Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary School 2

TERM: 2nd TERM

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION                                

CLASS:  JSS 2

REFERENCE

• Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemi.
• Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 Workbook by Sola Akinyemi.

WEEK EIGHT

TOPIC: PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY.

Pillars of democracy refer to theessential elements necessary for successful practice of democracy. They are structures that must be in place for the sustainability of democracy. Without them, democracy will be futile. They are as follows:

PEOPLE

Without the people, the society will not exist and without the people, democracy will not be in place because it is the people that will practice it. The role of the people to make it work in their nation is vital because everysystem of government need people for it to be functional. The following are the roles of the people in making 

democracy that work. They are:

1. Participation in election.
2. Willingness to embrace democracy.
3. Loyalty to the nation.
4. Willingness to join a political party.
5. Willingness to serve the nation.

EVALUATION

Mention three roles of people in a democratic setting.

THE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

This refers to the organs of government. They are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

LEGISLATURE

The legislature comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. They are the law making body of the government. The head of the Senate is called the Senate President while the head of the House is called Speaker. At the state level, there is only one House of Assembly and is headed by the Speaker. Some of its functions are as follows:             

1. Making laws.
2. Passing appropriation bill.
3. Acts as check on the activities of the executive and the judiciary.
4. Confirming the appointment of political appointees forwarded to it.

EVALUATION

State three functions of the legislature.

EXECUTIVE

This is the organ that enforces laws and policies for the nation.The federal executive is headed by the president, the state is headed by the governor while the local government level is headed by the chairman. Some of its functions are:

1. It appoints and removes members of the cabinet.
2. It prepares annual budgets and its implementation.
3. The presidency maintains foreign relations with other nations.
4. It implements laws made by the legislature.

JUDICIARY

This is the arm of government that interprets the law made by the legislature which is made up of magistrates, judges and chief judges. The head of judiciary in Nigeria is the Chief Justice of the Federation. Some of its functions are as follows:

1. It interprets the law.
2. It settles disputes.
3. It protects the constitution.
4. It helps in preventing violations of laws.

EVALUATION

Mention three functions of the judiciary 

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

An electoral commission is charged with the responsibility of conducting and supervising elections in a country. The electoral body responsible for conducting and supervising election in Nigeria is the Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission (INEC). The head of INEC is called Chairman. This body has been conducting elections in Nigeria since 1999. Some of its functions are:

1. It registers political parties that present candidates for elections.
2. It is responsible for conducting elections in the states of the federation.
3. It divides the country into constituencies. (This process is called “delimitation”)
4. It reviews voters’ register before elections.
5. It gives financial grants to political parties.

RULE OF LAW

The rule of law is very vital in the sustenance of democracy. It preaches against all forms of governmental actions that can hinder true practice of democratic principles. It ensures supremacy of law in democratic setting. It allows checks and balances among the three arms of government. It forbids arbitrary arrest and violation of human rights. It also encourages independent judiciary.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. State three functions of the electoral commission.
2. State three functions of the executive.
3. Mention three reasonsfor a federal system of government.
4. State three items in the Concurrent List.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemipgs 113-121

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The head of the judiciary in Nigeria is called_____. A. judge B. chief judge C. chief justice D. high chief
2. These are organs of government except____. A. judiciary B. police C. executive D. legislature
3. Some of the roles of people are these except_____. A. participating in elections B. loyalty to the nation C. flouts laws of the land.
4. The head of INEC is called____. A. boss B. cabal C. chairman D. president
5. The lower chamber of the National Assembly is called_____. A. Senate B. House of Reps C. the Chamber D. the Commission

THEORY

1. Mention three functions of the people in democracy.
2. State two functions of the executive in democracy.