• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 4
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: National Values Education
  • Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
  • Previous Lesson: Consequences Of Bad Leadership: Riot And Insecurity
  • Topic: Arms Of Government: Meaning And Divisions
  • Content: Meaning, Divisions: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary

Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain: Define the arms of government and list its three divisions.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of the arms of government in ensuring good governance.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Identify the three arms of government from a diagram/chart.
  • Social Domain: Discuss the role of each arm of government in a group activity.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Flashcards showing the roles of each arm of government
  • Charts illustrating the structure of government
  • A short video on the arms of government
  • Marker and whiteboard

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the arms of government helps pupils comprehend the structure and operations of governance, enabling them to become informed citizens who respect the rule of law.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with the concept of leadership and governance from the previous lesson on bad leadership.


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction 5 minsSet InductionInteractive questioningThe teacher asks pupils to recall and discuss their previous knowledge of leadership.Pupils recall and respond to questions. connect leadership to governance.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsExpositoryUse of teaching aidsThe teacher explains the arms of government and their meaning, using charts and flashcards.Pupils observe charts and listen attentively. understand the meaning of arms of government.
Step 3: Description10 minsDemonstrationGroup activityThe teacher describes the divisions (Executive, Legislative, Judiciary) and their roles.Pupils participate in group activities discussing the roles. identify the divisions of government.
Step 4: Note Taking5 minsWritingGuided instructionThe teacher dictates key points for pupils to copy in their notes.Pupils write the key points in their notebooks. document important concepts.
Step 5: Evaluation5 minsOral questioningInteractive learningThe teacher asks pupils questions to assess understanding of the topic.Pupils answer questions based on the lesson. reflect on their learning.
Step 6: Conclusion5 minsSummaryRepetitionThe teacher summarizes the topic and encourages questions.Pupils ask questions for clarification. consolidate their learning.

Lesson Content

Arms Of Government: Meaning And Divisions

Government is a system through which a country is managed. It is responsible for making and enforcing laws.

Divisions of government:

  1. Executive: Implements and enforces laws.
  2. Legislative: Makes the laws.
  3. Judiciary: Interprets and applies the laws.

Each arm of government works independently yet cooperatively to maintain order and justice in the country.


Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define the term “arms of government.”
  2. List the three arms of government.
  3. State one function of each arm of government.
  4. Explain why it is important to have three arms of government.
  5. Identify the arm of government responsible for making laws.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Encourage pupils to actively participate by asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Use simple language and relatable examples to clarify concepts. Happy teaching!

Last Update: January 17, 2025