## Lesson Plan: Political Parties in the Second Republic
### Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2
### Subject: Government
### Duration: 60 minutes
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#### **Learning Objectives:**
- Understand the concept and definition of political parties.
- Explore the role and functions of political parties.
- Identify the major political parties in the Second Republic of Nigeria.
- Understand the impact and challenges faced by political parties during the Second Republic.
#### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector & laptop
- Printouts of key political party profiles
- Notebook and pens for each student
- Copies of the Nigerian Constitution of the Second Republic (1979 Constitution)
- Relevant textbooks or handouts
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### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Welcome and Warm-up Activity:**
- Start with a brief discussion: "What is a political party, and what role do they play in a democracy?"
- Encourage students to share their thoughts.
2. **Learning Objectives:**
- Outline the lesson objectives to the students.
#### **Direct Instruction (20 minutes):**
1. **Definition and Function of Political Parties:**
- Present a brief lecture using the projector to define what a political party is and discuss their primary functions.
- **Definition:** An organized group of people with common values and goals, aiming to gain political power through elections.
- **Functions:** Mobilization of voters, representation of various interests, policy formulation, political integration and socialization, recruitment of political leadership.
2. **Background of the Second Republic (1979-1983):**
- Provide a historical context of the Second Republic in Nigeria.
- Highlight the establishment of the Second Republic and the transition from military rule.
3. **Major Political Parties in the Second Republic:**
- Discuss the major political parties:
- **National Party of Nigeria (NPN)**
- **Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)**
- **Nigerian People's Party (NPP)**
- **Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP)**
- **People's Redemption Party (PRP)**
- Provide key facts, leaders, and ideologies for each party.
#### **Guided Practice (10 minutes):**
- Hand out profiles of the major political parties for further reading.
- Organize the students into small groups. Each group will focus on one political party, discussing their findings and preparing a brief presentation or a poster summarizing key aspects like ideology, leadership, and key historical impacts.
#### **Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- **Scenario Activity:**
- Present a crisis scenario from the Second Republic era; each group will suggest how their assigned political party might have responded, based on their ideology and policies.
- Allow each group to present their suggestions briefly.
#### **Assessment (5 minutes):**
- Quick Quiz:
- Ask a few multiple choice or short answer questions to gauge their understanding. Example: "Which party did Obafemi Awolowo lead during the Second Republic?" (Answer: Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN))
#### **Closure (5 minutes):**
- Recap the day's lesson.
- Engage the students with a concluding discussion on the impact of political parties on Nigerian democracy and lessons for contemporary politics.
- Assign a homework task: Write a one-page reflection on what they believe was the greatest challenge faced by political parties in the Second Republic and how it impacted Nigeria's political development.
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### **Homework:**
- Write a one-page reflection on the greatest challenge faced by political parties in the Second Republic and its impact on Nigeria's political development.
- Optional: Research and bring information on any political party not discussed in the lesson for a brief class discussion next session.
#### **Additional Notes:**
- Encourage students to use both online and library resources for their research.
- Provide guidance on credible sources and how to distinguish authentic information.
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This lesson plan aims to offer a comprehensive look at political parties in Nigeria's Second Republic, engaging students through both direct instruction and interactive activities. It encourages critical thinking and reflection on Nigeria's political history and its contemporary implications.