### Lesson Plan: The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 - Features, Achievements, and Weaknesses; London and Lagos Constitutional Conferences of 1953 and 1954 Respectively
**Subject:** Government
**Level:** Senior Secondary 2
**Duration:** 80 minutes
#### Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Explain the features of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951.
2. Identify the achievements and weaknesses of the Macpherson Constitution.
3. Outline the key points and outcomes of the London Constitutional Conference of 1953.
4. Discuss the Lagos Constitutional Conference of 1954 and its significance.
#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer for presentation
- Handouts with key points
- Copies of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 excerpt (if available)
- Notes on the London and Lagos Constitutional Conferences
#### Lesson Structure:
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Roll Call:** Briefly greet students and mark attendance.
2. **Introduction to Topic:** Introduce the topic by asking students what they know about constitutions and why they are significant for a country.
3. **Set the Context:** Provide a brief historical background of Nigeria leading up to 1951.
**Main Content (60 minutes)**
**Part 1: The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 (30 minutes)**
1. **Presentation:** Use a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the following:
- **Features:** Discuss the major features of the Macpherson Constitution such as a central legislative body, regional legislative bodies, and a Council of Ministers.
- **Achievements:** Highlight the successes and key developments, for example, greater Nigerian participation in government.
- **Weaknesses:** Discuss its limitations, including issues with regionalism and lack of a true federal system.
2. **Group Activity:** Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a specific feature, achievement, or weakness of the Macpherson Constitution to discuss and present back to the class.
**Part 2: Constitutional Conferences (30 minutes)**
1. **London Constitutional Conference of 1953:**
- **Overview:** Give a brief outline of what necessitated the conference (problems with Macpherson Constitution).
- **Key Points:** Discuss the major issues addressed and decisions made, including the need for greater regional autonomy.
2. **Lagos Constitutional Conference of 1954:**
- **Overview:** Explain the follow-up from the London Conference.
- **Key Points:** Discuss the introduction of a federal system and greater powers to the regions.
3. **Class Discussion:** Engage the class in a discussion on the significance of these conferences and how they shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. Ask questions to stimulate critical thinking, such as:
- How did the regional demand for autonomy affect national unity?
- What were the long-term impacts of these constitutional changes?
**Conclusion (10 minutes)**
1. **Summary:** Recap the key points covered in the lesson.
2. **Questions and Answers:** Allow time for students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
3. **Assignment:** Assign a homework task where students write a short essay on the impact of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 on Nigeria's path to independence.
#### Assessment:
- **Group Activity:** Evaluate participation and understanding based on group presentations.
- **Class Discussion:** Assess engagement and depth of thought during discussion.
- **Homework Essay:** Evaluate understanding based on content, analysis, and coherence.
#### Additional Resources:
- Articles and excerpts from historical documents related to the Macpherson Constitution, London, and Lagos Conferences
- Slides and handouts used during the lesson
- Relevant sections from Government textbooks and history books
#### Reflection:
After the lesson, reflect on:
- The effectiveness of the teaching methods used.
- Student engagement and participation levels.
- Areas where students struggled or showed a strong understanding.
- Revisions or adjustments needed for future lessons on similar topics.