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Government Lesson Note First Term SS1

Government

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Benedicta Anya
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6K views6 pages

Government Lesson Note First Term SS1

Government

Uploaded by

Benedicta Anya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Term: 1st Term

Week: 1
Class: Senior Secondary School 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 40 minutes of 2 periods each
Date:
Subject: Government
Topic:- Meaning and scope of government
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to
1. Define government
2. Explore the scope of government
3. Discuss Government as a process and as an academic field of study
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and
answers, demonstration, videos from source
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
PERIOD 1-2
PRESENTATION TEACHER’S ACTIVITY STUDENT’S
ACTIVITY

STEP 1 The teacher reviews the Students pay


students’ knowledge about the attention
INTRODUCTION word government

STEP 2 He explains the meaning and Students pay


discusses the scope of attention and
EXPLANATION government participates

STEP 3 He further discusses Students pay


government as a process and as attention and
DEMONSTRATION an academic field of study participate

STEP 4 The teacher writes a The students copy


summarized note on the board the note in their
NOTE TAKING books

NOTE
MEANING AND SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT
Government is the machinery of the state in which the state apparatus is being
run. Government is therefore an institution through which the will of the state is
formulated, expressed and realized for the attainment of its goals, through its
three arms namely: Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary. The main organs
involved in this process are the Legislature who makes laws, the executive
implement the laws and the Judiciary interpret the laws.

Government as a process
Through government, rules and regulations are made, interpreted, implemented
and enforced. Through these, the activities of the society are regulated.
Government as an Academic Field of Study
Government viewed as an academic field of study is a social science subject
taught in many Schools and colleges – including institutions of higher learning
called Political Science.
These include:
1. Public Administration: This studies the methods and means of managing a
State.
2. International relations: This studies relations between nations as well as the
socio-political and economic environments surrounding or governing such
relations i.e Foreign policy e.t.c.
3. Political Theory: this is the study of descriptions and explanations of the
origin, nature, characteristics, and objectives of human organisation

Here are some notable authors who have defined government:

1. Aristotle_: "Politics" (350 BCE) - defined government as a means to


Achieve the common good.
2. _John Locke_: "Two Treatises of Government" (1689) - defined
government as a social contract to protect life, liberty, and property.
3. _Thomas Hobbes_: "Leviathan" (1651) - defined government as a
necessary evil to maintain order and prevent chaos.
4. _David Easton_: "The Political System" (1953) - defined government as the
authoritative allocation of values for a society.
5. _Max Weber_: "Politics as a Vocation" (1919) - defined government as a
bureaucracy with a monopoly on legitimate force.
6. _Harold Lasswell_: "Politics: Who Gets What, When, How" (1936) -
defined government as the process of deciding who gets what, when, and
how.
7. _Robert Dahl_: "On Democracy" (1998) - defined government as a system
of democratic decision-making.
8. _Joseph Nye_: "The Future of Power" (2011) - defined government as a
means to exercise power and achieve goals.

These authors, among others, have contributed to our understanding of


government and its role in society.

The three branches of government

1.Legislative branch*: This branch is responsible for creating the laws of the
land. It is headed by the National Assembly, which consists of the Senate and
the House of Representatives.
2.Executive branch*: This branch of government is responsible for enforcing
the laws of the land and is headed by the President. This branch also
includes the Vice President and the Cabinet.
3.Judicial branch*: This branch is responsible for interpreting the laws of the
land and is headed by the Supreme Court.

Ineffective or corrupt government can:


- Stifle economic growth and innovation
- Exacerbate social inequalities
- Erode trust and legitimacy
- Undermine individual freedoms
- Fail to address pressing issues and challenges.
It's important to note that these demerits can be mitigated through good
governance practices, such as transparency, accountability, and citizen
engagement.
Effective government can:
- Promote social justice and equality
- Foster innovation and progress
- Enhance national security and global influence
- Support individual freedom and autonomy
- Encourage economic prosperity and stability.

Characteristics of government
1. *Accountability*: The government is responsible and answerable to its
citizens.
2. *Transparency*: Decision-making processes are open and clear.
3. *Participation*: Citizens have opportunities to engage in the political process.
4. *Representation*: The government represents the diverse interests of its
citizens.
5. *Rule of Law*: The government and citizens are subject to a fair and impartial
legal system.
6. *Stability*: The government is stable and able to maintain continuity.
7. *Effectiveness*: The government is able to achieve its goals and deliver
services.
8. *Efficiency*: The government uses resources wisely and minimizes waste.
9. *Responsiveness*: The government responds to the needs and concerns of its
citizens.
10. *Inclusivity*: The government serves all citizens, regardless of their race,
gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
11. *Flexibility*: The government is able to adapt to changing circumstances.
12. *Good Governance*: The government is free from corruption and ensures
that public resources are used for the public good.

Functions of government
1. *Legislative*: Making laws and policies.
2. *Executive*: Enforcing laws and policies.
3. *Judicial*: Interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
4. *Administrative*: Managing government programs and services.
5. *Diplomatic*: Conducting foreign relations and negotiations.
6. *Defense*: Protecting the nation from external threats.
7. *Regulatory*: Overseeing economic and social activities.
8. *Social Welfare*: Providing support and services for citizens.
9. *Infrastructure Development*: Building and maintaining public infrastructure.
10. *Environmental Protection*: Preserving natural resources and addressing
environmental issues.
11. *Public Safety*: Maintaining law and order, and ensuring citizen safety.
12. *Education*: Providing access to education and promoting learning.
13. *Healthcare*: Ensuring access to healthcare services and promoting public
health.
14. *Economic Development*: Promoting economic growth and development.
15. *Research and Development*: Supporting scientific research and innovation.

These functions aim to promote the well-being, stability, and prosperity of


society, while also ensuring the effective management of public resources and
affairs.

Important's of studying government

1. *Understanding decision-making processes*: Government studies help us


comprehend how decisions are made, who makes them, and how they impact
society.
2. *Promoting civic engagement*: Knowing how government works encourages
citizens to participate in the political process, vote, and engage in advocacy.
3. *Holding leaders accountable*: Studying government helps citizens
understand their rights and responsibilities, enabling them to hold elected
officials accountable.
4. *Understanding public policy*: Government studies illuminate how policies
are created, implemented, and impact society, preparing citizens to engage in
policy debates.
5. *Fostering critical thinking*: Analyzing government structures, processes, and
policies develops critical thinking skills, essential for informed decision-making.
6. *Preparing for careers in public service*: Studying government prepares
students for careers in government, non-profit organizations, and private sector
roles that interact with government.
7. *Understanding global affairs*: Government studies provide insight into
international relations, global governance, and the impact of globalization.
8. *Appreciating democracy*: Studying government helps citizens value
democracy, its principles, and the importance of protecting democratic
institutions.
9. *Developing problem-solving skills*: Government studies encourage students
to think creatively about solving complex societal problems.
10. *Empowering informed citizenship*: By understanding government, citizens
can make informed decisions, engage in meaningful discussions, and contribute
to a healthier democracy.
In summary, studying government empowers citizens to participate in the
democratic process, makes them informed decision-makers, and prepares them
for careers in public service.

EVALUATION: 1. Define government


2. What is the scope of government?
3. Discuss government as
4. a process
5. an academic field of study
CLASSWORK: As in evaluation
CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively

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