Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

Term: 3^rd Term

Week: 5

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 2 periods each

Date:       

Subject:      Government

Topic:-       Party systems II

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Highlight the merits and demerits of each type of party systems

 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

PARTY SYSTEMS

Merits of One-Party System

1. It helps in the establishment of stable administration which further helps in the progress of the country.
2. In this system, formation and execution of long-term planning is possible.
3. There is absence of unhealthy rivalry.
4. The administration becomes efficient because all the powers are concentrated in the hands of one leader and there favouritism, nepotism and black-marketing are banished altogether.
5. There is a unity and discipline in the country.
6. Time is not wasted in unnecessary criticism and propaganda.
7. It makes for strong leadership because all the political powers are concentrated on a single individual.

Demerits of One-Party System

1. Since there is only one party in this system, there is no freedom of expression.
2. Democracy is eroded and dictatorship emerges.
3. There is no regard for the views of different classes and interests.
4. The Government becomes absolute and the administration becomes irresponsible.
5. The development of the personality is hindered because all social freedoms are crushed.
6. In this system there is an overbearing influence of terrorism, and the opponents are crushed with a heavy hand.
7. The dictators make enormous military preparations for maintaining their honor and position, and they adopt the policy of war and victory which is quite harmful for the country.
8. The government controls all the medium of communication in the country.

Merits of Two-Party System

1. It promotes political instability.
2. Strong opposition exist which may prevent dictatorship
3. Election is more meaningful than one party system since there are alternative candidates and programmes.
4. There is wider political education than that of one party system.
5. It promotes popular government.
6. The government is more responsible and accountable than one party system, since it can be rejected in the next election.
7. The principle of rule of law is enhanced in two party system since ideas and freedom of association is permitted, and everybody is equal before the law.
8. Competition which can bring out the best political programmes for the people is a major plus for two-party system.
9. Two-party systems encourage political participation. As a democratic and diverse nation, there is room for citizens to express different opinions and take part in their own governing by way of the political system. Unlike the one-party system in China where only the Communist Party is permitted to take part in government, the citizens participate in government by casting their votes at the polls.

Demerits of Two-Party System

1. The two-party system may lead to unhealthy political rivalry even to the extent of rigging of elections and violence
2. Two party system usually divides the people into two opposing forces which breeds violence.
3. In terms of cost of operation, the two party system is relatively more expensive than the one party system.
4. Also, the interest of minority groups is not catered for in the two-party system, therefore it strangulates democracy.
5. The two-party system can degenerates into dictatorship. If one party becomes too powerful.
6. Quick decision on policy matters is not easily reached on time, since opposition is present to argue and delay decision making.

Merits of Multi-Party System

1. Democratic values are greatly enhanced in the multi-party system. This is because any one that is interested in politics is free to join an existing political party or form a political party to project his ambition.
2. It does not degenerate into a dictatorial government/ leadership, and coercion is almost absent.
3. The level of political participation by the populace is enhanced.
4. Coalition of parties to form government form variety in the practice of governance.
5. It is often difficult for wrong policy to be taken because issues are thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon before final decisions are taken.
6. Rule of law and fundamental human rights are protected.
7. Sovereignty which determines where power lies, is with the people unlike the party systems.
8. The interest of minority groups is provided for in this system.

Demerits of Multi-Party System

1. It is difficult to win a majority plurality, so they must form coalitions, coalitions are vulnerable to breaking up.
2. The cost of operation is often enormous.
3. Coalition may bring in conflicting principles and ideologies which can lead to political instability.
4. Because many political parties are involved in unhealthy rivalry and competition can lead to shading of blood.
5. The level of corruption is increased by the system because people will adopt all forms of malpractices to gain power.
6. Plans for economic development are usually aborted a government changes. This disintegrates the system and leads to underdevelopment and abandoned projects.
7. The need for compromise makes government weak.
8. It may bring about problem of favouritism and disunity.
9. Desire to win elections at all cost may lead to rigging and political violence.

EVALUATION:    1. Highlight three merits and demerits of

1. one-party system
2. two-party system
3. multi-party system

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively