Civic Education Plan Notes of Lesson Basic 8 (JSS2) 2nd Term

JSS2 Second term Free Lesson Notes. Civic Education Plan Basic 8 for Junior Secondary Schools, Punishable offence, Democracy Institution.

CIVIC EDUCATION SCHEME OF WORK FOR BASIC 8 (JSS2) 2ND TERM

WEEKSTOPICSLEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson the students should be able to:
1Revision of last term’s work 
2The Rule of LawDefine the meaning of , State the benefits of the rule of law, and arbitrary rule
3Punishable OffenceDefine the meaning of punishable offence, state examples of punishable offences and their punishment
4Protection of Human right of lawExplain the meaning of protection of human rights, analyse how individuals and group can assist in protecting human rights
5Groups that assists in protecting human right of citizensTrade Union , Student Union, CIO, DHR
6Consumer rights and responsibilityUniversal rights or consumer responsibility of consumer
7MID TERM BREAKMidterm- Test
8DemocracyDefine the meaning of democracy , state features of democracy , state benefits of democracy
9Democracy InstitutionExplain meaning of democracy institution with examples, state functions and state importance
10Pillars of DemocracyExplain meaning , state examples of the pillars of democracy
11Revision 
12Examination 

WEEK:          ONE                                                              

TOPIC:          REVISION OF LAST TERM’S WORK/ WELCOME TEST

WEEK:        2                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Define rule of law
  2. State and explain principle / features of rule of law
  3. State Explain the benefit of the rule of law over arbitrary law

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT:

THE RULE OF LAW

Law is the set of rules and regulations by which a society is governed to maintain peace and orderliness. The rule of law means the supremacy of law over the citizens in a country. The equality of every citizen before the law and the presence of individual right.

A.V. Dicey propounded the doctrine that leaders should abide by the rule of law and govern the people according to the provision of the constitution of the country.

PRINCIPLES / FEATURES OF RULE OF LAW

The rule of law has the following principle as explained by Prof. A.V. Dicey

1. PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW: There is no citizens that is above the law. The law should apply to all with respect for person and without respect for person. Hence, all citizens should be equal before the law.

2. PRINCIPLE OF IMPARTIALITY: These includes that suspects should not be detained for more than twenty – four hours. An offender should still be innocent until he is proved guity by the process in the court.

3. THE PRINCIPLES OF SUPREMACY: Nobody is above the law of supremacy over all.

4. PRINCIPLES OF FAIR HEARING: People arrested for an offence should be given fair hearing through formal legal process in the court before condemned or sentence to jail.

5. RIGHT OF APPEAL: When a lower court’s judgment on an individual is not satisfied, he should appeal in a higher court.

6. FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT: The right of individual should be enthrenched in the constitution enforced and guaranteed.

BENEFITS OF THE RULE OF LAW OVER ARBITRARY RULE

1. It protects citizens against arbitrary rule: Rule of law ensures that citizens have access to seek re-dress in court when they feel cheated or their right is infringed upon.

2. Guarantees the fundamental human right: It makes every citizen enjoy the fundamental human rights as stated in the constitution.

3. Ensures process freedom: Journalist have freedom (though not without limits) to express views about government policies and how they affect the masses. This freedom leaves journalist unpunished for pointing out areas where government is not performing.

4. Prevent unlawful detention: No person should be detained beyond 24hours before trial in court. Individuals can see government and its agents for unlawful arrest or detention.

5. Allows for equality of all citizens: Under the rule of law, there is no sacred cow. The law applies to all and all citizens are equal before the law.

6. Give rooms for appeal: When judgement given by a lower court is not satisfactory, rule of law gives room for appeal to a higher court.

EVALUATION

Mention three features of the rule of law.

Limitations of the Rule of Law

  1. State of emergency.
  2. Immunity of diplomats
  3. Immunity of head of state
  4. Unlawful detention and arrest.
  5. Customs and traditions.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1.  State three benefits of the rule of law.
  2. Mention four limitations of the rule of law.
  3. Mention three factors that promote the value system.
  4. Mention two importance of values.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs 70-75

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. Who stated that everyone is equal before the law? A. Hernan Defoe B. A.V. Dicey C. WoleOgba

D. Joseph Ebi

  • These are limitations to the rule of law except____.  A. Customs and traditions B. Immunity of Head of State C. Peace D. Unlawful detention and arrest.
  • The laws of any nation are written in a____. A. constitution B. novel C. dictionary D. parchment
  • The statement “nobody is above the law” means_____. A. supremacy of the law B. partial principle

C. fair hearing D. right to appeal

  • The most important feature of the rule of law is______. A. equality before the law B. fair hearing

C. right to appeal D. principle of impartiality

THEORY

  1. Mention three limitations of the rule of law.
  2. State two benefits of the rule of law.

WEEK:        3                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Explain punishable offence
  2. State the two classes of types of offences 
  3. Explain Police and its roles
  4. Explain EFFC, NAFDAC, NDLEA AND THE FUNCTIONS OR ROLES with Punishable Offences

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT:

PUNISHABLE OFFENCE

People commit lots of offences in their activities or relationships with others that are punishable by law. There are various types and degrees offences commensurate their punishment.

There are two classes of offences

  1. Criminal offences
  2. Civic offences

CRIMINAL OFFENCES

1. CRIMINAL OFFENCES: There are severe offences with severe penalties. Though citizen must be tried in the court of law and found guilty of such offences before punishment is metes out with respect of the provision of law. Criminal offences includes crimes like bribery, drug trafficking, corruption and human trafficking. Criminal offences may attract jail term and death penalties.

CIVIC OFFENCES

2. CIVIC OFFENCES: They are less critical offences yet they attract penalties. They include libel prostitution, slander, sanitation offences and so on.

They are punishable by impressing fire and shat detension sentences.

The state and the rule of law: In this context, ‘state’ means the nation or country.

Institution or arms of government that help in formulating and enforcement of the rule of law includes the legislature, executive, judiciary and the law enforcement agencies such as police, EFCC, ICFC and so on.

THE LEGISLATURE

1. THE LEGISLATURE: This aim of government makes for a country.

Legislature and the rule of law

In formulating and enforcing the rule of law the legislature.

  1. Makes necessary laws that help in protecting the rule of law
  2. Make amendments to constitution when necessary
  3. Helps in establishing law enforcement agencies like NAFDAC, EFCC, NHRC, INEC etc.
  4. Has power to impeach the president in case he abuse power
  5. Has the power to investigate financial activities of any government departments.

Laws are the rules and regulations that help the society to be orderly so as to have peace, progress and harmony. The citizens in such a society are expected to maintain law and order. Failure to adhere to such will lead to chaos and anarchy. This normally leads to state of emergencies, curfews and so on. The person that runs away from the law is called a fugitive. There are offences that could mar the stability of the society. Some of them are as follows:

  1. Fraud.
  2. Murder.
  3. Rape.
  4. Theft and armed robbery.
  5. Kidnapping.
  6. Drug trafficking smuggling.
  7. Child trafficking.
  8. Electoral malpractices.
  9. Assault.

EVALUATION

What are rules?

PUNISHMENT FOR BREAKING THE LAW

  1. Death sentence/ capital punishment.
  2. The convict could be jailed.
  3. Amputation in some societies.
  4. Loss of rights, position or property.
  5. Flogging.
  6. Payment of fines.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. Mention three punishable offences.
  2. State three punishments for breaking the law.
  3. What is contentment?
  4. Mention three attributes of contentment.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipg 76.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. A person that runs away from the law is regarded as a____. A. fraudster B. noble C. fugitive D. accused
  2.  These are situations that could mar a society except______. A. kidnapping B. harmony C. child trafficking D. rape
  3. The highest form of punishment is____. A. death sentence B. flogging C. payment of fines D. amputation
  4. All of these bring chaos and anarchy in the society except_____. A. armed robbery B. fraud C. electoral malpractices D. payment of taxes
  5. A person that cheats is called____. A. cheat B. cheater C. cheatest D. thief

THEORY

  1. State three types of offences in the society.
  2. Mention two punishments for the breaking the law.

PUNISHABLE OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENT OF LAWS (CONTINUES)

2. THE EXECUTIVE: This aim of government implements and enforces the law and other government politics.

THE ROLE IN ENFORCING AND FORMULATING THE LAW

  1. It protects lives and properties through law enforcement agents like the police, NAFDAC etc.
  2. It helps in implanting all laws made by the legislature
  3. The president with his cabinet has the duty to defend the constitution
  4. It advices the legislature when there is need to amend the constitution (electrical laws in Nigeria was amended before April 2012 general election)
  5. Imposes curfew whenever there is chaos and commotion in the country.

3. THE JUDICIARY: The judiciary interprets the law

THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY INCLUDES

  1. It helps in interpreting the law
  2. It fights against any constitutional abuse or violation by other arms of government, individual or organisations.
  3. It punishes violation of the law
  4. It determines the quality and punish them accordingly
  5. It has power to release anyone unjustly detained

4. THE POLICE: The police has right to enforce the laws preserve peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment partnership with the communities to enforce quality of life is also part of their responsibilities.

ROLES OF POLICE

  1. Protect lives and properties
  2. Protects and arrest suspects
  3. Maintain law and order in the society
  4. Settle minor disputes that may culminate into breakdown of law and order
  5. Fights crime by preventing it and by rigorous pursuit of violates of law
  6. Investigate criminal cases and presents suspect in court.

5. THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC): This was set up in 2002. It focus on combining financial and economic crimes. The commission is empowered to prevent, investigate and penalize economic and financial crimes. It also enforce other laws and regulations relations to economic or financial environs such as embezzlement of public funds, fraud etc.

PUNISHABLE OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENT OF LAWS (CONTINUES)

6. THE INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES COMMUNICATION (ICPC): This communication was established on September, 29th 2000 to compliants, investigates and persecute corrupt people. It is also to enlighten the public about the fight against bribery, corruption and related offences. The major role of the commission is to make Nigeria socially free from corruption in forms of misappropriation of fund and illegal punishment.

7. THE NATIONAL AGENCIES FOR FOOD AND DRUGS ADMISSION AND CONTROL (NAFDAC)

NAFDAC was established by decree of 1993 but officially established a parastatar of the Federal Ministry of Health in January 1st, 1994 to regulate and control the quality of foods, drugs, cosmetics, median services, chemical detergent and packaged water imported and locally made distributed in Nigeria.

FUNCTIONS OF NAFDAC

1. Regulatory Functions: it control importation of exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sales of drugs, cosmetics etc.

2. Inspection Functions: It inspects imported goods, drugs, cosmestics etc. by establishing the quality and certifies production site of production.

3. Registration Functions: It registers food, drugs, bottled water and chemicals.

4. Investigation Functions: Investigate production premises and raw materials for food and drugs.

8. THE NATIONAL DRUG AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (NDLEA)

It was established by decree 48 of 2000. It was the sole of agency for drug enforcements in Nigeria.

FUNCTIONS OF NDLEA

  1. The co-ordination of all drug laws and enforcement function conferred on any person and authority.
  2. Adoption of measures of eradicating illegal cultivation of narcotic plants and eliminate illicit demand for them and psychotropic substances
  3. Maintenance of investigation and control techniques
  4. Improving on eradition efforts
  5. Improving enforcement of laws against illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
  6. Elements and preventing major causes of the problems of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

WEEK:        4                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Explain human rights
  2. State the human rights
  3. Explain the human right protections

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT: 

PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHT OF LAW

Defining Human Rights

As we said above, there is no agreed-upon definition of human rights. They can be thought of as rights that protect especially urgent moral concerns of humans that are: (a) universal, i.e., applying to every human and (b) apply equally, meaning everyone has the same human rights — to life and liberty, for example. Notice that “inalienable” is not included in the definition.

Many people believe that at least some human rights can be forfeited by certain actions, especially by committing crimes, and that some human rights can be overridden under certain rare circumstances. For instance, it might be morally acceptable to quarantine someone for a limited period of time if she is infected with a highly contagious deadly disease, although generally people are thought to have the right to liberty.

The theories of human rights’ origins are contentious. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It goes on to designate a long list of rights including:

  • the right to life, liberty, and security of person,
  • the right not to be tortured,
  • the right to due process and equal treatment before the law,
  • freedom of thought, opinion, expression, conscience, and religion,
  • the right to participate in his or her countries’ government
  • the right to work, and an adequate standard of living

Human Rights Protection

Methods of guaranteeing human rights vary with the sort of human right being violated, and how the violation occurs. Generally, states are assumed to have primary responsibility for guaranteeing their citizens’ human rights, but, at the same time, states are often the worst violators of human rights. Since World War II, however, states have consented to a number of institutions and treaties that limit their sovereign internal and external powers. For instance, the UN Charter, the Genocide Convention, and the International Criminal Court all limit the powers states have. These supranational institutions both place limits on what states can legally do, and provide some remedies for violations of human rights. These remedies range from authorizing humanitarian intervention under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to peacekeeping missions to authorizing the arrest of a head of state. Recent normative developments, such as the responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine, may create higher costs for states that abuse their citizens and may provide another justification for international humanitarian intervention, as happened in Libya in the spring of 2011.

Another means of protecting human rights originates with non-state actors such as NGOs. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch expose violations of human rights, which put pressure on governments to change their practices. Citizens themselves sometimes organize to overthrow human-rights violating regimes such as occurred in North Africa and the Middle East in 2011.

WEEK:        5                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. State the groups that assist the protecting human rights of a citizen
  2. Explain examples of groups that assist in protection human rights
  3. State and Explain their functions, purpose and benefits

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT:

GROUPS THAT ASSIST IN PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHT OF CITIZEN

Groups That Assist In Protecting The Human Rights Of Citizens

  1. Civil Society Organization (CSOs)
  2. Trade Unions
  3. Student Unions
  4. Ethnic Association
  5. Legal Aid Council Of Nigeria
  6. Declaration of Human Rights ( DHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It goes on to designate a long list of rights including:

  1. The right to life, liberty, and security of person,
  2. The right not to be tortured,
  3. The right to due process and equal treatment before the law,
  4. Freedom of thought, opinion, expression, conscience, and religion,
  5. The right to participate in his or her countries’ government
  6. The right to work, and an adequate standard of living

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSO’s)

It refers to a wide of array of organizations, community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) , labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional organizations, and foundations.

Civil Society comprises organizations with government including

  1. Schools and universities
  2. Advocacy groups
  3. Professional associations
  4. Churches
  5. Cultural institutions

The Functions of and Opportunities for Civil society in Peace building in developing countries

  1. Protection
  2. Monitoring
  3. Advocacy and public communication
  4. Social cohesion
  5. Intermediation and facilitation
  6. Service delivery

THE THREE (3) PRINCIPLES OF CIVIL SOCIETY ARE:

  1.  Participatory engagement
  2. Constitutional authority
  3. Moral responsibility

STUDENT UNIONS

It refers to an organization of students in a college or university that arranges social events and sometimes helps to provide health services and place to live

The largest Student Union in the world is Billed in Oklahoma State University where student activity centered for meetings, conferences, meals, recreation, and shopping for students and alumni on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 

PURPOSE OF STUDENTS UNION

  1. To represent students both within the institution and externally
  2. Discussion of local and national issues
  3. Providing a variety of services to the students

BENEFITS OF STUDENT UNIONS

  1. Giving back to the students community through events
  2. Giving back to the students through academic supports
  3. Social networking opportunities
  4. Great fun with their peers
  5. Adding immense value to the learning experience

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. Mention three groups that protect human rights of citizens.
  2. Mention two personalities known for their human rights activities.
  3. What is honesty?             
  4. Mention three attributes of honesty

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs86-89

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. The full meaning of NUT is____. A. National Universal Tools B. Nigeria Union of Teachers C. National Union of Teachers D. Non Universal Treaty
  2. These are organized bodies that assist in protecting human rights in Nigeria except_____. A. Trade Union B. CLO C. NFF. D. Students’ Union
  3. These are basic rights of human except_____. A. right to life B. right to own property C. Right to  free food D. right to free movement
  4. The umbrella name for trade unions is____. A. Nigeria Labour Congress B. Group Action C. Nigeria Conservative Fund D. Occupy Trade Act
  5. The mass media comprises the following except_____. A. Television B. Magazine C. Radio D. Pen

THEORY

  1. State three human rights of man.
  2. Mention two human rights activists in Nigeria.

WEEK:        6                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Define the meaning of consumer right
  2. State and explain the rights of consumer
  3. State and explain the responsibility of consumers

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT: 

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY

A consumer is a person that buys and uses a commodity produced by another person. Most consumers do not produce and that is why they consume most of the goods they have.There are some consumer rights and they are as follows:

  1. Safety: The consumer has the right to safety while enjoying a product. The product must be hygienically packed.
  2. Satisfaction of basic needs: There must be satisfaction on the part of the consumer while using a product.
  3. Redress: The consumer has the right to seek redress if he feels cheated by the producer.
  4. Representation to be heard: Consumers have groups that represent them so as to lodge complaints or make their observation known.
  5. Information: The consumer has the right to get adequate information necessary for deriving maximum satisfaction from the product he bought.

EVALUATION

Who is a consumer?

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Consumer protection is the various ways and methods that government and the private organizations ensure  that consumers are not cheated or exploited by the producers and middlemen and that they derive satisfaction from the consumption of goods and services they pay for. The consumer must be aware of the latin expression “caveat emptor”, which means “buyers beware”.

REASONS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

  1. Substandard goods or low quality goods.
  2. Misleading or false advertisement.
  3. To ensure maximum satisfaction.
  4. Regular supply of goods.
  5. Inadequate instructions or direction.

EVALUATION

State two reasons for consumer protection

SOME AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

  1. Consumer Association.
  2. Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
  3. Ministry of Trade and Industry.
  4. Price Control Board (PCB).
  5. Manufacturers Association (M.A).

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Think independently: The consumer should not be carried away by the advertisement on the product by the manufacturer. He should know the quantity of what he wants to purchase.
  2. Beware: the consumer should check the product he wants to buy thoroughly to know if it is the original and at the right place.
  3. Demand and keep proofs of transactions: Documents like receipts, invoice warranty, pay slip are proofs that transactions took place between the seller and the consumer. These documents should be kept for future purposes.
  4. Respect the environment: The consumer must make sure that the environment is not littered with wastes of the products he has used.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. List four universal rights of a consumer.
  2. Mention three responsibilities of the consumer.
  3. State four importance of discipline in a society.
  4. Mention four features of discipline.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs 91-94.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. These are some agencies that are responsible for consumer protection except_____. A. SON B. M. A.

C. PCB D. GSK

  • “Caveat Emptor” is a____ word. A. Greek B. Latin C. French D. German
  • All of these are consumer rights except_____. A. safety  B. redress  C. satisfaction of goods

D. exploitation

  • Another name for caveat emptor is____. A. we sell here B. buyers beware C. good product D. terms and conditions apply
  • These are proofs that there was a transaction between a seller and a buyer except_____. A. invoice

B. receipts C. pay slip D. watermark

THEORY

  1. State three responsibilities of a consumer.
  2. Mention two reasons for consumer protection.

The Right to Safety

  1. The Right to Safety: This right refers to any product, other than an automobile, that may cause bodily harm to the consumer when used as it was intended to be used. This right gained further attention in 1972, when the US government formed the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which set up safety and performance standards for products, requiring them to be tested and carry warning labels if necessary. Conversely, the consumer’s responsibility here is to use the product safely, follow all directions, and to be aware of any future warnings regarding the product. If you’re concerned about safety in the workplace, this course on safety training for supervisors will help get your work area ship shape.

The Right to Be Informed

  1. The Right to Be Informed: Here, it is the company’s responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information so that the consumer is able to make intelligent and informed choices. This right covers all products, but its original aim was to eradicate misleading information in the areas of financing, advertising, labeling, and packaging. Some examples of the legislation passed as a result of this right include the Wholesome Meat Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The responsibility of the consumer lies in their obligation to analyze this product information, and to use it wisely.

The Right to Choose

  1. The Right to Choose: Consumers not only have the right to a variety of options to choose from, but the environment in which the products and services are offered must be healthy, and conducive to fair competition. The government has promoted this environment by passing legislation regarding patent law, anti-trusts, and price-cutting and gouging. The responsibility of the consumer is to simply make their choices carefully. If you’ve got a patent you’d like to protect, this course on how to write and file a patent will show you how to deal with patent protection yourself.

The Right to be Heard

  1. The Right to be Heard: Consumers have the right to express their complaints and concerns, resulting not only in safer goods and services, but also for the creation of laws regarding this safety. There’s no official forum for these complaints to be heard, but state and federal attorney generals, as well as organizations like the Better Business Bureau deal with these situations all of the time. It’s a consumer’s responsibility to express their concern when necessary.

The Right to Satisfy Basic Needs

  1. The Right to Satisfy Basic Needs: People have a right to have access to basic fundamental needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, sanitation, water, etc. Not only should consumers have access to these necessities, they should be responsible enough to consume these items sustainably, so that not only are they fulfilled, but so others can have their needs met, as well.
  2. The Right to Redress: If a consumer has lost money or otherwise felt cheated due to misrepresentation, shoddy products, or unsatisfactory services, they have the right to request money or other benefits to make up for their loss. The responsibility that lies with them is to seek appropriate compensation if a wrong is committed, in order to any wrongdoings are unacceptable.
  3. The Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to make the best-informed decision when making a purchase, and this information should be readily available, and easy to understand. It is their duty to remain properly informed as the nature of products evolves over time, and information changes.
  4. The Right to a Healthy Environment: Expanding out from consumers rights, and into basic human rights, people have the right to live and work in an environment that is healthy non-threatening. This is not only for the people now, but also for future generations, and their responsibility is to make choices that minimize their environmental impact on the people of today and tomorrow.

WEEK 7:     MIDTERM BREAK                    MID-TERM TEST

WEEK:        8                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Define Democracy
  2. State the types of democracy
  3. State and explain the features of democracy

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT: 

DEMOCRACY

 

Definitions of Democracy

Democracy has been defined by various philosophers and writers in different ways e.g.

Aristotle definition of democracy, It is the rule of mob and condemns it.

See lay defined it as a government in which everyone has a share.

In short democracy is that form of government in which sovereignty remains in the hands of the entire nation, which can make and unmake the government.

Types of Democracy

Following are two types of democracy

1. Direct Democracy

Under this system the people take direct in the affairs of the state. The people themselves are the rulers and they are the ruled at the same time. They themselves make the laws, enforce them and decide cases according to these laws. Such a democracy existed in City States of ancient Greece and Rome. Some practices of direct democracy are still observed in Switzerland and in some states of the USA.

2. Indirect or Representative Democracy

After the creation of large nation states, it became impossible for all the people directly to participate in the affairs of the state. Under this form of government the people elect a small number of representatives or delegation and give them the authority to run the government. Since the people rule through these representatives, we give the system the name of indirect or representative democracy. Today in almost all the countries of the world there is indirect or representative democracy.

FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY

  1. Periodic election.
  2. Franchise
  3. Political parties
  4. Free association and groups
  5. Secret ballot.

Democracy is the type of government where people exercise their political power to elect people into political offices through the means of an election. It is considered to be the best form of government because there are “Checks and Balances”. It is often defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. This was stated by the 16th president of America (Abraham Lincoln).

EVALUATION

What is democracy?

ORIGIN OF DEMOCRACY

The word DEMO (people) and KRATIA (government) form DEMOCRACY.  It originated from ancient Greece where the adult males form the legislature. There was no separation of power. This means that the legislature, the executive and the judiciary were fused together.

FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY

  1. Rule of law.
  2. Periodic free and fair elections.
  3. Freedom of the press.
  4. Tolerance of opposition.
  5. Party system.

EVALUATION

State three features of  democracy.

BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY

  1. Equal opportunity for all citizens.
  2. Existence of the rule of law.
  3. It encourages tolerance.
  4. It encourages political stability.
  5. It gives legitimacy to elect people.

CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF DEMOCRACY

  1. Supremacy of the constitution.
  2. Free and fair elections.
  3. Rule of law.
  4. Existence of opposition.
  5. Independence of the judiciary.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. State four benefits of democracy.
  2. Mention three conditions necessary for successful operation of democracy.
  3. State three consequences of disobedience in schools.
  4. Mention four consequences of disobedience on the individual and the society.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs 97-101

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. Democracy started from_____. A. England B. France C. Greece D. Germany
  2. KRATIA means____. A. people B. government C. institution D. state
  3. “Democracy is about the people” was propounded by____. A. James Sherwood B. Robin Johnson C. Abraham Lincoln D. Winston Churchill
  4. DEMO means____. A. government B. people C. politics D. amnesty
  5. These are features of democracy except____. A. rule of law B. chaos C. periodic elections D. party system

THEORY

  1. State three benefits of democracy.
  2. Mention two conditions necessary for the successful operation of democracy.

WEEK:        9                 DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

By the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

i.      Define democratic institutions

ii.    Describe four democratic institutions

iii.  Mention three functions of each of the democratic institutions

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT: 

DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTION

MEANING OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTION:    

Democratic institutions are institutions that facilitate and promote the operations of democracy. They are those institutions that make democracy to work. Some democratic institutions are:

a.     Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

b.     Political Parties

c.      Pressure Group

d.     Arms of Government

 INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC):

A.   INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC):

INEC is a corporate body charged with the responsibility of organizing, conducting and supervising elections into electoral offices in the country. The activities of INEC are governed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria of 1999 and the Electoral Act of 2006.

The commission is made up of a chairman and 12 members, all appointed by the president with approval of the Senate. Both the chairman and the members of the commission are appointed for a renewable term of five years.

Functions of INEC:

2.     Conduct of referenda and plebiscites

1.     Conduct of election

3.     Voters registration

4.     Constituency delimitation (division of the country into constituency)

5.     Register political parties, monitor the organization and operation of political parties and campaign

6.      Provision of electoral officers and materials

7.     Fixing of  date of election

8.     Provide security at the polling station

9.     Education the electorate

POLITICAL PARTIES

B.   POLITICAL PARTIES: Political parties are organized group of individual who share same political ideologies, beliefs and interests and who are seeking to win elections and control the state power and machinery of government.

Functions of Political Parties:

1.     Political parties serve as a forum for national unity and mutual understanding. This is possible because it brings together people from different ethnic and religious groups.

2.     Political education  to members and general public

3.     It serves as machinery  for recruitment /appointment

4.     It serves as a link between the people and the government

5.     It ensures political stability in government

6.      It allows for harmonization of sectional and diversified interest

7.     Provision of social amenities  and infrastructure

8.     It helps to sensitize the electorate on crucial national issues, governmental policies and programmes

9.     Political parties ensure that the party in power is accountable to the electorate through constructive criticism.

PRESSURE GROUP

C.   PRESSURE GROUP: is an organised body of people seeking to influence government policy, in order to promote the interest of their members. Pressure groups are also called interest groups.

Functions of Pressure Group:

1.     Offer useful pieces of advice and suggestions

2.     Help to promote economic stability

3.     Provide and promote certain general welfare services to the public

4.     Educate members and the public on national issues and fundamental human rights

5.     Act as a link between the people and the government

6.     Act as watchdog over  public policies

7.     Support to candidates and political parties to win election

8.     Act as manpower bank from where government can draw experts to serve in the government.

ARMS GOVERNMENT

D.   ARMS GOVERNMENT: for democracy to work or thrive, the functions, activities and personnel of arms government; executive, legislature and Judiciary, must be separated.

Main Functions of Arms of Government:

1.     Executive: execute/implement the law

2.     Legislature: make the law

3.     Judiciary: Interprets the law

Evaluation Questions: Answer the following questions:

i.                   Define democratic institutions

ii.                 Describe four democratic institutions

iii.              Mention three functions of each of the democratic institutions.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs 103-112

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. State three groups in the pressure group.
  2. Mention three characteristics of pressure group.
  3. What is courage?
  4. Mention five characteristics of courageous people.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. INEC is responsible for the division of the country into_____. A. constitutionally B. constituencies C. components D. border lines
  2. The current chairman of APC is_____. A. AlliModu Sheriff B. John Oyegun C. Harry Marshall D. Gbenga Daniels
  3. In this current dispensation, democracy started in____. A.2000 B. 1999 C. 2001 D. 2015
  4. These are the features of the pressure group except____. A. they exploit their members B. the rarely recruit members C. they protect common interest of members D. they are financed through members’ contribution
  5. The immediate past chairman of INEC was____. A. Prof. JegaB.Dr. OnuC.Prof. Obasi D. Chief Onasanya

THEORY

  1. State two functions of a political party.
  2. Mention three functions of the electoral commission.

WEEK:        10                DAY:                              SUBJECT:

DATE:                            TOPIC:  

SUBTOPIC:                    PERIODS:                      DURATION:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:      

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

  1. Explain the pillars of democracy
  2. Explain the examples of the pillars of democracy

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

CONTENT: 

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY

Pillars of democracy refer to the essential elements necessary for successful practice of democracy. They are structures that must be in place for the sustainability of democracy. Without them, democracy will be futile. They are as follows:

PEOPLE

Without the people, the society will not exist and without the people, democracy will not be in place because it is the people that will practice it. The role of the people to make it work in their nation is vital because every system of government need people for it to be functional. The following are the roles of the people in making

democracy that work. They are:

  1. Participation in election.
  2. Willingness to embrace democracy.
  3. Loyalty to the nation.
  4. Willingness to join a political party.
  5. Willingness to serve the nation.

EVALUATION

Mention three roles of people in a democratic setting.

THE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

This refers to the organs of government. They are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

LEGISLATURE

The legislature comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. They are the law making body of the government. The head of the Senate is called the Senate President while the head of the House is called Speaker. At the state level, there is only one House of Assembly and is headed by the Speaker. Some of its functions are as follows:            

  1. Making laws.
  2. Passing appropriation bill.
  3. Acts as check on the activities of the executive and the judiciary.
  4. Confirming the appointment of political appointees forwarded to it.

EVALUATION

State three functions of the legislature.

EXECUTIVE

This is the organ that enforces laws and policies for the nation.The federal executive is headed by the president, the state is headed by the governor while the local government level is headed by the chairman. Some of its functions are:

  1. It appoints and removes members of the cabinet.
  2. It prepares annual budgets and its implementation.
  3. The presidency maintains foreign relations with other nations.
  4. It implements laws made by the legislature.

JUDICIARY

This is the arm of government that interprets the law made by the legislature which is made up of magistrates, judges and chief judges. The head of judiciary in Nigeria is the Chief Justice of the Federation. Some of its functions are as follows:

  1. It interprets the law.
  2. It settles disputes.
  3. It protects the constitution.
  4. It helps in preventing violations of laws.

EVALUATION

Mention three functions of the judiciary

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

An electoral commission is charged with the responsibility of conducting and supervising elections in a country. The electoral body responsible for conducting and supervising election in Nigeria is the Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission (INEC). The head of INEC is called Chairman. This body has been conducting elections in Nigeria since 1999. Some of its functions are:

  1. It registers political parties that present candidates for elections.
  2. It is responsible for conducting elections in the states of the federation.
  3. It divides the country into constituencies. (This process is called “delimitation”)
  4. It reviews voters’ register before elections.
  5. It gives financial grants to political parties.

RULE OF LAW

The rule of law is very vital in the sustenance of democracy. It preaches against all forms of governmental actions that can hinder true practice of democratic principles. It ensures supremacy of law in democratic setting. It allows checks and balances among the three arms of government. It forbids arbitrary arrest and violation of human rights. It also encourages independent judiciary.

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY:                                                                    

  1. People: The People are the main backbone of democracy. The popular definition of democracy centres on the people: it is the government of the people by the people and for the people. The people give the mandate or governing power through their votes in electoral process to their representatives to rule them. The government is expected to meet the needs and aspirations of the people that voted it into power.
  2. Democratic institutions: They are institutions or body whose operation and functions sustain the existence of democracy. Some of them are INEC, political parties, pressure groups, and arms of government, mass media and organized opposition.
  3. Rule of law: This means that the law of the land is supreme and above everyone and all citizens are equal before the law. It becomes the pillar of democracy because it safeguards the rights of the citizenry, promotes the independence of the judiciary and ensures compliance to the law governing the land.
  4. Transparent electoral process: When electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner, no rigging of elections and falsification of election figures and every stage of the electoral process is transparently handled, democracy is bound to stand and grow
  5. Majority rule and minority right: Democracy by its definition is the government by majority. It is a form of government where the majority of the people rule by having their will and wish carried out by the government in power. Democracy thrives well where the majority rules and those in the minority are recognised, their rights and views respected and expressed.

IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY:

Democracy gives power to the people to decide their leaders in the periodic election.

  1. Democracy helps to uphold the principle of the rule of law.
  2. It establishes smooth and peaceful change of-government
  3. It gives the people a sense of identity and belonging by giving them the opportunity to elect their leaders.
  4. Democracy does not allow dictatorship.
  5. Democracy guarantees leadership by the majority, while the rights of the minority are protected by the constitution.
  6. Democracy guarantees fundamental human rights
  7. It provides the people the opportunity to participate in the government of their country.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

  1. State three functions of the electoral commission.
  2. State three functions of the executive.
  3. Mention three reasons for a federal system of government.
  4. State three items in the Concurrent List.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemi pgs 113-121

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. The head of the judiciary in Nigeria is called_____. A. judge B. chief judge C. chief justice D. high chief
  2. These are organs of government except____. A. judiciary B. police C. executive D. legislature
  3. Some of the roles of people are these except_____. A. participating in elections B. loyalty to the nation C. flouts laws of the land.
  4. The head of INEC is called____. A. boss B. cabal C. chairman D. president
  5. The lower chamber of the National Assembly is called_____. A. Senate B. House of Reps C. the Chamber D. the Commission

THEORY

  1. Mention three functions of the people in democracy.
  2. State two functions of the executive in democracy.

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