Lesson Note on Importance of Constituted Authority for SS1 (SSS 1)

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: National Values Education
Previous Lesson: Cultism: Reasons.
Topic: CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY
Subject Matter: Importance of constituted authority to the public

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define constituted authority.
• Explain the meaning of constituted authority.
• List at least four importance of constituted authority to the public.
• State one consequence of the absence of constituted authority.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the role of constituted authority in maintaining order.
• Value the need for obedience to constituted authority.
• Demonstrate respect for symbols and representatives of authority.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Identify examples of constituted authority in their community.
• Participate in discussions about the functions of constituted authority.

Social Domain:

• Promote peaceful coexistence through obedience to constituted authority.
• Cooperate with constituted authority for community development.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Civic Education.
• Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School 1.
• Macmillan Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1.
• https://www.legit.ng/1138258-types-constituted-authority-nigeria.html
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328325983_Constitutional_Authority_and_Rule_of_Law

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing different constituted authorities (e.g., police, local government officials).
• Posters displaying symbols of authority.
• Civic Education textbook for SSS 1.
• Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding constituted authority helps pupils know who is in charge and why rules exist in society. It enables them to live peacefully, contribute positively to their communities, and understand their roles as responsible citizens.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have learned about rules, laws, and leadership in their homes and schools in previous classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY

Definition of Constituted Authority

Constituted authority refers to a person or group of persons recognized by law or tradition as having the legal power and right to make decisions, enforce rules, and govern in a particular area or over a group of people.

Examples include the President, Governors, traditional rulers, school principals, police officers, and judges.

Importance of Constituted Authority to the Public

The following are the importance of constituted authority to the public:

• Maintenance of law and order: They enforce laws to ensure peace and stability.
• Provision of security: They protect lives and property through security agencies.
• Administration of justice: They ensure fair judgment and resolution of disputes.
• Provision of social amenities: They provide public services like roads, schools, and hospitals.
• Promotion of economic development: They create policies that encourage economic growth.
• Protection of rights and freedoms: They safeguard the fundamental human rights of citizens.
• Mobilization for development: They organize citizens for community projects and national goals.
• Representation and diplomacy: They represent the people at local, national, and international levels.

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, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then asks pupils to name people who make rules in their homes and schools. The teacher then introduces the topic “Constituted Authority” as those officially recognized to make and enforce rules in society.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Pupils connect previous knowledge to the new topic and understand the concept of authority figures.

Step 2: Definition of Constituted Authority

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of constituted authority, emphasizing that it refers to individuals or groups legally empowered to govern or make decisions in a specific area.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of constituted authority.

Step 3: Examples of Constituted Authority

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides various examples of constituted authority at different levels, such as the President, Governors, traditional rulers, school principals, police officers, and judges. The teacher also uses charts to display images of these authorities.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list examples of constituted authority, relating them to their daily experiences.

Learning Point: Pupils can identify different individuals and bodies that represent constituted authority.

Step 4: Discussion on Features/Sources of Constituted Authority

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Interaction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides a discussion on the key features of constituted authority, such as legitimacy (derived from law or custom), responsibility, and the power to enforce decisions. The teacher asks pupils where these authorities get their power from (e.g., constitution, tradition, electoral process).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, share their views, and understand the basis of authority.

Learning Point: Pupils grasp the characteristics and origins of constituted authority.

Step 5: Explanation of the Importance of Constituted Authority

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses charts and posters to explain the importance of constituted authority to the public, detailing points like maintenance of law and order, provision of security, administration of justice, and provision of social amenities. The teacher encourages pupils to give practical examples for each point.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the charts, contribute examples, and take notes.

Learning Point: Pupils understand the various benefits and roles of constituted authority in society.

Step 6: Class Activity/Application

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Group Work

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks each group to discuss how the absence of constituted authority would affect their school or community. Each group will present one key consequence.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and present their findings, applying the lesson to a hypothetical scenario.

Learning Point: Pupils deepen their understanding of the necessity of constituted authority through practical application.

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. Define constituted authority.
2. Mention three examples of constituted authority in Nigeria.
3. List any three importance of constituted authority to the public.
4. State one consequence of the absence of constituted authority.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition and importance of constituted authority. The teacher then assigns homework: “Identify two constituted authorities in your state and write a short paragraph on what they do for the public.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.

Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for independent application.

Lesson Keywords

• Authority – The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
• Constituted – Established by law, custom, or formal agreement.
• Legitimacy – The quality of being in accordance with the law or accepted principles; rightful.
• Governance – The action or manner of governing a state, organization, etc.
• Public – The community or the people as a whole.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and present on different forms of constituted authority (e.g., democratic vs. monarchical). For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, visual aids, and direct questions to ensure understanding of basic definitions and importance.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate the concept of constituted authority to their daily lives and local communities to make the lesson more relevant. Emphasize the importance of respecting authority while also understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens.