CITIZENSHIP

Unit 1: Virtue Ethics

Keywords: Honesty, Courage, Compassion, Fairness, Self-discipline

1.1 Concept of Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics means developing good character traits like honesty and
courage to benefit society.

Example: Helping a classmate with homework shows compassion.

Virtues are learned through practice, while vices like dishonesty harm communities.

1.2 Qualities of Virtue Ethics

Honesty: Returning a lost wallet

Courage: Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba persevering in races

Formula: Virtue = Good habits + Consistent practice

1.3 Importance of Virtue Ethics

Example: Honesty builds trust; dishonesty causes conflict.

Virtues help us distinguish right from wrong and promote social harmony.

1.4 Applying Virtue Ethics

Case Study: Abebech Gobena founded an orphanage through generosity and commitment

Unit 2: State and Government

Keywords: Federal, Unitary, Presidential, Parliamentary

2.1 State Structures

Unitary: Power is centralized (e.g., France)

Federal: Power is shared between central and regional governments (e.g., Ethiopia)

Confederal: Loose alliance of independent states (e.g., European Union)

2.2 Government Systems

Presidential: President is separate from the legislature (e.g., USA)

2.3 State vs. Government

State: An abstract entity with population, territory, and sovereignty

Government: Concrete institutions and leaders that enforce laws

2.4 Forms of Government in Ethiopia

Monarchy (Pre-1974): Emperor Haile Selassie’s centralized rule

Derg (1974–1991): Military dictatorship

Post-1991: Federal parliamentary system

Unit 3: Democracy

Keywords: Sovereignty, Rule of law, Elections

3.1 Concept of Democracy

Example: Electing a class monitor through voting

Democracy needs strong institutions, not just majority rule

3.2 Principles of Democracy

Popular Sovereignty: People choose their leaders

Rule of Law: Everyone is equal under the law

Free Elections: Secret ballot voting

3.3 Democratic Values

Tolerance: Accepting diverse opinions

Justice: Mobile schools for Afar herders

3.4 Indigenous Democratic Values

Example: The Oromo Gada system, which ensures peaceful power transfer

3.5 Challenges in Ethiopia

Unit 4: Constitutionalism

Keywords: Constitution, Rule of law, Accountability

4.1 Constitution vs. Constitutionalism

Constitution: A written set of rules (e.g., FDRE Constitution)

Constitutionalism: Government power is limited by laws

4.2 Classifying Constitutions

Written (e.g., Ethiopia) vs. Unwritten (e.g., UK)

Rigid (hard to amend) vs. Flexible

4.3 Need for Constitutionalism

Example: Article 9 of the FDRE Constitution voids any unconstitutional laws

It prevents abuse of power and maintains stability

Unit 5: Human Rights

Keywords: Dignity, Equality, Justice

5.1 Concept of Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights of all people, such as life and liberty

Example: Right to education allows all children to go to school

These rights are universal and protected by law

5.2 Categories of Human Rights

Civil and Political: Right to vote, free speech

Example: Voting in elections

Economic and Social: Right to work, healthcare

Example: Access to public hospitals

Example: Communities protesting pollution

5.3 Protection Mechanisms

Institutions: Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, police, and courts

Example: Reporting abuse to authorities

Formula: Rights + Accountability = Protection

Unit 6: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

Keywords: Dialogue, Mediation, Reconciliation

6.1 Types of Conflict

Interpersonal: Conflict between individuals

Example: Classmates arguing over resources

Communal: Conflict between groups based on ethnicity or religion

Example: Land disputes between communities

6.2 Indigenous Conflict Resolution

Institutions like the Gadaa (Oromo) and Shimagile (Amhara) systems

Example: Elders mediate disputes through dialogue

Focus is on restoring peace, not punishment

6.3 Steps in Peacebuilding

Dialogue: Open and honest communication

Mediation: A neutral person helps resolve the issue

Reconciliation: Building trust and restoring relationships

Example: Truth commissions after conflicts

Unit 7: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

7.1 Problem-Solving Steps

1. Identify the problem

2. Analyze the causes

3. Come up with possible solutions

4. Take action and evaluate the result

Example: Solving bullying in school through peer counseling

7.2 Critical Thinking Habits

Question assumptions: Ask whether something is biased

Make decisions based on facts and evidence

Example: Using scientific data in a climate change debate

7.3 Strategies for Improvement

Brainstorming: Generating ideas in a group

Role-playing: Acting out real-life situations

Example: Students simulating a community negotiation

Summary Formulas and Notes

Virtue Ethics = Good character + Practice

Democracy = Free elections + Rule of law

Human Rights = Dignity + Equality = Justice

Conflict Resolution = Dialogue + Compromise = Peace

Critical Thinking = Question + Analyze = Solution