## Lesson Plan: The 1999 Nigerian Presidential Constitution
### Subject: Government
### Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2
### Duration: 60 minutes
### Topic: The 1999 Nigerian Presidential Constitution
#### Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand the historical context and importance of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
2. Identify the key features and provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
3. Explain the structure and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches under the Constitution.
4. Discuss the significance of the 1999 Constitution in Nigeria's democratic governance.
#### Materials Needed:
- Textbooks on Nigerian Government and Politics
- Copies of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (excerpts can be used)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer (optional for visual aids)
- Handouts with key points and questions
#### Lesson Outline:
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. Begin with a brief review of the history of Nigeria's constitutional development.
2. Show a timeline of Nigerian constitutions from independence to the present.
3. Introduce the 1999 Constitution as the current and operational law of the land.
4. Explain its significance in stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy after years of military rule.
**Direct Instruction (20 minutes)**
1. **Historical Context**:
- Discuss the background leading to the adoption of the 1999 Constitution including the transition from military to civilian rule.
- Highlight the key figures and political movements involved in its creation.
2. **Key Features of the 1999 Constitution**:
- Chapter IV: Fundamental Rights.
- Federal System of Government.
- Supremacy of the Constitution.
- Separation of Powers.
3. **Structure of Government**:
- **Executive Branch**: Role of the President, Vice President, and the Federal Executive Council.
- **Legislative Branch**: Bicameral nature featuring the Senate and the House of Representatives; their roles and functions.
- **Judicial Branch**: The judiciary's independence and role in interpreting the Constitution.
4. **Provisions for Checks and Balances**:
- Discuss how the Constitution ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.
**Group Activity (15 minutes)**
1. Divide the class into three groups representing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
2. Provide each group with a scenario or case study related to their branch’s functions.
3. Each group discusses and presents how their branch would handle the situation based on the constitutional provisions.
**Discussion and Q&A (10 minutes)**
1. Open the floor for students to ask questions for clarification on any aspect of the lesson.
2. Encourage discussion on the importance of the Constitution in protecting citizens' rights and guiding governance.
**Conclusion (5 minutes)**
1. Summarize the key points of the lesson.
2. Emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and understanding the Constitution.
3. Provide a brief overview of the next lesson topic related to governance.
#### Assessment:
1. **Formative**:
- Monitor students' participation in discussions and group activities.
- Ask questions throughout the lesson to check for understanding.
2. **Summative**:
- Assign a short essay on the significance of the 1999 Constitution in Nigeria's democratic governance.
- Give a quiz covering the key features and the structure of government as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution.
#### Homework:
Students are to read the chapters in their textbook that cover the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and prepare to discuss its impact on modern Nigerian politics in the next class.