Government as a Process and Field of Study, Power, Its Forms for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Political Concepts and Principles
Focal competence: Appreciating; Distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate forms of power
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; Information Literacy
Skills:

• discuss government as a process, and an act
• explain the processes of policy formulation and implementation by government
• explain power as a key concept in politics
• discuss the forms of power

Previous Lesson: Government, Characteristics, Relevance and Structure
Topic: Government As A Process/ Academic Field Of Study
Subject Matter: Government as a process, and an act, The processes of policy formulation and implementation by government, Government as an academic field of study. Meaning of power, Forms of power

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• discuss government as a process, and an act;
• explain the processes of policy formulation and implementation by government;
• analyse government as an academic field of study;
• explain power as a key concept in politics;
• discuss the forms of power;
• describe how power is acquired and exercised.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of government in society.
• Distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate forms of power.
• Value critical thinking in understanding political concepts.

Psychomotor Domain

• Participate in a debate on government as an act, process, or academic field of study.
• Research and present on the meaning and forms of power.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group research activities.
• Present findings clearly to the class.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Government textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Official government website
• News media (newspapers, online articles)
• Info-graphics and diagrams illustrating government structures and power dynamics
• Online articles/blogs on political concepts
• Videos and commentaries on government and power
• Newspaper cuttings showing examples of government actions and power in practice
• Whiteboard and markers
• Textbooks on Government for SS 1

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students understand government beyond a mere institution, viewing it as a dynamic process and a vital academic discipline. It introduces the fundamental concept of power, its various forms, and how it is acquired, which is essential for comprehending political systems. This knowledge equips students to critically analyse public decisions and their impact on society.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what government is and some of its functions from their Junior Secondary Civic Education classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Government As A Process/ Academic Field Of Study

Government as a Process and an Act

Government can be understood in two main ways: as a process and as an act.

1. Government as a Process: This refers to the continuous and dynamic activities involved in ruling a state, managing public affairs, and making decisions that affect the entire society. It involves various stages, from identifying problems to implementing solutions. This process is ongoing and involves interaction between different institutions and individuals.
2. Government as an Act: This refers to specific decisions, policies, or actions taken by the government at a particular time. For example, passing a new law, declaring a public holiday, or launching a new infrastructure project are all acts of government. These acts are outcomes of the broader governmental process.

Processes of Policy Formulation and Implementation by Government

Policy formulation and implementation are core aspects of government as a process. These stages ensure that societal needs are identified and addressed through structured actions.

1. Policy Formulation: This is the stage where public problems are identified, potential solutions are explored, and specific policies are designed. It typically involves:
   1. Agenda Setting: Identifying issues that require government attention (e.g., high unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure). These issues can come from public outcry, media attention, or government research.
   2. Policy Deliberation: Discussing and analysing various options to address the identified problems. This often involves experts, government agencies, and sometimes public consultations.
   3. Policy Adoption: The formal approval of a specific policy by the relevant government body (e.g., the National Assembly passing a bill, the President signing an executive order).
2. Policy Implementation: This is the stage where adopted policies are put into action. It involves translating policy decisions into practical programmes and services. It typically includes:
   1. Resource Allocation: Providing the necessary funds, personnel, and materials to carry out the policy.
   2. Programme Design: Developing specific programmes and projects to achieve the policy objectives.
   3. Execution: Carrying out the programmes and delivering services to the target population (e.g., construction of roads, distribution of relief materials, enforcement of laws).
   4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously checking if the policy is achieving its intended goals and making adjustments as needed.

Government as an Academic Field of Study

Government, also known as Political Science, is an academic discipline that systematically studies the state, government, politics, and public policies. It examines political behaviour, institutions, and systems, seeking to understand how power is acquired and exercised, how decisions are made, and how societies are governed.

Key areas of study in Government include:

1. Political Theory: The study of fundamental political concepts like justice, liberty, equality, and power.
2. Public Administration: The study of how government policies are implemented.
3. Comparative Politics: The study of political systems across different countries.
4. International Relations: The study of interactions between states and other international actors.
5. Political Economy: The study of the relationship between politics and economics.

Meaning of Power

Power, in politics, refers to the ability of an individual or group to influence the behaviour of others, even against their will. It is the capacity to make others do what they would not otherwise do, or to prevent them from doing what they would otherwise do. Power is central to the study of government and politics.

Forms of Power

Power manifests in various forms within a society:

1. Military Power: This is the ability of a state or group to use its armed forces (army, navy, air force) to achieve its objectives, deter aggression, or enforce its will. It is often associated with the capacity for coercion and physical force.
   1. Example: A country deploying its military to protect its borders or participate in peacekeeping missions.
2. Political Power: This is the ability to influence or control governmental decisions, policies, and actions. It is exercised through institutions like political parties, elections, legislative bodies, and the judiciary.
   1. Example: A political party winning an election and forming a government, thereby having the authority to make laws and appoint officials.
3. Economic Power: This is the ability to influence others through control over financial resources, wealth, trade, and production. It can be used to reward, punish, or create dependencies.
   1. Example: A wealthy nation providing aid to a developing country with conditions attached, or a powerful corporation influencing government policy through lobbying.

Acquisition of Power

Power can be acquired through various means, which can be legitimate or illegitimate:

1. Elections: In democratic systems, political power is legitimately acquired through free and fair elections, where citizens vote for their representatives.
2. Inheritance: In monarchical systems, power is acquired through birthright or succession within a royal family.
3. Coercion/Force: Power can be acquired illegitimately through the use of force, violence, or intimidation, such as military coups or rebellions.
4. Charisma: Some individuals acquire power due to their exceptional personal qualities, leadership skills, and ability to inspire followers.
5. Wealth/Economic Influence: Control over significant economic resources can translate into political power, allowing individuals or groups to influence decision-makers.
6. Knowledge/Expertise: Individuals with specialized knowledge or expertise can acquire influence and power in specific policy areas.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Debate, Research, Presentation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they understand by “government” from their previous knowledge. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that government is not just a body of people but also a set of actions and a field of study.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to government concepts

Step 2: Government as a Process and an Act

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the distinction between government as a continuous process (e.g., policy-making cycle) and government as specific acts (e.g., passing a law). The teacher uses examples like the Nigerian government’s process of budgeting versus the act of signing the budget into law. The teacher then guides students into a short debate on government as an act, process or academic field of study.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and participate in the debate, giving their views on the concepts.

Learning Point: Government as process/act

Step 3: Policy Formulation and Implementation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the stages of policy formulation (agenda setting, deliberation, adoption) and policy implementation (resource allocation, execution, monitoring). The teacher uses a familiar Nigerian policy, like the Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy, as an example to illustrate these processes.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, take notes, and contribute examples of policies they know.

Learning Point: Policy cycle stages

Step 4: Government as an Academic Field of Study

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that Government is also an academic discipline (Political Science) that studies the state, power, and political behaviour. The teacher briefly mentions key sub-fields like Political Theory, Public Administration, and International Relations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand Government as a subject studied in higher institutions.

Learning Point: Government as academic field

Step 5: Meaning of Power

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Definition/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines power as the ability to influence or control others, even against their will, in a political context. The teacher asks students for examples of situations where power is exercised.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils offer their understanding of power and provide examples from daily life or current events.

Learning Point: Definition of political power

Step 6: Forms and Acquisition of Power

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Work/Presentation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and assigns each group to research one form of power (Military, Political, Economic) or methods of power acquisition using provided textbooks, charts, and online resources. Each group is to present examples of their assigned form/acquisition method, focusing on Nigerian contexts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, research, and then present their findings on the forms of power and how power is acquired, giving relevant examples.

Learning Point: Forms and acquisition of power

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. Differentiate between government as a process and government as an act.
2. Mention two stages of policy formulation.
3. Explain what is meant by “power” in government.
4. List three forms of power and give an example for each.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding government and power

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on government as a process, academic field, meaning of power, and its forms into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson information

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating that government is a dynamic process, an academic field, and that power is central to its functioning. The teacher encourages students to observe how these concepts play out in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Lesson concepts reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook. You may use your textbook or online resources for research.

1. Discuss how the Nigerian government formulates and implements a specific policy (e.g., a policy on education or health).
2. Explain the difference between legitimate and illegitimate acquisition of power, providing examples from Nigerian history or current affairs.
3. In what ways does economic power influence political decisions in Nigeria?

Lesson Keywords

• Government – The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state.
• Process – A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
• Act – A specific decision, law, or action taken by the government.
• Policy Formulation – The process of developing and designing public policies.
• Policy Implementation – The process of putting public policies into action.
• Academic Field – A branch of knowledge or study.
• Power – The ability to influence or control the behaviour of others.
• Military Power – Influence derived from armed forces.
• Political Power – Influence over governmental decisions.
• Economic Power – Influence derived from control over financial resources.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research and present on the concept of “soft power” or “legitimacy of power” and its implications. For students needing more support, provide simplified definitions and more direct examples, perhaps using visual aids or peer tutoring to reinforce understanding of the forms of power.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: Government as a process and field of study SS1 Nigeria