### Civic Education – Junior Secondary 3
#### Lesson Plan: POST 1960 CONSTITUTION: 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION
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#### Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
1. Understand the significance and key features of the 1963 Republican Constitution.
2. Know the historical context that led to the creation of the 1963 Republican Constitution.
3. Analyze the impact of the 1963 Republican Constitution on Nigerian governance.
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#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and Computer (for slides/video)
- Copies of the 1963 Republican Constitution excerpts (or digital access)
- Handouts with key terms and definitions
- Writing materials for students
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#### Lesson Duration:
- 60 minutes
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### Lesson Outline:
#### Introduction (10 mins):
1. **Opening Activity:**
- Begin with a quick recap of Nigeria’s independence and the 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Pose a question to the class: "What changes do you think might have been necessary after Nigeria gained independence?"
2. **Set the Context:**
- Briefly explain the transition from colonial rule to independence and the initial changes brought by the 1960 Constitution.
- Introduce the 1963 Republican Constitution as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political evolution.
#### Direct Instruction (20 mins):
1. **Historical Background:**
- Explain the context leading up to the adoption of the 1963 Republican Constitution.
- Highlight the dissatisfaction with the 1960 Independence Constitution and the desire for further sovereignty and national identity.
2. **Key Features of the 1963 Republican Constitution:**
- The establishment of Nigeria as a republic.
- The role and functions of the President.
- Separation of powers among the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches.
- The fundamental rights of citizens.
- Provisions for state governments and regional autonomy.
3. **Significance:**
- Discuss the importance of the 1963 Republican Constitution in consolidating Nigeria’s status as a fully sovereign state.
- Examine how the constitution laid the groundwork for Nigerian democracy.
#### Guided Practice (15 mins):
1. **Group Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups and provide each group with excerpts from the 1963 Republican Constitution.
- Assign each group a specific section to read and analyze.
- Have each group summarize their section and present to the class, focusing on key points and their significance.
#### Independent Practice (10 mins):
1. **Individual Activity:**
- Distribute a worksheet with questions related to the 1963 Republican Constitution and its impact.
- Students will complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on how the constitution addressed the issues from the pre-independence period.
#### Assessment (5 mins):
1. **Formative Assessment:**
- Review student presentations and worksheet answers to check for understanding.
- Engage in a quick Q&A session to clarify any misconceptions and reinforce key points.
#### Closure (10 mins):
1. **Summary:**
- Recap the main points discussed in the lesson.
- Highlight the ongoing importance of the 1963 Republican Constitution in understanding Nigerian government and politics.
2. **Exit Ticket:**
- Ask students to write one thing they learned about the 1963 Republican Constitution and one question they still have.
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#### Extension Activities:
1. **Homework Assignment:**
- Students can research another key constitution in Nigerian history (e.g., the 1979 or 1999 Constitution) and compare its features and impact with the 1963 Republican Constitution.
2. **Class Debate:**
- Organize a debate about the effectiveness of the 1963 Republican Constitution in addressing the political challenges of the time versus subsequent constitutions.
#### References:
1. Excerpts from the 1963 Republican Constitution.
2. History textbooks and civic education resources.
3. Educational websites and online databases.
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This lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching Junior Secondary 3 students about the 1963 Republican Constitution, emphasizing understanding through interactive and reflective activities.