House of Representatives c. The Chief Justice d. The Senate President
  4. What are some of the responsibilities of the executive branch in Nigeria? a. Administration of justice, defense and security, foreign relations, economic planning and development, budget preparation and implementation, and regulation of public utilities b. Making laws c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  5. What is the legislative branch in Nigeria responsible for? a. Making laws and setting public policy b. Implementing and enforcing laws c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  6. What is the National Assembly in Nigeria? a. The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives b. The executive branch c. The judiciary d. None of the above
  7. What is the judiciary in Nigeria responsible for? a. Interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes b. Implementing and enforcing laws c. Making laws d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  8. What is the role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights? a. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination b. Implementing and enforcing laws c. Making laws d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  9. Who has the power to appoint judges in Nigeria? a. The President b. The Speaker of the House of Representatives c. The Chief Justice d. The Senate President
  10. What is the role of the three arms of government in Nigeria? a. To work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation by upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights b. To compete with each other for power and control c. To have no relationship with each other d. None of the above.

Evaluation

  1. The executive branch in Nigeria is responsible for ________ and enforcing laws, as well as for overseeing the administration of the government.
  2. The head of the executive branch in Nigeria is the ________.
  3. The legislative branch in Nigeria is responsible for ________ and setting public policy.
  4. The legislative branch in Nigeria is represented by the ________, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  5. The judiciary in Nigeria is responsible for ________ and resolving legal disputes.
  6. The judiciary in Nigeria is an independent branch of government and is responsible for ________ individual rights.
  7. The President of Nigeria has the power to appoint ________ to the courts, including the Supreme Court.
  8. The executive branch in Nigeria is responsible for the administration of justice, ________ and security, foreign relations, economic planning and development, budget preparation and implementation, and regulation of public utilities.
  9. The legislative branch in Nigeria has the power to ________ the national budget and approve or reject the appointment of key government officials.
  10. The three arms of government in Nigeria work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation by upholding the ________ and protecting citizens’ rights.

Answers:

  1. implementing
  2. President
  3. making laws
  4. National Assembly
  5. interpreting the law
  6. protecting
  7. judges
  8. defense
  9. approve
  10. rule of law

Lesson Presentation

Introduction (10 minutes):

Start the lesson by asking the students if they know what the government is and what it does. Write their responses on the board.

Explain to the students that the government is made up of different branches, each with its own specific responsibilities and functions.

Body (30 minutes):

Use the PowerPoint presentation to introduce the three main branches of government in Nigeria: the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

For each branch, describe its functions and responsibilities, including:

  • The executive branch: Implementing and enforcing laws, administering justice, defense and security, foreign relations, economic planning and development, budget preparation and implementation, and regulation of public utilities.
  • The legislative branch: Making laws and setting public policy, representing the people of Nigeria, approving the national budget, approving or rejecting the appointment of key government officials, approving treaties and agreements with other countries, investigating and overseeing the activities of the executive and judiciary branches, amending the constitution, protecting individual rights, and promoting economic development.
  • The judiciary: Interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes, protecting individual rights, reviewing legislative acts, enforcing laws, administering justice, protecting property rights, reviewing executive actions, and ensuring the impartial administration of justice.

Emphasize the importance of the separation of powers among the branches of government, which helps to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful and undermines the democratic principles of the country.

Practice (15 minutes):

Distribute the handout with fill-in-the-blank questions and have the students complete the questions individually.

Check the answers as a class, clarifying any misunderstandings and reinforcing key concepts.

Assessment (15 minutes):

Conduct an interactive quiz to assess students’ understanding of the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the key points covered, highlighting the importance of understanding the functions of the different branches of government in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Encourage students to think about the role they can play in the future as informed citizens and active participants in the democratic process.

Weekly Assessment /Test 

  1. What are the three main branches of government in Nigeria? a. Executive, legislative, and administrative b. Executive, parliamentary, and judicial c. Executive, legislative, and judicial d. Executive, administrative, and parliamentary
  2. What is the primary function of the executive branch in Nigeria? a. Making laws b. Implementing and enforcing laws c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  3. Who is the head of the executive branch in Nigeria? a. The Speaker of the House of Representatives b. The Chief Justice c. The Senate President d. The President
  4. What is the legislative branch in Nigeria responsible for? a. Implementing and enforcing laws b. Making laws and setting public policy c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  5. What is the National Assembly in Nigeria? a. The executive branch b. The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives c. The judiciary d. None of the above
  6. What is the main function of the judiciary in Nigeria? a. Implementing and enforcing laws b. Making laws c. Interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  7. Who has the power to appoint judges in Nigeria? a. The Speaker of the House of Representatives b. The Chief Justice c. The Senate President d. The President
  8. What is the role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights? a. Implementing and enforcing laws b. Making laws c. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  9. What is the role of the legislative branch in Nigeria in terms of representation? a. Representing the people of Nigeria as a forum for the expression of their views and interests b. Implementing and enforcing laws c. Resolving legal disputes d. Overseeing the administration of the government
  10. What is the role of the three arms of government in Nigeria? a. To compete with each other for power and control b. To have no relationship with each other c. To work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation by upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights d. None of the above

These questions aim to assess students’ understanding of the functions of the arms of government in Nigeria, including the responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches

Answers

  1. c. Executive, legislative, and judicial
  2. b. Implementing and enforcing laws
  3. d. The President
  4. b. Making laws and setting public policy
  5. b. The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives
  6. c. Interpreting the law and resolving legal disputes
  7. d. The President
  8. c. Protecting individual rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination
  9. a. Representing the people of Nigeria as a forum for the expression of their views and interests
  10. c. To work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation by upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights
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