- Class: Primary 5
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 10
- Age: 10 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: National Values Education
- Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
- Previous Lesson: Functions And Examples Of The Judiciary
- Topic: Reasons For Division Of The Arms Of Government
- Content: To avoid abuses or dictatorship; Ensure that the constitution is obeyed; for orderliness.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive domain: Explain three reasons for the division of the arms of government.
- Affective domain: Appreciate the importance of having separate arms of government in maintaining order.
- Psychomotor domain: Identify each arm of government and its role in ensuring order.
- Social domain: Discuss how separation of powers ensures fairness in governance.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online information from: Wikipedia – Separation of powers
- Relevant textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A chart showing the arms of government and their functions
- A diagram illustrating the relationship between the arms
- Relevant textbooks
- A whiteboard and markers
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the reasons for the division of arms of government is important to prevent abuse of power, promote fairness, and maintain orderliness in society.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with the functions and examples of the judiciary from the previous lesson and can relate this knowledge to the current topic.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Question and Answer | Asks pupils to recall what they learned about the judiciary. | Pupils respond and share prior knowledge. | Recall of previous knowledge. |
| Step 2: Explanation | 10 mins | Lecture | Visual Aids | Explains arms of government and their division using charts. | Pupils listen, observe charts, and ask questions. | Understanding of arms of government. |
| Step 3: Listing Reasons | 10 mins | Discussion | Brainstorming | Lists and explains reasons for the division (e.g., avoid abuse). | Pupils brainstorm and note reasons given. | Awareness of the importance. |
| Step 4: Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guided Practice | Guides pupils in copying notes on the topic. | Pupils copy notes into their notebooks. | Reinforcement of the topic. |
| Step 5: Evaluation | 5 mins | Questioning | Interactive Session | Asks pupils questions to assess understanding. | Pupils answer questions orally. | Assessment of comprehension. |
| Step 6: Conclusion | 5 mins | Recap | Summary | Summarizes the reasons for division and its importance. | Pupils listen attentively. | Consolidation of learning. |
Lesson Content
Reasons For Division Of The Arms Of Government
The government has three main arms: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. These arms have separate functions to prevent misuse of power and ensure fairness.
- To Avoid Abuses or Dictatorship: Ensures no single arm becomes too powerful.
- To Ensure the Constitution is Obeyed: Each arm checks the others for compliance.
- For Orderliness: Clear roles prevent confusion and conflict.
- To Promote Accountability: Each arm is responsible for specific duties.
- To Encourage Justice: Fair decisions are made without bias.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- List three reasons for the division of the arms of government.
- Explain how the separation of powers promotes justice.
- Identify which arm ensures laws are obeyed.
- Discuss why preventing dictatorship is important.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
Ensure the charts are visible and the discussion remains engaging to keep pupils actively participating. Encourage questions to clarify doubts. Happy teaching!
