Separation of Power and Functions Social Studies Primary 4 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Lesson Plan: Separation of Power and Functions

Subject: Social Studies

Class: Primary 4

Term: Second Term

Week: Week 6

Age: 8–9 years

Topic: Separation of Power and Functions

Sub-topic: Meaning, Importance, and Functions of Separation of Power

Duration: 40 minutes

Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the concept of state government and its functions.

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Explain the meaning of separation of power.
2. State the importance of separation of power.
3. Identify the three arms of government.
4. Outline the functions of each arm of government.

Keywords

• Separation of Power
• Legislative
• Executive
• Judiciary
• Functions

Set Induction

The teacher shows a picture or chart depicting the three arms of government in Nigeria (Legislative, Executive, Judiciary) and asks:

• “Who makes the laws in Nigeria?”
• “Who ensures the laws are obeyed?”
• “Who settles disputes when laws are broken?”

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are familiar with the state government and its functions from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. A chart showing the three arms of government and their functions.
2. Flashcards labeled “Legislative,” “Executive,” and “Judiciary.”
3. Visual aids of prominent buildings such as the National Assembly, Aso Rock, and Supreme Court.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds pupils of the state government’s responsibilities and connects these to the broader framework of government organization through separation of power.

Embedded Core Skills

1. Critical thinking.
2. Communication.
3. Civic responsibility.

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Social Studies textbook
• Online articles or resources on government structure

Instructional Materials

1. Charts illustrating the arms of government.
2. Flashcards with examples of functions for each arm.
3. Whiteboard and markers.

Content

Meaning of Separation of Power

1. Definition:
   • Separation of power refers to dividing government responsibilities into three arms: Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary, to prevent one arm from becoming too powerful.
2. Importance:
   • Ensures no one arm of government has total control.
   • Promotes accountability and fairness.
   • Prevents misuse of power.

Arms of Government and Their Functions

1. Legislative (Lawmakers):
   • Makes laws for the country or state.
   • Examples: National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
2. Executive (Enforces Laws):
   • Ensures laws are obeyed.
   • Headed by the President (at the federal level) or Governor (at the state level).
3. Judiciary (Interprets Laws):
   • Settles disputes and ensures laws are applied fairly.
   • Examples: Supreme Court, High Court.

Examples of Separation of Power in Action

1. The National Assembly passes a new law on education (Legislative).
2. The President signs the law and ensures it is implemented (Executive).
3. A court resolves a case where the law was not followed (Judiciary).
4. A governor ensures state roads are built, following the budget approved by the legislature (Executive and Legislative collaboration).
5. A judge rules on a case involving property disputes (Judiciary).

Evaluation

Separation of Power and Functions

1. The __________ makes the laws.
   a) Executive
   b) Legislative
   c) Judiciary
   d) Police
2. The __________ enforces the laws.
   a) Legislative
   b) Judiciary
   c) Executive
   d) Military
3. The __________ settles disputes and interprets laws.
   a) Executive
   b) Judiciary
   c) Legislative
   d) Police
4. Separation of power prevents __________.
   a) Justice
   b) Fairness
   c) Misuse of power
   d) Freedom
5. The National Assembly is part of the __________ arm of government.
   a) Judiciary
   b) Executive
   c) Legislative
   d) Police

Class Activity Discussion Separation of Power and Functions

1. What is separation of power?
   • Dividing government roles into three arms: Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.
2. Why is separation of power important?
   • It prevents one arm from becoming too powerful.
3. What does the Legislative arm do?
   • Makes laws.
4. What is the role of the Executive arm?
   • Enforces laws.
5. What is the duty of the Judiciary?
   • Settles disputes and interprets laws.
6. Who heads the Executive arm in Nigeria?
   • The President.
7. What is an example of the Judiciary’s work?
   • A judge settles a land dispute.

Presentation Steps

1. Revision:
   • The teacher revises the previous topic on state government and its problems.
2. Introduction:
   • The teacher introduces the concept of separation of power using charts and flashcards.
3. Explanation and Discussion:
   • The teacher explains the meaning, importance, and functions of separation of power.
   • Pupils discuss real-life examples of how the government works.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Explain the concept and importance of separation of power.
2. Discuss the functions of the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.
3. Use charts and flashcards to enhance understanding.

Learners’ Activities

1. Identify examples of government roles in their environment.
2. Answer questions about the three arms of government.
3. Discuss why separation of power is important.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is separation of power?
2. Name the three arms of government.
3. What is the function of the Judiciary?
4. Mention one importance of separation of power.
5. Who heads the Executive arm in Nigeria?

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson by reviewing the meaning, importance, and functions of separation of power. Pupils are tasked to draw a diagram of the three arms of government in their notebooks.

Primary 4 Social Studies First Term Second Term and Third Term Scheme