CRESTBRIDGE COLLEGE, PORT HARCOURT

*Confidence *Leadership * Achievement

SCHEME OF WORK
SECOND TERM CLASS: YEAR 10 SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
Week Topic Content

1 Constitution i. Meaning of Constitution.

ii. Features of constitution.

iii. Sources of Constitution

iv. Types of constitution (written and unwritten)

2 Constitution

i. Types of constitution - Rigid constitution.

ii. Flexible constitution.

iii. Federal constitution.

iv. Unitary constitution.

3 Basic principles of government. i. Meaning of the rule of law.

ii. Limitations to the applications of the rule of

law.

iii. Fundamental human rights.

iv. Origin of human rights.

v. Importance of human rights.

4 Basic principles of government.

i. Separation of powers.

ii. Checks and balances.

iii. Relationships between separation of powers and

checks and balances.
 5 C.A.T 1

6 Basic principles of government. i. Representative government.

ii. Features of Representative government.

iii. Merits and demerits of Representative government.

7 Mid-term break

8 Basic principles of government. i. Centralization

ii. Merits and demerits of Centralization.

iii. Decentralization.

iv. Merits and demerits of decentralization.

9/10 Basic principles of government. i. Delegated Legislation.

ii. Types of delegated Legislation

iii. Control of delegated Legislation.

iv. Merits and demerits of delegated Legislation.

11 REVISION/ EXAMINATION

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 1

WEEK 1
CONSTITUTION

CONTENT

i. Meaning of Constitution.
ii. Sources of Constitution
iii. Features of a constitution
iv. Types of constitution

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
i. explain the meaning of constitution.
ii. discuss the sources of constitution.
iii. examine the features of constitution.
iv. explain types of constitution.

MEANING OF CONSTITUTION

A constitution is a body of agreed laws, rules, principles and regulations which governs a country.
It states how the powers governing a country are shared and exercised by the various levels, organs
and agencies of government. It also checks and sets the limits to both the actions of government
and its agencies. The constitution is superior to all the other laws of the land.
SOURCES OF CONSTITUTION
i. Act of Parliament: This refers to the laws made by the legislative arm of government like the
National Assembly - the Senate and House of Representatives. They form or become part of the
constitution.
ii. Customs and traditions: These are norms, social values, beliefs, ideals and institutions of the
people. They are important in the formulation of the constitution.
iii. Past constitutions: Some past constitutions and present constitutions of other countries most
often form the basis of any new constitution.
iv. Judicial Precedent: These are past judgement passed or delivered in the law court on important
constitutional matters and they often form the basis for a new constitution.
v. Past experiences: The historical, political, social and religious experiences of a people are
considered while preparing the basic rules or laws that governs them as a group.
FEATURES OF A CONSTITUTION
i. The preamble: It has an introduction or preamble which states the ideological stand or purpose
of the constitution.
ii. Fundamental human rights: It states or defines the rights of citizens, their duties and
obligations to the state and country.
iii. Political institutions: The constitution defines the powers and functions of various institutions
in a state such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, etc.
iv. Political structure: It specifies the type and characteristics of government either unitary,
federal, presidential, Parliamentary systems etc., to be adopted.
v. Citizenship.
vi. Tenure of office of government.

TYPES OF CONSTITUTION

(1). Written constitution: This refers to a single document which the fundamental laws,
principles, norms, rules and regulations which governs a country are stated down in writing.

Merits of written constitution

i. It is easily available.
ii. It protects the interest of the minority groups.
iii. It ensures political stability.
iv. It is clear, definite and easy to refer to when need arises.
v. Procedure for its amendment.

Demerits of written constitution

i. It is rigid and not easily adaptable to changing situations.
ii. It can cause frequent conflicts among the three arms of government were their functions are not
clear.
iii. It discourages reforms because of its long process of amendments.
It may outgrow its usefulness.
(2). Unwritten constitution: This is that type of constitution in which the fundamental laws,
principles, customs, rules and regulations, which governs a country are not written down in one
single document. Britain is an example of a country with unwritten constitution.

Merits of unwritten constitution

i. It is flexible and easy to amend.
iii. Its flexibility help to reduce problems among the organs of government.
iii. Decisions are easily made and taken too.
iv. It is easy to interpret because of its unwritten nature.
v. Unwritten and flexible constitution are suitable in times of emergencies.

Demerits of unwritten constitution

i. Unwritten constitution does not have checks and balances.
ii. As it is not written in one single document, citizens find it difficult to know their rights and
duties.
iii. It can easily lead to dictatorship.
iv. It cannot be easily turn to or studied the way we study a written constitution.
v. It is not suitable for countries with multi-ethnic groups

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 2

WEEK 2
CONSTITUTION

CONTENT
 i. Rigid constitution
ii. Flexible constitution.
iii. Federal constitution.
iv. Unitary constitution

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
i. state the meaning of rigid constitution.
ii. discuss the meaning of flexible constitution.
iii. explain federal constitution.
iv. state what unitary constitution means.

RIGID CONSTITUTION:

This is that type of constitution which is very difficult to amend and it requires a special
procedure for its amendment. Most written constitutions are rigid. And countries with rigid
constitution are America, Nigeria, Ghana, etc.

Merits of rigid constitution

i. Enhancement of individual’s rights.

ii. It makes way for political stability.
iii. It prevents politicians from manipulating the constitution to achieve selfish ends.
iv. Rigid method of its amendment is a check against rash and hasty decisions.

Demerits of rigid constitution

i. It has complicated method of amendments.
ii. Rigid constitutions are resistant to change and innovations.
iii. The democracy Rights of the citizens may be abused.
iv. It is a delay to rapid growth and development.
FLEXIBLE CONSTITUTION:
This is that constitution which is easy or simple to amend. The procedure for its amendment is
very easy such as the ordinary law. Britain and Italy operate a flexible constitution.
Merits of flexible constitution
i. New laws can easily be introduced.
ii. It helps government to take a quick action or decision.
iii. It can easily be changed.
Demerits of flexible constitution
i. As it is not written in one single document, citizens find it difficult to know their rights and
duties.
ii. Fundamental rights of individual can be trampled upon.

iii. A section of the country can influence the constitution for their sectional interest.
iv. Unsuitable for a federal system of government.
v. It can easily be manipulated by powerful leaders.

FEDERAL CONSTITUTION:
This is that type of constitution used in a federal system of government and it divides
governmental powers or functions between the central, states and local governments. States or
countries with federal constitution are Nigeria, U.S.A, etc.
Merits of federal constitution
i. The constitution promotes political stability in the country.
ii. Powers are shared between the central, states and local governments.
iii. The constitution protects the rights of the individual, minority and majority.
iv. The constitution is supreme and it is respected by every tier of government and political
leaders.
Demerits of federal constitution
i. It enables people pay more loyalty to their states or regions than to the national government.
ii. It is rigid, making it difficult to amend.
iii. It is too expensive to operate and maintain.
iv. In a federal constitution, revenue allocation formular is a great problem.
UNITARY CONSTITUTION:
This is that type of constitution in which political powers are concentrated in the hands of a
single central authority or government. There is no constitutional division of powers between the
central government and the component units.
Merits of unitary constitution
i. The constitution is flexible, making it easy to amend.
ii. There is always a strong center or central government because of the concentration of powers
in one single government
iii. Changes are easily made.
iv. Decisions are easily reached.

Demerits of unitary constitution

i. The fundamental human rights of the individuals can be denied.
ii. The constitution is only suitable for a country with a small population.
iii. The central government can easily amend the constitution for selfish purpose.
iv. A unitary constitution can produce a dictator.

CIVIC EDUCATION
NOTE WEEK 3

WEEK 3
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT

CONTENT

i. Meaning of Rule of Law.

ii. Limitations to the application of the rule of law
iii. Fundamental Human Rights
 iv. Origin of Human Rights
v. Importance of Human Rights

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

i. define the rule of law.

ii. examine the limitations to the applications of the rule of law.

iii. discuss the rule of law.

iv. explain the origin of the rule of law.

v. outline the importance of the rule of law.

MEANING OF RULE OF LAW:

The rule of law is defined as the supremacy of the law over everyone in a political system or
country. The law should be able to guide every individual, groups and their activities in a state.

According to Professor A.V. Dicey, the political leaders that are entrusted with the affairs of the
state should abide by the rule of law and govern the people according to the provision of the
constitution of the country.

There are three main principles of the rule of law which are:

i. The Supremacy of the Law: This means that the law is the highest authority in the land or
country.

ii. Equality before the law: This means that all persons are equal before the law and the should
apply equally to all citizens of the country both rich and poor, strong and weak, etc.

iii. Right to personal liberty or individuals rights : This means that the rule of law protects or
guarantees the rights of the individuals in the country.

LIMITATIONS TO THE APPLICATION OF THE RULE OF LAW

i. State of emergency: A state of emergency refers to a situation declared by government of a
country to take special measures to maintain order and protect citizens during crises such as war,
diseases, earth quake, etc. During this period, citizens may be denied some of their rights.

ii. Immunity of Heads of States: A Head of State may not be sued or appear in court while in
power and this privilege is not extended to all citizens.

iii. Types of government: Certain Government usually limits the application of the rule of law
especially one-party system.

iv. Diplomatic immunity: Diplomats (Ambassadors) cannot be prosecuted in the country where
they reside.

v. Customs and traditions.

vi. Military in politics.

vii. Illiteracy, poverty and ignorance.

viii. Unlawful detention, arrest and torture.

FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

Fundamental human rights refer to the inalienable rights and privileges enjoy by the citizens of a
country or state which are usually entrenched or enshrined in the constitution of the country.

It is duty of the country to ensure that its citizens enjoy these rights in full without hindrance.

ORIGIN OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be traced back to Cyrus the Great, the first King of
Ancient Persia who conquered the city of Babylon. He freed all slaves and people who were in
bondage and asked them to return to their homes and declared that people should choose their
own religion.

This was written down in a Clay Tablet and is still regarded as the first Human Rights
Declaration in history. This took place in the year 539 B. C.

After the First World War of 1914 - 1918, that led to the loss of lives and great sufferings of
people, an international organization was formed to unite the people of the world, heal war -
wounds and prevent a reoccurrence of another war. That organization was known as the League
of Nations which was formed in 1919. But the League failed to provide world peace and in 1939,
another war broke out and was known as the Second World War.

The Second World War claimed millions of lives and property. At the end of the war in 1945,
another body called the United Nation's Organization was set up to achieve World Peace and
Freedom.

In 1948, a Charter of the United Nation's Organization known as Universal Declaration of

Human Rights was formally adopted. Here are some of them:

i. We are born free and equal.

ii. No slavery.

iii. No torture.

iv. You have right no matter where you go.

v. Right to life.

vi. Freedom of movement.

vii. Right to privacy.

viii. Freedom of assembly.

ix. The to play.

x. Freedom from discrimination.

xi. The right to freedom of education.

xiii. The right to seek a safe place to live.

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS

i. Human Rights ensures that the people’s basic needs are met.

ii. Human Rights protects vulnerable groups from abuse.

iii. Human Rights encourages freedom of speech and expression.

iv. Human Rights give people the freedom to practice their religion (or not practice any).

v. Human Rights allows people to love who they choose.

vi. Human Rights encourages equal work opportunities.

vii. Human Rights give people access to education.

viii. Human Rights provide an universal standard that holds government accountable.

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 4

WEEK 4
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT

CONTENT

i. Separation of powers
ii. Checks and balances
iii. Relationship between separation of powers and checks and balances.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

i. discuss separation of powers.

ii. state what checks and balances means.

iii. mention the relationships between separation of powers and checks and balances.

SEPARATION OF POWERS:

This is the divisions or separations of political powers and functions between the three arms of
government - the executive, the legislature and the Judiciary. For the citizens to enjoy their
freedoms and liberties, the three arms of government must be separated from each other. For
example, the formulation and implementation of policies should be the concentration of the
executive, the legislature law-making and the Judiciary law-interpretation.
Merits of separation of powers

i. Efficiency in administration.

ii. Peaceful administration.

iii. Prevents accumulation of powers in one place.

iv. Checks and balances.

v. Stable political system.

Demerits of separation of powers

i. Total separation of powers is not possible.

ii. It can delay and affects performance.

iii. Abuse of powers.

iv. Factor of rigidity.

Checks and balances

The theory of checks and balances states that the activities of the arm of government - the
executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, must be checked or monitored by each arm or organ in
order to prevent excessive use of powers by any organ.

For example, the legislature must be checked by the executive and the Judiciary, the executive
checked by the legislature and judiciary and the Judiciary checked by the executive and the
legislature.

Merits of checks and balances

i. It makes for a smooth working of the constitution.

ii. It prevents excessive use of powers.

iii. It prevents dictatorship.

iv. It makes for orderliness and efficiency.

v. Respect for human rights.

Demerits of human rights

i. Interference: There are some traces or evidence of one organ interfering in the affairs or
functions of the other.

ii. Take long for laws to be made official.

iii. Not always effective.

iv. It slows the governing process.

Relationship between separation of powers and checks and balances

i. Separation of powers provides a vital system of checks and balances.

ii. Different organs of the state impose checks and balances on the other.

iii. The system of checks and balances is essential for the proper functioning of the three organs
of government.

iv. Both makes or ensures that government is accountable.

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 6

WEEK 6
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT

CONTENT

i. Representative Government.
ii. Features of Representative Government,
iii. Merits of Representative Government.
iv. Demerits of Representative Government
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

i. examine the meaning of representative government.

ii. list the features of representative government.
iii. mention the merits of representative government.
iv. state the demerits of representative government.

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT:
This is a of government in which the people or citizens elect Representatives that will take care
of their interest and needs in the day-to-day governance of the state or country. It is also known
as Indirect Democracy.

In system, there is periodic elections, and those elected through election, rule on behalf of the
people and with every assurance that their interests will be protected.

FEATURES OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT:

i. Rule of law.
ii. Existence of law courts.
iii. Universal adult suffrage.
iv. Free and fair elections.
v. Freedom of choice.
vi. Periodic elections.
vii. Up-to-date electoral register.
viii. Political education.
ix. Free Press.
x. Independent electoral commission.

MERITS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

i. The system is simple to operate.

ii. It gives the people the right to choose their leaders.
iii. It provide the people the opportunity to participate in the government of their country.
iv. It gives the people a sense of identity and belonging to the government.
v. The administration is based on respect for the rule of law.

DEMERITS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

i. No true independence of the Judiciary.

ii. Election malpractice such as rigging, thuggery etc., are rampant in representative government.
iii. In this system decision making is very slow.
iv. The system is very expensive to run.
v. Illiteracy.
vi. Corruption.
vii. Self-interest.

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 8

WEEK 8
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF

GOVERNMENT

CONTENT
i. Centralization
ii. Merits and demerits of Centralization.
iii. Decentralization.
 v. Merits and demerits of decentralization.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
i. state what centralization means.
ii. enumerate the merits and demerits centralization.
iii. explain the word decentralization.
iv. list the merits and demerits of decentralization.

CENTRALIZATION

This is the process of by which political powers are located in a simple central decision-making
body. It is also a system of governmental administration in which powers are concentrated in one
single authority.
In such a system, the constitution did not provide for power sharing between the central and
subordinate units.
MERITS AND DEMERITS OF CENTRALIZATION

Merits:
i. Decision-making powers are not shared.
ii. The constitution used in Centralization is flexible
iii. Centralization makes a strong government.
iv. Decision making is fast in Centralization.
v. A centralized government unities different groups and interests in the society.
Demerits:
i. Centralization may encourage dictatorship in the system.
ii. Centralization can only work in a homogeneous society.
iii. The Centralization of power may favour a particular tribe and this may create bad blood or
problem.
iv. The central government alone can amend the constitution for selfish purposes.
vi. The people may not be politically active and adequately involved in the decision-making
process of the country.

DECENTRALIZATION

This refers to the sharing of powers between the central government and other units. In such a
system, there is constitutional sharing or division of powers between the central government,
state and local governments. Nigeria, United States of America etc., have decentralized political
system.

MERITS AND DEMERITS OF DECENTRALIZATION.

Merits:
i. It brings government nearer to the people.
ii. Fears of the minorities are removed from the domination by the majority.
iii. Quick development is achieved in a decentralized system because in this system there is
opportunity for development.
iv. There is wider consult in decentralization.
v. There is political unity.
vi. Increases efficiency of government.

Demerits:
i. The center is weak because of the autonomy of the various units.
ii. Decentralization can breed sectionalism since the country composed of different units, interest
groups, beliefs, etc.
iii. Costly to operate.
iv. Delay in taking quick decision.
v. Differences in the level of development.

EVALUATION:
1. Explain the concept of centralization in management. Discuss two advantages and two
disadvantages of centralization in an organization.
2. What is decentralization? Highlight four benefits of decentralization for large organizations
and explain how it contributes to decision-making efficiency.

GOVERNMENT
NOTE WEEK 9 -10

WEEK 9 -10
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
GOVERNMENT

CONTENT

i. Delegated Legislation.
ii. Types of delegated Legislation
iii. Control of delegated Legislation.
iv. Merits and demerits of delegated Legislation.

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
i. state the meaning delegated legislation.
ii. examine type of delegated legislation.
iii. discuss control of delegated legislation.
v. enumerate the merits and demerits of delegation legislation.

DELEGATED LEGISLATION.
This is the act of transferring powers and functions through the Acts of Parliament (laws made
by the legislature) to other organizations such as local governments, ministries public
corporations, etc. Laws made by these bodies or organizations are referred to as Bye-Laws.
Delegated Legislation is a special feature of a modern government.

Parliament (the legislature) scrutinizes most delegated legislation to ensure that their provisions
do not exceed the powers approved by the Parliament itself.

TYPES OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION

1. Bye-Laws: Local laws made by authorities (e.g., councils or corporations) under powers
granted by an Act of Parliament. They apply to specific areas or groups and regulate local
matters like parking or public behaviour.

2. Warrant: A legal document authorized by a judge or magistrate that gives the police or
officials the power to search or seize property or arrest someone, typically within the scope of
enforcing certain laws.

3. Order in Council: A form of delegated legislation made by the executive (usually the
government) with the approval of the monarch. It is used for a variety of administrative
functions, such as altering laws or creating new ones under an enabling Act.

4. Provisional Orders: Orders issued by a government minister under specific statutory

authority, often subject to parliamentary approval. They are used for specific purposes like
granting powers to local authorities or utilities.

5. Statutory Instrument: A form of secondary legislation made by a government minister under

powers provided by an Act of Parliament. It allows for detailed regulation of law, often used to
update or fill in details that the primary Act cannot specify.

CONTROL OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Parliamentary Control: This refers to the role of Parliament in overseeing delegated legislation.
Parliament may scrutinize and approve or reject rules and regulations made by government
ministers, ensuring they align with the intent of the primary law.

Judicial Control: Courts can review delegated legislation to ensure it is lawful. If a regulation
goes beyond the powers granted by the enabling act or violates constitutional principles, the
court can strike it down.

Petitions: Citizens or interest groups can submit petitions to Parliament or relevant authorities,
expressing concerns about delegated legislation.

The Press: The media plays a role by informing the public about delegated legislation. By
raising awareness and highlighting issues, the press can put pressure on the government to
review or change certain regulations.

Ministerial Control: Ministers who make delegated legislation are accountable to Parliament.
They must explain and justify their decisions, ensuring their regulations are within legal and
policy frameworks.

Public Opinion: Public opinion influences government action. If the public disagrees with
certain delegated legislation, pressure can build on the government to amend or repeal such laws.

MERITS AND DEMERITS OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION

MERITS:
i. Reduction of work load on the legislature.
ii. It makes for efficiency and precision.
iii. It saves time especially to the legislature or parliament.
iv. It is useful for emergencies. For example, if there is external attack, the executive can take
quick decisions.
v. Adjusting to changing situations.

Demerits:
i. The functions of the legislature or parliament can be violated or tampered with.
ii. There will be too many law-making bodies.
iii. The departments involved in making rules and regulations in their organizations can easily
abuse such powers delegated to them.
iv. Most of the made by the some of these bodies are undemocratic and do not have the support
of the people.

EVALUATION:
1. Explain the concept of delegated legislation. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages with
examples from your country.
2. Identify and describe the different types of delegated legislation. How does delegated
legislation differ from primary legislation in terms of authority and process?