Lesson Note on 1999 Constitution: Features and Merits and Demerits of the Presidential Constitution for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Constitutional Development and Governance
Previous Lesson: 1979 Presidential Constitution: Features and Merits and Demerits of the 1979 Constitution.
Topic: 1999 CONSTITUTION: PRESIDENTIAL
Subject Matter: Meaning of constitution (supreme law of the state), 1999 constitution, features (federal structure, separation of powers), merits (advantages), demerits (limitations)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define the term ‘constitution’.
• State at least three features of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
• Explain two merits of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
• Identify two demerits of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of a constitution in national development.
• Recognize the challenges associated with the implementation of the 1999 Constitution.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Analyse the features, merits, and demerits of the 1999 Constitution.
• Outline basic processes of law-making and judicial interpretation.

Social Domain:

• Participate actively in discussions about constitutional matters.
• Engage respectfully with differing views on the provisions of the constitution.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Essential Government for Senior Secondary Schools

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Textbooks
• Charts illustrating the structure of government
• Copies of the 1999 Constitution (if available)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the supreme law governing Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution. It enables them to identify its key characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks, which is important for their civic knowledge and participation.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the concept of government, different forms of government, and the need for rules in a society.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

1999 CONSTITUTION: PRESIDENTIAL

Meaning of Constitution

A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. It is the supreme law of the land, providing the framework for governmental powers and the rights of citizens.

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was promulgated on May 29, 1999, ushering in the Fourth Republic. It is the current legal document guiding the governance of Nigeria.

Features of the 1999 Constitution

The following are key features of the 1999 Constitution:

• Federal System of Government: Power is shared between the central (federal) government and the component units (states and local governments).
• Separation of Powers: Governmental powers are divided among three independent organs: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, to ensure checks and balances.
• Presidential System of Government: The Head of State and Head of Government is the President, who is directly elected and serves a fixed term, independent of the legislature.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: It is the highest law in the land, and any other law that contradicts it is null and void.
• Fundamental Human Rights: Guarantees basic rights and freedoms to all Nigerian citizens, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.
• Bicameral Legislature: The National Assembly consists of two chambers: the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).
• Independent Judiciary: The constitution provides for an independent judiciary responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

Merits (Advantages) of the 1999 Constitution

The following are some advantages of the 1999 Constitution:

• It provides a clear legal framework for governance and administration in Nigeria.
• It promotes stability and order by defining governmental powers and responsibilities.
• It protects fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens.
• It ensures checks and balances among the arms of government, preventing abuse of power.
• It allows for amendments, enabling it to adapt to changing societal needs.
• It provides for a federal character principle, ensuring representation from diverse groups.

Demerits (Limitations) of the 1999 Constitution

The following are some limitations of the 1999 Constitution:

• Military Origin: It was promulgated by a military decree, leading to questions about its legitimacy and lack of popular participation in its drafting.
• Over-centralisation of Power: It vests significant power in the federal government, making states and local governments heavily reliant on the centre.
• Cost of Governance: The presidential system it entrenches is often seen as expensive to maintain.
• Ambiguous Provisions: Some sections are vaguely worded, leading to different interpretations and legal disputes.
• Immunity Clauses: Certain officeholders are protected from civil or criminal proceedings while in office, which can hinder accountability.
• Difficulty in Amendment: The process for amending the constitution is complex, making it hard to effect necessary changes.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by ‘rules’ and why rules are important in a community or school. The teacher then links their responses to the need for a constitution in a country.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their ideas on rules and their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the concept of a constitution.

Step 2: Explanation of Constitution

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines ‘constitution’ as the supreme law of a state and explains its role in guiding governance. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and significance of a constitution.

Step 3: Introduction to the 1999 Constitution

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Information Giving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly introduces the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, stating when it was promulgated and its importance as the current legal framework for Nigeria’s governance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note key dates and facts about the 1999 Constitution.
Learning Point: Pupils are familiarized with the specific constitution being studied.

Step 4: Features of the 1999 Constitution

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify and discuss key features of the 1999 Constitution, such as federalism, separation of powers, and the presidential system. The teacher writes these features on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by stating features they know and ask for clarification where needed. They copy the features from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental characteristics of the 1999 Constitution.

Step 5: Merits of the 1999 Constitution

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to brainstorm and discuss the advantages or benefits of having such a constitution, guiding them to identify points like providing a framework for governance and protecting rights. The teacher lists these on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, sharing ideas on the merits, and copy the points from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the positive aspects and benefits of the 1999 Constitution.

Step 6: Demerits of the 1999 Constitution

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Critical Thinking/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the limitations or drawbacks of the 1999 Constitution, prompting pupils to consider its military origin and issues of power centralisation. The teacher lists these on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in critical thinking, contribute to identifying demerits, and copy the points into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the challenges and criticisms associated with the 1999 Constitution.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is a constitution?
2. State three features of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
3. Mention two merits of the 1999 Constitution.
4. Identify two demerits of the 1999 Constitution.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of the 1999 Constitution. The teacher then assigns homework: “Discuss how the 1999 Constitution promotes democratic governance in Nigeria.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given an opportunity for further research.

Lesson Keywords

• Constitution – The fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
• Federalism – A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Separation of Powers – The division of governmental powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• Presidential System – A system of government where the head of government is also head of state and leads an executive branch separate from the legislative branch.
• Bicameral – Having two legislative chambers or houses.
• Supremacy – The state of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on specific constitutional amendments or landmark judicial interpretations. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and additional examples, focusing on defining keywords and identifying core features.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure pupils understand that the 1999 Constitution is a living document subject to amendments. Encourage critical thinking about its strengths and weaknesses. Visual aids like charts showing the structure of government as defined by the constitution will be beneficial. While the input mentioned a resource person and excursion, these are usually extended activities and may not fit into a single 45-minute lesson. They can be considered for project work or a special extended lesson.