Lesson Note on Independence Constitution: Features and Merits and Demerits of the 1960 Constitution for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Constitutional Development in Nigeria
Previous Lesson: Constitutional Conferences: Meaning and Outcomes of 1950, 1953, 1957 and 1958 Meetings.
Topic: INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960
Subject Matter: Meaning of independence constitution (constitution at self-rule), independence constitution of 1960, features (major provisions), merits (advantages), demerits (limitations)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define an independence constitution.
• State at least five features of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
• Enumerate at least three merits of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
• Identify at least three demerits of the 1960 Independence Constitution.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the significance of the 1960 Independence Constitution in Nigeria’s history.
• Discuss the challenges and successes of early constitutional development in Nigeria.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Participate actively in a discussion or role-play related to the provisions of the 1960 Constitution.
• Outline the key provisions of the constitution from memory.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate with peers to analyze the impact of the 1960 Constitution on Nigerian society.
• Develop a sense of civic responsibility by understanding Nigeria’s constitutional journey.

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 by O.C. Adigwe
• Nigeria: A History of Constitutional Development by J.F. Ade Ajayi

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Textbooks
• Charts illustrating the structure of government under the 1960 Constitution
• Documentary materials on Nigeria’s independence
• A debate guide (if applicable for a follow-up activity)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand the constitutional framework that governed Nigeria at independence. It helps pupils to grasp the foundational principles and structures that shaped the early years of Nigeria’s self-rule, providing a basis for understanding subsequent constitutional developments.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of Nigeria’s colonial history and the constitutional developments that preceded independence, such as the Macpherson and Lyttleton Constitutions.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960

Meaning of Independence Constitution

An independence constitution is a legal document adopted by a country upon gaining full political self-rule from colonial administration. It establishes the framework and principles for the country’s own government, defining the powers and responsibilities of its institutions and citizens.

Features of the 1960 Independence Constitution

The following are major provisions of the 1960 Independence Constitution:

• Parliamentary System of Government: Nigeria adopted the British parliamentary system, with a Prime Minister as head of government and a ceremonial Head of State.
• Federal System of Government: Power was shared between the central government and three regional governments (Northern, Eastern, and Western Regions).
• Bicameral Legislature: The federal legislature consisted of two houses: the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House).
• Queen of England as Head of State: The Queen of England remained the ceremonial Head of State, represented in Nigeria by a Governor-General.
• Fundamental Human Rights: The constitution included provisions for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens.
• Independent Judiciary: The judiciary was designed to be independent, with the Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal.
• Regional Autonomy: Regions had significant powers, including control over their police forces and public services, which fostered a high degree of regional self-governance.
• Citizenship: Defined criteria for Nigerian citizenship.

Merits of the 1960 Independence Constitution

The following are advantages of the 1960 Independence Constitution:

• It successfully paved the way for Nigeria’s political independence from British colonial rule.
• It provided a comprehensive legal framework for the governance of Nigeria as a sovereign nation.
• It enshrined fundamental human rights, offering protection for citizens’ liberties.
• It recognized Nigeria’s diversity by adopting a federal structure that allowed for regional self-governance.
• It maintained a degree of unity among the diverse ethnic groups at the time of independence.

Demerits of the 1960 Independence Constitution

The following are limitations of the 1960 Independence Constitution:

• Ceremonial Head of State: The retention of the Queen of England as Head of State meant Nigeria was not a full republic, limiting its sovereignty.
• Weak Central Government: The significant autonomy granted to the regions often led to a weak central government, making national cohesion difficult.
• Regionalism and Ethnic Politics: The strong regional structure exacerbated regional and ethnic rivalries, hindering national integration.
• Easy Amendment Process: The constitution was relatively easy to amend, making it susceptible to political manipulation.
• Lack of True Federalism: Despite being federal, some key institutions like the police and judiciary were regionally controlled, undermining national unity and efficiency.

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 reminds them of previous lessons on Nigeria’s journey to independence. The teacher then asks pupils what “independence” means to them in a national context.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their understanding of national independence.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the concept of a nation governing itself.

Step 2: Meaning of Independence Constitution

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of an independence constitution, highlighting its role in establishing a country’s self-rule and system of government.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of an independence constitution.

Step 3: Features of the 1960 Independence Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Exposition/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents and explains the key features of the 1960 Independence Constitution using charts or projector. The teacher ensures pupils understand concepts like parliamentary system, federalism, and bicameral legislature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, take notes, and ask questions about the various features.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the major provisions of the 1960 Constitution.

Step 4: Merits of the 1960 Independence Constitution

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the advantages or positive aspects of the 1960 Independence Constitution, encouraging pupils to contribute their thoughts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in the discussion, sharing their views on the merits of the constitution.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the benefits and positive impacts of the 1960 Constitution.

Step 5: Demerits of the 1960 Independence Constitution

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Critical Thinking/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to critically analyze the limitations or disadvantages of the 1960 Independence Constitution, highlighting areas where it faced challenges.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss the demerits, comparing them with the stated merits.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the weaknesses and challenges associated with the 1960 Constitution.

Step 6: Class Discussion/Activity

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief class discussion comparing the merits and demerits, or poses a scenario for pupils to consider how the constitution impacted early Nigerian politics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in the discussion, applying their understanding of the constitution’s provisions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding by applying concepts to practical considerations.

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 an independence constitution?
2. Mention four features of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
3. State three merits of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
4. Identify three demerits of the 1960 Independence Constitution.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of the 1960 Independence Constitution in Nigeria’s political history.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take note of the summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning from the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

• Independence – A state of self-governance and freedom from external control.
• Constitution – A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.
• Federalism – A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Parliamentary System – A system of democratic governance of a state where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature.
• Bicameral Legislature – A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support to struggling learners by simplifying explanations and offering more targeted questions. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research and present on specific aspects of the constitution or its impact on a particular region of Nigeria.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should encourage pupils to relate the features and impacts of the 1960 Constitution to contemporary constitutional issues in Nigeria. Utilizing visual aids and historical anecdotes will enhance pupils’ engagement and understanding. Consider organizing a debate or drama as a follow-up activity to reinforce learning on the merits and demerits of the constitution.