Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary School 1

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS:  SS1

DATE:

TERM: 3RD TERM

• REFERENCE
• Essential Government by C.C. Dibie.
• Comprehensive Government by J.U. Anyaele.

WEEK ONE

TOPIC: FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

CONTENT

• Definition.
• Reasons why it is included in the constitution.

DEFINITION OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights can be defined as those privileges enjoyed by the citizens of a given state. These privileges are usually defined and enjoyed within the bounds of the law i.e. the law of the country. In the written constitutions, these rights are specified, the limit to such rights and the protection accorded them by the government. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that its citizens enjoy these rights. Such rights include:

• Right to life, security, and protection from inhuman treatment.
• Freedom from slavery.
• Freedom from unlawful detention and imprisonment.
• Freedom of movement.
• Freedom of association.
• Freedom of expression and the press.
• Right to ownership of property. 
• Right to education.
• The right to fair hearing.
• Right to vote and be voted for.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

• What is fundamental human right?
• Why is it necessary in the state?

REASONS WHY IT IS INCLUDED IN THE CONSTITUTION

• It makes for easy reference since constitutions are documented, it can easily be referred to.
• The inclusion of fundamental human rights in the constitution prevents dictatorship.
• It ensures the constitutional protection of citizen’s rights.
• To enable citizens seek redress whenever their rights are infringed upon.
• The inclusion of fundamental human right in the   constitution prevents the government from effecting change in them.
• It is also included in the constitution so as to comply with U.N.O’s directive.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

• Why is fundamental human right included in the constitution?
• List 5 rights of a citizen. 

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What are the fundamental rights of man?
2. State the functions of human rights groups.
3.  Give account of the origin of human rights.
4. What is Nazism?
5. State 5 features of Nazism. 

READING ASSIGNMENT

Comprehensive Government pages 74-76

Essential Government pages 89-90

WEEKEND ASSINGMENT

1. Fundamental human right means (a) freedom of exploitation (b) the privileges enjoyed by a citizen (c) dictatorship (d) right to kill
2. Rights of the citizens are necessary because of the following except (a) to enable citizens seek redress (b) to prevent break down of law and order (c) to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state (d) to cause conflict
3. The following are the rights of citizens except (a) Right to life (b) freedom of association (c) freedom to commit crime (d) freedom of expression
4. Rights of the people can be curtailed by the government when there is (a) violent demonstration (b) peace in the society (c) development (d) absence of conflict
5. The right of the citizens to vote and be voted for in an election is called 

(a) nomination (b) franchise (c) indirect election (d) voting

THEORY

1. Define fundamental human right.
2. Mention 7 rights of the citizens.