Class: Primary Four
Term: First Term
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Differences Between Traditional And Constitutional Government
Topic: Arms of Government
Content/Learning Area: What are the Arms of Government?,Executive Arm,Legislative Arm,Judiciary Arm
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson,pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Mention the three arms of government.
2. Describe the role of each arm of government.
- Affective Domain:
1. Show interest in learning about the government.
2. Appreciate the importance of each arm of government.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Actively participate in class discussions.
2. Take notes on the lesson.
- Social Domain:
1. Work cooperatively with classmates.
2. respect diverse opinions during discussions.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic education Curriculum
- abuja educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Facts
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use a whiteboard or chart paper, markers, and relevant pictures or illustrations.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the arms of government is crucial for responsible citizenship. This lesson provides a foundation for future learning about civic duties and participation in democratic processes.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of what the government is and its general functions.
Lesson Content
What are the Arms of Government?
The government is responsible for running a country. It has different parts that work together; thes are called the arms of government. Ther are three main arms.
Executive Arm
This arm puts laws into action. It includes the President or Governor and thier cabinet. They ensure laws passed by the Legislative Arm are followed.
Legislative Arm
This arm makes and passes laws. It includes the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) at the federal level and the State house of Assembly at the state level.they discuss and debate proposed laws and pass them if they agree.
judiciary Arm
This arm interprets and upholds the laws.It includes the courts and judges. They ensure laws are applied fairly and everyone is treated equally.
Separation of Powers
The legislature makes laws and checks public decisions; the executive implements laws and runs government; the judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes. At federal level these are associated with the National Assembly, President and federal courts.
The arms have separate responsibilities but also checks and balances. This reduces concentration of power and supports accountability. The judiciary does not make ordinary policy merely because it interprets a law.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Clarification, Question and Answer.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils what they know about the government.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to the teacher’s questions.
Step 2: Description of Key Concepts
Time: 15 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains the three arms of government (Executive, Legislative, Judiciary) and their roles.Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Examples of Each Arm’s Functions
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Provides examples of each arm’s functions and answers pupils’ questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in discussions and provide examples.
Step 4: Independant Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Independent Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to answer evaluation questions individually.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the evaluation questions.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-Taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in summarizing key points.Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on the lesson.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Review
Teacher’s Activity: Reviews the lesson content and answers any remaining questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in the review.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Mention the three arms of government.
- Describe the role of each arm of government.
- Show interest in learning about the government.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key points and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and note the homework assignment.
Lesson Keywords
- Executive Arm – The arm of government that enforces laws.
- Legislative Arm – The arm of government that makes laws.
- Judiciary Arm – the arm of government that interprets laws.
- Government – The system or group of people governing a country.
- Laws – Rules made by the government that everyone must follow.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Name the three arms of government.
- What does the Executive arm do?
- What does the Legislative arm do?
- What does the Judiciary arm do?
- Give an example of a law.
- Give an example of a court case.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a picture representing each arm of government and its function.
- Write a short paragraph explaining why it is important to have three separate arms of government.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present examples of laws and court cases.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, discussions, and role-playing activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
ensure to use real-life examples that pupils can relate to when explaining the functions of each arm of government. Encourage active participation and create a supportive learning habitat.

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