**Civic Education Lesson Plan: Post-1960 Constitution - Republican Constitution**
**Grade Level**: Junior Secondary 3
**Subject**: Civic Education
**Topic**: Post-1960 Constitution - Republican Constitution
**Duration**: 60 minutes
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**Objectives**:
1. Students will understand the key features of the 1963 Republican Constitution of Nigeria.
2. Students will be able to discuss the significance of the 1963 Constitution in Nigeria's political history.
3. Students will identify the differences between the 1960 Independence Constitution and the 1963 Republican Constitution.
4. Students will reflect on how the 1963 Republican Constitution has influenced modern Nigerian governance.
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**Materials**:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handouts of the 1963 Republican Constitution key points
- Projector for a brief PowerPoint presentation
- Videos or documentaries (optional)
- Chart papers and markers for group activities
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**Lesson Outline**:
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**:
- Greet the students and introduce the day's topic.
- Start with a brief recap of Nigeria’s 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the transition to the Republican Constitution of 1963.
**2. Direct Instruction (20 minutes)**:
- **Presentation**: Deliver a brief PowerPoint presentation covering:
- The historical context leading to the 1963 Republican Constitution.
- Key features of the 1963 Republican Constitution:
- Abolition of the monarchy and establishment of Nigeria as a republic.
- The position of President replacing the Governor-General.
- Changes in legislative and judicial structures.
- Continued federalism and protection of regional powers.
- The roles of key figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Tafawa Balewa.
- The impacts and significance of the 1963 Constitution in Nigeria’s political development.
- **Handouts**: Distribute handouts summarizing the Constitution and notable differences from the 1960 Constitution.
**3. Group Activity (15 minutes)**:
- Divide the students into small groups.
- Each group will create a comparison chart highlighting the differences between the 1960 Independence Constitution and the 1963 Republican Constitution.
- Groups will present their findings to the class.
**4. Discussion (10 minutes)**:
- Facilitate a class discussion on how the changes in the 1963 Republican Constitution have shaped modern governance in Nigeria.
- Encourage students to reflect on the importance of constitutional changes in a country’s development.
**5. Assessment (5 minutes)**:
- Conduct a quick quiz with questions such as:
- What significant changes were made in the 1963 Constitution?
- Who was Nigeria’s first president under the Republican Constitution?
- Why was the transition from a monarchy to a republic significant?
**6. Conclusion (5 minutes)**:
- Summarize the lesson by reiterating the key points.
- Emphasize the importance of understanding historical constitutional changes.
- Provide a brief preview of the next lesson topic.
**Homework**:
- Assign a short essay in which students should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the 1963 Republican Constitution compared to the 1960 Independence Constitution.
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**Assessment Criteria**:
- Participation in group activities and discussions.
- Clarity and accuracy in quiz responses.
- Quality and depth of thought in the homework essay.
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**Extensions**:
- Consider inviting a local historian or civic leader to provide additional context and enrichment.
- Use multimedia resources such as documentaries to provide visual and narrative explanations of the constitutional changes.
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**Notes**:
- Ensure all students have access to the necessary materials.
- Be prepared to provide additional support for students who may need help understanding the historical context.