CIVIC EDUCATION E-LEARNING NOTE

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: SS 3
STUDENT NAME:........................................CLASS:3______
WEEK

1. Popular participation: Meaning/definition

2. Popular participation (Contd): Needs for Popular participation
3. Popular participation (Contd): Traditional & Modern mode of Popular participation
4. Democracy: Meaning & definition of Democracy
5. Democracy (Contd): Importance & problems of democracy
6. Democracy (Contd): Processes of democracy
7. Constitutional Democracy: Meaning/definition
8. Constitutional Democracy (Contd): Features of Constitutional democracy
9. Constitutional Democracy (Contd): Advantages
10.Constitutional Democracy (Contd): Disadvantages
11.Past questions
12.Revision
13.Examination

REFERENCES: Essential Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools

(Gbenga M. Babalola & Igbinobu Chuks)

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WEEK 1: Civic Education Lesson Note: Popular Participation

Lesson Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define popular participation.
2. Identify forms and needs of popular participation.
3. Explain the importance of popular participation in a democratic society.
4. Highlight the problems affecting popular participation.
5. Suggest ways to encourage citizen participation in governance.

MEANING OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION

Popular participation refers to the active involvement of citizens in the political,
economic, and social activities of their country. It means that people have the right
and responsibility to take part in decisions that affect their lives & society.
It is one of the key features of democracy. When people vote, attend town hall
meetings, join political parties, protest peacefully, or engage in community service,
they are practicing popular participation.
Example: When citizens vote in general elections or attend a community sanitation
exercise, they are participating in national and community development.

Photo that vividly illustrate

popular participation in civic
life:

1. Street Protest in Africa – Citizens gathered in public spaces, holding up

voices and placards to challenge governance or social issues.

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2. Election rally – Supporters during a

campaign in Nigeria hold placards like
"Vote Obi/Datti", representing
enthusiasm and active political
involvement.

3. Youth Demonstration –
Young people mobilizing, often
in large numbers, to press for
political or social reform—a core
example of popular
participation.

FORMS OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION

Popular Participation can come in the following ways:
a. Voting in elections
b. Joining political parties
c. Peaceful protest
d. Community service
e. Public debates
f. Petition writing
WEEK 2: NEEDS FOR POPULAR PARTICIPATION
The reasons for popular participation in the society are to:

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1. Promote political awareness and education.

2. Foster political stability.
3. Promote self-fulfillment/satisfaction.
4. Enhance development.
5. Institutionalize responsive and responsible government.
6. Promote popular consciousness.
7. Create greater opportunities for citizens.
8. Enhance confidence of the people to hold government accountable.
9. Improve the quality of governance.
10. Influence the direction of government policies.
11. Enhance collective effort in the development of the political system.
12. Promote a sense of belonging among the people.
13. Carry everybody along in the process of development.
14. Ensure equity in the allocation of societal resources.
15. Enable people to gain socio-economic and political power.
WEEK 3: TRADITIONAL & MODERN MODE OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION
TRADITIONAL MODES of Popular Participation
These are the old or native ways people used to
take part in community or political matters before
modern systems like democracy and voting became
common.
Examples:
a. Town hall meetings – elders
and citizens gather to discuss
issues.
b. Village assemblies – people
meet under a tree or public
place to make decisions.
c. Family/clan leaders' decisions
– important issues are
discussed through family
heads. d. Age-grade systems – youths
and elders belong to groups
that serve and advise the
community.
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🟢 Key point: Traditional modes are mostly oral, face-to-face, and community-based.

MODERN MODES of Popular Participation

These are new or organized ways people use to participate in governance, especially
in a democratic system.
Examples:
1. Voting in elections – choosing leaders through ballots.
2. Joining political parties – supporting or being active in political groups.
3. Peaceful protests and rallies – marching to express opinions.
4. Social media activism – using platforms like Twitter or Facebook to share ideas.
5. Petitions and campaigns – writing or signing documents to demand change.
6. Community development associations (CDAs) – organized local participation.
🟢 Key point: Modern modes use technology, legal systems, and formal organizations
to involve citizens.
DIFFERENCE AT A GLANCE

Feature Traditional Participation Modern Participation

Style Informal, oral Formal, written or digital

Setting Rural/community-based Urban and global

Tools Town meetings, chiefs Elections, social media

Example Village assembly Voting in elections

IMPORTANCE OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION

1. Promotes democracy.
2. Strengthens accountability.
3. Encourages development.
4. Protects human rights.
5. Gives citizens a voice.
PROBLEMS OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION
1. Illiteracy 2. Poverty 3. Fear of intimidation 4. Lack of trust in government
5. Poor political awareness

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WAYS TO ENCOURAGE POPULAR PARTICIPATION

Ways to Encourage Popular Participation:
a. Teaching Civic education in schools and communities.
b. Freedom of speech and association.
c. Transparent governance to build trust.
d. Youth and women empowerment.
e. Provision of security during elections and protests.
f. Media sensitization.

SUMMARY
- Popular participation is the involvement of citizens in governance and development.
- It includes voting, protesting, debates, community work, and joining political parties.
- It promotes democracy, accountability, and national development.
- Barriers like poverty, fear, and ignorance can limit participation.
- Encouraging education, freedom, and transparency boosts participation.

EVALUATION / CLASSWORK
1. Define popular participation.
2. List four forms of popular participation.
3. State three importance of popular participation.
4. Mention two problems that discourage popular participation.
5. Suggest two ways popular participation can be encouraged.

ASSIGNMENT: Write a short paragraph (about 50 words) on how young people like you
can participate in the development of your community.

WEEK 3: Civic Education Lesson Note: Understanding Democracy

Lesson Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define democracy and its core principles.
2. Identify different types of democracy.
3. Explain the importance of citizen participation in a democracy.
4. Recognize the benefits and challenges of democratic systems.
5. Connect democratic principles to their own lives and communities.

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Democracy comes from two

Greek words:
Demos (meaning "people")
Kratos (meaning "rule" or
"power") So, literally, democracy
means "rule by the people."

Democracy may be defined as a Government in which all qualified adult citizens

participate directly or indirectly in the affairs of their Local, State or National
Government in the country.
Abraham Lincoln former America President opined that Democracy is “The Government
of the people, by the people and for the people”.
Freedom, respect for human rights and the principles of holding periodic and genuine
elections are essential elements of democracy. In turn, democracy provides the natural
environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights.
The above essential elements of Democracy are embodied in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights & further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights. Democracy & Human Rights are inter-linked, the link between Democracy and
Human Rights is captured in Article 21 (3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
which states that: “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority
of Government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections
which shall be by universal & equal suffrage & shall be held secret vote or by
equivalent free voting procedures.”
Democracy isn't just about voting; it's built on several fundamental ideas:
a. Rule of Law:
* Everyone, including leaders, must follow the same laws.
* No one is above the law.
b. Equality:
* All citizens are equal before the law, regardless of their background, religion, gender,
or any other characteristic.

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* Everyone has the same rights and opportunities.

c. Freedom & Rights:
* Citizens have fundamental rights and freedoms, such as:
* Freedom of speech (to express their opinions)
* Freedom of assembly (to gather peacefully)
* Freedom of religion
* The right to a fair trial
* These rights are protected by the constitution and cannot be easily taken away.
d. Citizen Participation:
For a democracy to work, citizens need to be actively involved in
* Voting in elections
* Participating in debates and discussions
* Joining civic groups or volunteering
e. Accountability & Transparency:
* Leaders are accountable to the people they represent. They must explain their
decisions.
* Government actions should be transparent, meaning open and visible to the public.
f. Tolerance & Compromise:
* In a diverse society, people will have different opinions.
* Democracy requires tolerance for differing viewpoints and a willingness to compromise
to find solutions that benefit the whole community.

WEEK 4: TYPES OF DEMOCRACY

While the core principles remain, democracy can be practiced in different ways:
1. Direct Democracy
2. Indirect Democracy or
Representative Democracy
(Republic)
3. Constitutional Monarchy

Direct Democracy Citizens

directly vote on laws and
policies, without electing a
representative.

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Indirect Democracy
Citizens elect
representatives to
make decisions on
their behalf. These
representatives then
gather in building like
parliaments or
congresses.

Advantage of DD: Gives citizens a direct voice.

Disadvantage of DD: Impractical for large populations; requires high levels of citizen
engagement and knowledge on all issues.
Advantage of Indirect Democracy: More practical for large countries; allows for
expertise in decision-making; representatives can focus on governance.
Disadvantage of Indirect Democracy: Representatives might not always perfectly
reflect the will of their constituents; potential for corruption or disconnect.
WEEK 5: THE IMPORTANCE & PROBLEMS OF DEMOCRACY
Democracy isn't a spectator sport! It thrives when citizens are involved.
* Why is participation important?
* To hold leaders accountable: If citizens don't pay attention, leaders might make
decisions that don't serve the public interest.
* To ensure diverse voices are heard: Everyone's perspective matters.
* To bring about positive change: Want to see something change in your community or
country? Get involved!
* To protect rights and freedoms: If citizens aren't vigilant, their rights can be eroded.
* Ways teenagers can participate (even before voting age):
* Stay informed (read news, follow current events).
* Discuss issues with family and friends.
* Participate in school elections or student government.

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* Volunteer for causes you care about.

* Join or start school clubs related to civics or social issues.
* Write letters or emails to elected officials (even if you can't vote yet, your voice
matters).
* Engage in peaceful protests or advocacy.
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY
Like any system, democracy has its strengths and weaknesses.
Benefits:
* Protects Human Rights: Aims to guarantee fundamental freedoms and equality for all
citizens.
* Promotes Stability: Provides a peaceful way to transfer power through elections,
reducing the likelihood of violence.
* Encourages Citizen Engagement: Empowers people to have a say in their governance.
* Adaptable: Can evolve and change over time to meet new challenges.
* Innovation and Creativity: Freedom of expression and diverse viewpoints can lead to
new ideas and solutions.
* Better Decision-Making: When many voices are heard, decisions can be more well-
rounded and benefit more people.
Challenges(PROBLEMS):
* Slow Decision-Making: Debates and compromises can make the process slow.
* Voter Apathy: Some citizens may not vote or participate, weakening the system.
* Misinformation/Disinformation: False information can manipulate public opinion.
* Tyranny of the Majority: The majority's will might sometimes overlook the rights or
needs of minority groups.
* Costly Elections: Running elections can be expensive.
* Divisiveness: Political campaigns can sometimes create divisions within society.
WEEK 6: PROCESSES OF DEMOCRACY

📘 🌀 Democracy happens step by step. Here are the main stages:

1. Voter Registration
People who are old enough (usually 18+) register to vote.
This helps the government know who can vote.

2. Political Campaigns

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Different political parties and candidates share their ideas.

They tell people what they will do if they are elected.
This helps voters make informed choices.

3. Voting (Election Day)

On election day, registered voters go to polling stations.
They vote in secret for the candidate or party they like.

4. Counting the Votes

After voting, officials count all the votes fairly.
The person or party with the most votes wins.

5. Announcement of Results
The results are announced publicly.
The winners take over leadership for a fixed
period (like 4 or 5 years). In our beloved Country
Nigeria, it is for the period of ____

6. Leadership and Governance

The winners form a government.
They make decisions, create laws, and serve the
people. 🌟

WEEK 7: CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

Introduction

Constitutional democracy is a type of government

where the people rule through elected leaders,
and everyone, including the leaders, must follow
the law written in a constitution.

Definition of Constitutional Democracy

Constitutional democracy is a type of Government

where the people elect their leaders, and those
leaders must follow the laws written in a
constitution.
It means power belong to the people, and the that
everyone including the Government must obey
rules (laws).

Simple Definition:
It is a government run by the people, guided by a

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set of rules (constitution), and

where leaders are chosen by
voting.

Key Features

The Constitution is Supreme: All

laws and decisions must follow
the constitution.
Free and Fair Elections: People
vote to choose their leaders.
Rule of Law: Everyone, including
leaders, must obey the law.
Separation of Powers:
Government is divided into parts
(like president, lawmakers,
judges) to prevent misuse of
power.
Respect for Human Rights:
Citizens have rights like freedom
of speech and religion.

Examples of Constitutional
Democracies
Our beloved country Nigeria
United States of America
South Africa

IMPORTANCE OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

It protects the rights of the people.
It prevents dictatorship.
It promotes peace and order.
It allows people to participate in choosing their leaders.

Keywords
Constitution: The highest law that guides how a country is run.
Democracy: A system where people have the power to choose their leaders.

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WEEK 8: FEATURES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

✅ Here are some important features:
1. Rule of Law 2. Separation of Powers
Everyone is equal under the law. Power is divided into three branches:
The leaders and citizens must Legislative (makes laws)
obey the law. Executive (enforces laws)
Judiciary (interprets laws)
This helps to avoid misuse of power.

3. Fundamental Human Rights 4. Free and Fair Elections

People have rights such as: People vote to choose their leaders.
Right to life Elections are peaceful and honest.
Right to freedom of speech
Right to education
The constitution protects these rights.

5. Popular Participation 5. Checks and Balances

Citizens are allowed to take part in government by: Each arm of government checks
the Voting power of the other arms.
Joining political parties This keeps any one part from
Speaking up on issues becoming too powerful.

6. Constitution as Supreme Law

The constitution is the highest law.
All other laws must agree with it.

🧠 SUMMARY
Constitutional democracy means people rule through laws.
It ensures freedom, fairness, and justice.
It helps to prevent abuse of power.
WEEK 9: ADVANTAGES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
Constitutional democracy is a type of government where the power of the leaders is
limited by a constitution. The people elect their leaders and have the right to
participate in decision-making, the following are the advantages of constitutional
democracy:

1. Rule of Law: 2. Freedom of Speech and Rights:

Everyone, including leaders, People can speak freely and
must follow the law. enjoy basic human rights.

3. Regular Elections: 4. Checks and Balances:

Leaders are elected by the Power is shared among different
people through voting. arms of government to avoid abuse.

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Citizen Participation:
People can take part in governance
through voting and public opinion.

WEEK 10: DISADVANTAGES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

1. Slow Decision-Making: 2. Cost of Elections:
Many people and steps are involved Conducting elections regularly
in making laws, which can delay action. can be expensive.

3. Possibility of Corruption: 4. Manipulation of the People:

Elected leaders may still misuse Some politicians may deceive
power for personal gain. people with fake promises.

Disagreements and Conflicts:

Different opinions can lead to political fights or division.
WEEK 11: REVISION……….
STUDY QUESTIONS: Past WAEC/NECO
2018 WAEC Theory. 1a. Define Orderliness 1b. State 6 ways of exhibiting Orderliness
in the society.
4. Highlight 5 skills for resolving 3a. What is constituted authority?
inter-communal conflicts. 3b. Highlight 6 advantages of constituted
4a. Mention 3 drugs that can be abused. authority.
4b. List 6 visible behavior of drug addict.
4c. State 2 consequences of drug abuse. 5. Identify 3 ways people living with HIV/AIDS
(PLVHA) are discriminated against.
5b. Explain 3 reasons why stigmatization of
People living with HIV/AIDS (PLVHA)
Should be discouraged.
6a. Highlight 3 ways by which Nigerian 7a. in what 5 ways can citizens
youths are empowered. demonstrate political apathy
6b. State three social consequences of 7b. Give five reasons for political apathy.
high rate of unemployment in Nigeria.

8. State 5 ways illiteracy can be a 9. Explain 5 reasons. why account ability

challenge to popular participation should be the watchword of
in a democracy. public servants.
10a. (WAEC 2017) What is interpersonal
Relationship?
10b. List 4 ways by which acts of kindness 11a. what is traffic regulations?
can promote interpersonal relationship 11b. List 6 reasons why inspection of vehicle
12a. What is Responsible parenthood? documents is necessary.
12b. List four importance of responsible 13. List five functions of the national agency
parenthood to national development. for the prohibition of traffic in persons

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and other related matter (NAPTIP)

14a. List three reasons why cultism 15. Explain at least 5 of the following pillars
constitutes national problems of democracy
14b. Give five reasons why eradication of 16. List 5 ways civic education can help
cultism in school will promotes national eradicate drug addiction among youths.
development. 17. Give three reasons why public services
14c. List two factors hindering the is important for the effective functioning
eradication of cultism in Nigeria school. of government
18. List 5 important reasons of relevance of 19. (WAEC 2016) (a) State four significance
power sharing among the three tiers of contentment in the Nigerian society.
of Government in Nigeria. 19b. Mention three negative effects of lack of
contentment on the society.
20. Explain five nationalistic roles expected
of individuals in the society.

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