Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary School 3

SUBJECT:  GOVERNMENT           

CLASS:  SS3

DATE:

TERM: 2nd Term

WEEK TWO

TOPIC:  COMMON WEALTH OF NATION

CONTENT

• Definition/Historical background
• Membership
• Aims and Objectives

COMMON WEALTH OF NATION

The Common Wealth of Nation is a voluntary association of the independent Countries who were formerly British Colonies. It is made up of Britain and Countries that were at one point in time or the other British colonies. The United States of America, though a former British colony, is not a member.

The British monarch (the queen) is the head of the common wealth.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The origin of Commonwealth started with British desire to conquer greater part of the world as its empire. All the territories acquired by Britain formed the British Empire. Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa who were formerly Brother colonies were granted responsible and representative governments in the 19th century. With that status, these countries were granted the freedom to elect their own legislature, manage their own internal affairs but they were still linked with Britain and their governors were still representing the queen of England. The queen of England could still make laws for these semi-independent countries. From 1907, these countries with, representative governments started regular meetings known as “imperial conference” in London.

From 1920, these semi-independent countries were granted full autonomy and Britain stooped managing their affairs. Then a new name was given to these territories called “Dominions” and was no longer called colonies.

In 1931, a law was made granting full independence to the dominion whereby, they were not bound to depend on laws passed by the British parliament. The name Commonwealth of Nations was adopted in 1951 as a result of the wide criticism that faced the word “dominions”. The dominions did not want to be addressed as dominions because they believed that it was synonymous with colonialism. However, Ireland ceased to be a member in 1949, South Africa was expelled in 1961 because of her apartheid racial policies. Commonwealth has its headquarters at mar borough house, London presently Commonwealth of Nations has 49 member-nations.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. What is Commonwealth?
2. Mention 7 countries that are members of Common wealth.

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMONWEALTH

1. The prospective country, must be a former territory or colony of Britain
2. The prospective country must have gained full political independence
3. The prospective country must be ready to accept or recognize the British Monarch as the permanent Head of Commonwealth
4. The prospective member country must be prepared to accept other member-states as equals and reframe from racial discrimination.

FEATURES OF COMMON-WEALTH MEMBER NATION

1. In all the Commonwealth member-nations, English is the common official language spoken.
2. The British Monarch (Queen of English) is the Head of the Commonwealth
3. Most of the member –nations adopts the British style of parliamentary government
4. Member-nations modeled their system of education on British type
5. Participation in the Common-wealth games and sports by member-nation
6. There is general co-operation among member-nations in the areas of international affairs, trade, finance, defense, law, medicine, agriculture etc
7. Member state adopt the English Common law
8. Frequent signing of defense pact between some member-nations.

EVALUATION QUESTION

1. List 3 qualification of membership of Common Wealth 
2. Highlight 4 features of common wealth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF COMMON WEALTH

1. Solution to problems: To cooperate and find solutions to problems confronting its member nations in the areas of education, trade, finance, medicine, agriculture, science, sports etc.
2. Common Understanding: One of the aims and objectives of common wealth is to facilitate common understanding among the members.
3. Territorial Integrity: It was formed so as to respect and protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member nations.
4. Promotion of Sporting Activities: Promotion of sports among member states so that it will enhance the spirit of friendship and cooperation. This is held every four years.
5. Common wealth was established in order to bring about economic development of member-states through the offering of financial, material, manpower and technical aids.
6. To discuss the common language, English and speak with one voice in matters of international affairs.

EVALUATION QUESTION

List 4 aims and objectives of commonwealth

GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS 

1. What is indirect rule? Why did the British adopt the system of indirect rule?
2. What factors led to the failure of indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria?
3. Explain the weaknesses of indirect rule system.  

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The Commonwealth is _____ (a) an economic organization (b) made up of independent ex-colonies of Britain (c) made up of independent European countries (d) made up of oil producing countries.
2. The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is (a) American president (b) Tony Blair (c) Ban Ki moon (d) The British Monarch.
3. The Commonwealth of Nations was established in (a) 1953 (b) 1956 (c) 1951 (d) 1931
4. The following are members of commonwealth except (a) U.S.A.(b) Nigeria (c) Ghana (d) Sierra Leone.
5. Commonwealth is presently made up of ------- members (a) 51 (b) 49 (c) 50 (d) 48

THEORY

1. Briefly describe the origin of commonwealth.
2. What are the qualifications for membership of commonwealth?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Comprehensive Government by J.U. Anyaele pgs 228, 226-223

Essential Government by C.C. Dibie pgs 246-247