Constitutional Development in Nigeria (Pre-Independence Constitution II)
GOVERNMENT SS 2 SECOND TERM LESSON NOTES
WEEK 6: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (PRE-INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTIONS II)
Lesson Details
- Subject: Government
- Class: SS 2
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 6
- Age: 14 – 17 years
- Topic: Constitutional Development in Nigeria (Pre-Independence Constitution II)
- Sub-topic: The 1914, 1922, 1946, and 1951 Constitutions
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the concept of constitutional development in Nigeria.
- Identify and describe the major pre-independence constitutions.
- Highlight the key features and significance of each constitution.
- Analyze the impact of the pre-independence constitutions on Nigeria’s political development.
Keywords
- Constitution
- Amalgamation
- Franchise
- Legislative Council
- Federalism
- Regional Autonomy
Set Induction
The teacher asks students what they understand by a constitution and its importance in governing a country. The teacher then explains that Nigeria had several constitutions before gaining independence.
Entry Behavior
Students have prior knowledge of government structures and governance systems from previous lessons.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Nigerian Constitution (Handbook or Textbook)
- Charts showing different constitutions and their features
- Videos or slides on Nigeria’s constitutional history
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have previously learned about the meaning of a constitution and governance. This lesson builds on that knowledge by exploring Nigeria’s journey towards independence through various constitutional reforms.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Reasoning
- Communication
- Historical Analysis
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Government
- Government Textbooks
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Government for Senior Secondary Schools by Adesola A. Adebayo
- WAEC & NECO Past Questions on Government
Instructional Materials
- Pictures of colonial administrators
- Diagrams explaining constitutional development
- Excerpts from Nigerian constitutional documents
Lesson Content
Introduction to Nigeria’s Constitutional Development
Nigeria’s constitutional development has been a long and significant process, spanning from 1914 to 1999. This development can be divided into two phases:
- Pre-Independence Era (1914 – 1960)
- Post-Independence Era (1960 – 1999)
The pre-independence era featured six major constitutions that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence.
Major Pre-Independence Constitutions
1. The 1914 Constitution (Lord Lugard’s Constitution)
- Introduced by: Sir Frederick Lugard
- Key Features:
- Amalgamated the Northern and Southern protectorates into one entity, Nigeria.
- Established a centralized government under the British Governor-General.
- Limited participation of Nigerians in governance.
- Did not provide for any form of elected representation.
- Significance: This constitution marked the beginning of a unified Nigeria.
2. The 1922 Constitution (Clifford Constitution)
- Introduced by: Governor Hugh Clifford
- Key Features:
- Created the first elective principle (elections) in Nigeria.
- Established a Legislative Council with limited Nigerian representation.
- Allowed only wealthy men (earning at least £100 per year) to vote.
- Separated Lagos and Calabar as the only areas allowed to participate in elections.
- Significance:
- Marked the first step towards democratic governance in Nigeria.
- Inspired the growth of Nigerian nationalism and political movements.
3. The 1946 Constitution (Richard’s Constitution)
- Introduced by: Governor Sir Arthur Richards
- Key Features:
- Divided Nigeria into three regions – Northern, Eastern, and Western Regions.
- Allowed regional legislative councils to make local laws.
- Expanded representation but still limited Nigerian participation in governance.
- Aimed at promoting unity and regional autonomy.
- Significance:
- Strengthened regionalism, which later influenced Nigeria’s federal system.
- Gave Nigerians more involvement in decision-making at the regional level.
4. The 1951 Constitution (Macpherson Constitution)
- Introduced by: Governor Sir John Macpherson
- Key Features:
- Created a federal structure with central and regional governments.
- Allowed more Nigerian participation in governance.
- Gave regions some level of autonomy to make laws.
- Introduced a central legislative body representing all regions.
- Significance:
- Strengthened the federal system of government in Nigeria.
- Laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Class Activity Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pre-Independence Constitutions
- What is a constitution?
- A set of rules and principles that govern a country.
- Why is the 1914 Constitution important?
- It amalgamated the Northern and Southern protectorates to form Nigeria.
- Which constitution introduced elections in Nigeria?
- The Clifford Constitution of 1922.
- What was the main weakness of the 1922 Constitution?
- It allowed only a few Nigerians to vote based on income.
- Which constitution introduced regional governments in Nigeria?
- The Richard’s Constitution of 1946.
- How did the 1951 Constitution improve Nigerian governance?
- It strengthened federalism and gave regions more autonomy.
- What was a major disadvantage of the Richard’s Constitution?
- It still limited Nigerian participation in governance.
- Who was the Governor-General of Nigeria in 1914?
- Lord Frederick Lugard.
- Which constitution introduced the elective principle?
- The Clifford Constitution of 1922.
- What was the major impact of the Macpherson Constitution?
- It prepared Nigeria for self-government.
Presentation Steps
- The teacher revises the previous lesson on constitutional development.
- The teacher introduces the pre-independence constitutions and explains each one.
- The teacher highlights the key features of each constitution.
- The teacher asks students questions to assess understanding.
- The teacher summarizes and gives students a take-home assignment.
Evaluation Questions
- What is the importance of a constitution in a country?
- Name two key features of the 1914 Constitution.
- Which constitution introduced elections in Nigeria?
- What was the major weakness of the Clifford Constitution?
- How did the Richard’s Constitution change Nigeria’s governance?
- Mention one achievement of the Macpherson Constitution.
- Who was Nigeria’s Governor-General in 1914?
- In which year did Nigeria adopt a federal structure?
- How did the pre-independence constitutions shape Nigeria’s independence?
- Name two major constitutional reforms that led to Nigeria’s independence.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson by emphasizing how Nigeria’s pre-independence constitutions prepared the country for self-rule. Students are encouraged to research further on how these constitutions influenced modern Nigeria.