### Lesson Plan: Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Government
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Topic:** Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946
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#### **Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Describe the historical context and background of the Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946.
2. Identify the main features and provisions of the constitution.
3. Analyze the significance and impact of the constitution on Nigeria’s political development.
4. Discuss the successes and limitations of the Arthur Richards Constitution.
#### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- PowerPoint presentation (optional)
- Handouts with key points about the Arthur Richards Constitution
- Primary source documents (if available)
- Video clips/documentaries (if available)
- Class textbooks
- Internet access for additional resources (optional)
#### **Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Begin with a brief review of the previous lesson about colonial constitutions in Nigeria.
- Introduce the topic and its relevance to Nigerian political history.
- Pose a warm-up question: "What factors contribute to the need for new constitutions in a country under colonial rule?"
2. **Historical Context (10 minutes):**
- Explain the background leading up to the introduction of the Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946, including World War II and global movements towards decolonization.
- Discuss Governor Arthur Richards and his role in proposing the constitution.
- Highlight the goals of the British colonial administration with this constitution.
3. **Main Features of the Constitution (15 minutes):**
- Distribute handouts with key points or display a PowerPoint slide.
- Discuss the main features, including:
- Introduction of regionalism (creation of three regions: North, West, and East).
- Bicameral system with Executive and Legislative Councils.
- Increased African representation but with limited powers.
- Continuation of indirect rule.
- Engage students with questions on each feature to ensure understanding.
4. **Significance and Impact (10 minutes):**
- Analyze the significance of the Arthur Richards Constitution in the context of Nigeria’s political development.
- Discuss how the constitution set the stage for future political changes and greater self-governance.
- Encourage students to think critically about the effects on Nigerian unity and regionalism.
5. **Successes and Limitations (10 minutes):**
- Engage students in a discussion about the successes and limitations of the constitution.
- Successes might include the increased representation and political awareness among Nigerians.
- Limitations could involve continued colonial control and insufficient autonomy for the regions.
- Encourage students to give their perspectives and reflections.
6. **Closure (5 minutes):**
- Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- Review the objectives and check if they have been achieved through a quick Q&A session.
- Assign a short reflective essay or a few questions for homework related to the Arthur Richards Constitution and its implications for Nigeria’s political evolution.
#### **Assessment:**
- Participation in class discussions and activities.
- Answers in the Q&A session at the end of the class.
- Homework assignment – reflective essay or questions.
#### **Homework/Extension:**
- Research and write a one-page essay on how the Arthur Richards Constitution laid the groundwork for subsequent Nigerian constitutions.
- Prepare for a debate on whether the Arthur Richards Constitution was more beneficial or detrimental to Nigeria's process towards independence.
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This lesson plan is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946 and its relevance in Nigerian history. It encourages critical thinking and student engagement through various activities and discussions.