Lesson Plan: Independence Constitution of 1960 - Features, Achievements, and Weakness
**Class**: Senior Secondary 2 (SS2)
**Subject**: Government
**Topic**: Independence Constitution of 1960 - Features, Achievements, and Weakness
**Duration**: 80 minutes
**Objective**:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify key features of the 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria.
2. Discuss the achievements of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
3. Analyze the weaknesses of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
4. Understand the historical context and significance of the 1960 Constitution.
**Materials Needed**:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key points
- Projector and computer for a short video (optional)
- Textbooks
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**Lesson Plan Outline**:
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Settling Down (2 minutes)**
- Welcome the students and ensure they are settled.
2. **Hook/Attention Grabber (3 minutes)**
- Show a short video clip or present a few photographs from the independence celebration of 1960.
3. **Brief Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Explain the importance of the 1960 Constitution as Nigeria's first constitution following independence from British colonial rule.
- State the objectives of the lesson.
**Body (55 minutes)**
1. **Historical Context (10 minutes)**
- Lecture briefly on the events leading up to Nigeria's independence and the creation of the 1960 Constitution.
- Discuss the role of key figures such as Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
2. **Features of the 1960 Independence Constitution (15 minutes)**
- Describe the major features of the constitution including:
- Parliamentary system of government
- Bicameral legislature
- Regional autonomy and federal structure
- Constitutional monarchy with the Queen as Head of State
- Role of the Governor-General
- Use the whiteboard to list these features and provide examples.
3. **Achievements of the 1960 Independence Constitution (10 minutes)**
- Discuss the positive outcomes, such as:
- Transition from colonial rule to self-governance
- Establishment of democratic institutions
- Promotion of national unity and regional balance
- Encourage students to take notes and ask questions.
4. **Weaknesses of the 1960 Independence Constitution (10 minutes)**
- Analyze the weaknesses and challenges, such as:
- Limited sovereignty with the Queen as Head of State
- Ethnic and regional tensions
- Over-reliance on British advisors
- Limited power of the central government in certain areas
- Facilitate a brief discussion on how these weaknesses impacted Nigeria's political landscape.
5. **Class Activity (10 minutes)**
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group to create a chart outlining either the features, achievements, or weaknesses of the 1960 Constitution.
- Have each group present their chart to the class.
**Conclusion (15 minutes)**
1. **Summary (5 minutes)**
- Recap the key points discussed in the lesson:
- The features of the 1960 Constitution
- Its achievements and contributions to Nigerian independence and governance
- Its weaknesses and limitations
2. **Question and Answer Session (5 minutes)**
- Allow students to ask questions for clarification and further discussion.
3. **Homework Assignment (5 minutes)**
- Assign students to write a brief essay (1-2 pages) on how the weaknesses of the 1960 Constitution led to subsequent constitutional changes in Nigeria.
- Ensure students understand the assignment and its due date.
**Assessment**:
- Evaluate group presentations for understanding of the constitution’s features, achievements, and weaknesses.
- Assess the homework assignment for comprehension and critical analysis of the material covered.
**Reflection**:
At the end of the lesson, reflect on the following:
- Were the objectives met?
- Did the students participate and engage actively?
- What could be improved in future lessons?