Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Constitutional development in nigeria
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Constitutional development in nigeria
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Subject: Government
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Pre Colonial And Colonial Administration In Nigeria
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mention the pre-in dependence constitutions and the ir features. out line the in dependence and post-in dependence constitutions and the ir main features. identify the common features in all the constitutions.
Pre Colonial And Colonial Administration In Nigeria implications of these changes for Nigeria.
Phase 4: Common Features and Wrap-up (20 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Facilitates a brainstorming session where students identify common threads across all the constitutions discussed. Guides them towards identifying features like being written, federalism (from Richards), supremacy, fundamental rights, citizenship, and amendment procedures. Summarizes the key learning points of the lesson.
Student Activity: Students actively participate in brainstorming, listing common features. They work in small groups to consolidate their findings before sharing with the class.
4. Guided Practice (With Solutions)
1. Question: List three (3) pre-independence constitutions and one key feature for each.
Solution: Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced the elective principle for Nigerians into the Legislative Council.
Richards Constitution (1946): Divided Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West) with regional assemblies, laying the foundation for federalism.
Lyttleton Constitution (1954): Established a truly federal system of government with clear division of powers and regional autonomy.
Commentary: This question assesses the students' ability to recall specific pre-independence constitutions and their defining characteristics, directly addressing performance objective 1.
2. Question: Differentiate between the Independence Constitution of 1960 and the Republican Constitution of 1963 based on Nigeria's Head of State.
Solution: The Independence Constitution of 1960 established Nigeria as a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) as the ceremonial Head of State, represented in Nigeria by a Governor-General. The Republican Constitution of 1963 abolished the monarchy and made Nigeria a sovereign republic, with an indigenous ceremonial President as the Head of State, who was elected by the National Assembly.
Commentary: This question requires students to differentiate between two significant post-independence constitutions, focusing on a specific feature, thereby addressing performance objective 2.
3. Question: Explain how the 1979 Constitution marked a significant shift from previous post-independence constitutions in terms of the executive arm of government.
Solution: The 1979 Constitution fundamentally shifted Nigeria's executive structure from a parliamentary system (adopted in 1960 and 1963) to an American-style presidential system. In the parliamentary system, there was a ceremonial Head of State (Governor-General then President) and an executive Head of Government (Prime Minister) who was a member of the legislature and accountable to it. The 1979 Constitution merged these roles, creating a single, directly elected executive President who served as both Head of State and Head of Government, separate from the legislature, and with a fixed term. This introduced a stronger separation of powers and a more powerful executive.
Commentary: This question requires a deeper understanding of constitutional changes and their impact on governance, specifically the shift in the executive, aligning with performance objective 2.
4. Question: Identify two features common to most Nigerian constitutions from 1946 to date.
Solution: Federalism: All major Nigerian constitutions from the Richards Constitution (1946) onwards have adopted and strengthened a federal system, dividing powers between the central and regional/state governments.
Written Constitution: All Nigerian constitutions have been codified in a single, comprehensive document. (Other valid answers include: Supremacy of the Constitution, provision for Fundamental Human Rights - from 1960, provision for citizenship, specific amendment procedures, etc.)
Commentary: This question directly targets performance objective 3, requiring students to identify overarching themes across constitutional periods.
5. Independent Practice (Questions Only)
1. List the four major pre-independence constitutions in Nigeria in chronological order.
2. State and briefly explain two main features of the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
3. How did the Richards Constitution of 1946 lay the foundation for Nigeria's federal structure?
4. Compare and contrast the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 with the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 regarding regional autonomy.
5. Describe the key features of the Independence Constitution of 1960 concerning Nigeria's relationship with the British Crown.
6. Identify and explain two significant changes introduced by the 1979 Constitution that are still relevant in Nigeria today.
7. What is the "federal character" principle, and which constitution formally introduced it?
8. Mention three common features found in both the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions of Nigeria.
9. In what ways did the Republican Constitution of 1963 represent a further step towards Nigeria's full sovereignty?
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0. Discuss at least three general features that Constitutional development in nigeria Term: 1st Term Week: 19 ---
1. Overview and Learning Objectives This topic explores the historical evolution of constitutional frameworks in Nigeria, from the colonial era to the post-independence period. Understanding constitutional development is fundamental for students to grasp the foundations of governance, legal structures, and political progression in Nigeria. It provides insight into how the nation's political landscape has been shaped over time, influencing current democratic practices, power distribution, and citizens' rights. Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to: Identify and describe the key features of Nigeria's pre-independence constitutions. Outline and explain the main characteristics of Nigeria's independence and post-independence constitutions. Recognize and articulate the common elements found across all constitutional periods in Nigeria. This knowledge is crucial for students as future citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities, appreciate the complexities of nation-building, and participate effectively in the democratic processes of Nigeria. It also helps in analyzing contemporary political issues through a historical lens.
2. Key Concepts and Explanations Definition of Constitution: A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. It serves as the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for government, defining the powers of its various organs (legislative, executive, judicial), and typically guaranteeing certain rights to its citizens. Constitutions can be written or unwritten, flexible or rigid. A. Pre-Independence Constitutions and Their Features These constitutions were primarily imposed by the British colonial administration, designed to facilitate colonial rule and, later, to guide Nigeria towards self-governance.
Clifford Constitution of 1922 Background: Named after Governor Sir Hugh Clifford, it succeeded the Nigerian Council and the Legislative Council for the Colony of Lagos. It was the first constitution to introduce elective principles in Nigeria.
Main Features: Elective Principle: Introduced direct election for four members to the Legislative Council (three from Lagos, one from Calabar). This was a significant step towards Nigerian representation.
Legislative Council: A new Legislative Council was created for the Colony of Lagos and the Southern Provinces. It had 46 members (27 official, 19 unofficial, including the 4 elected members). The Northern Provinces were governed by the Governor's proclamation and not represented in this Council.
Power of Veto: The Governor retained the power of veto over all legislation.
Governor's Dominance: The Governor was dominant, holding extensive powers and able to legislate for the entire country.
Official Majority: The official (British) members maintained a majority in the Legislative Council, ensuring colonial control.
Significance: It stimulated political activities in Nigeria, leading to the formation of the first political party (Nigerian National Democratic Party - NNDP) by Herbert Macaulay.
Richards Constitution of 1946 Background: Named after Governor Sir Arthur Richards, it aimed to promote unity in Nigeria and provide for greater participation by Nigerians in the discussion of their own affairs. It formally divided Nigeria into regions.
Main Features: Regionalism: Divided Nigeria into three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern Regions, each with its own Regional Assembly. This laid the foundation for Nigeria's federal structure.
Unicameral Legislature: Each region had a unicameral (one-house) legislature: a House of Assembly and a House of Chiefs (in the North and West).
Central Legislative Council: A new Legislative Council for the whole country was created, with increased Nigerian unofficial representation (44 members: 28 unofficial, 16 official).
Indirect Elections: Most Nigerian members were indirectly elected through the Regional Assemblies.
Governor's Reserve Powers: The Governor retained significant reserve powers, including the power to enact laws.
Lack of Ministerial Responsibility: Regional Assemblies were advisory bodies; there was no concept of ministerial responsibility.
Significance: It officially introduced regionalism, which became a defining feature of Nigerian politics, and stimulated regional political parties. Macpherson Constitution of 1951 Background: Named after Governor Sir John Macpherson, it was a more liberal constitution, the result of extensive consultations with Nigerians at local, provincial, and regional levels. It aimed at increasing Nigerian participation in government.
Main Features: Increased Nigerian Participation: Provided for more Nigerians in the to enact laws.
Lack of Ministerial Responsibility: Regional Assemblies were advisory bodies; there was no concept of ministerial responsibility.
Significance: It officially introduced regionalism, which became a defining feature of Nigerian politics, and stimulated regional political parties. Macpherson Constitution of 1951 Background: Named after Governor Sir John Macpherson, it was a more liberal constitution, the result of extensive consultations with Nigerians at local, provincial, and regional levels. It aimed at increasing Nigerian participation in government.
Main Features: Increased Nigerian Participation: Provided for more Nigerians in the legislative and executive councils at both central and regional levels.
Central Legislature: A new central legislature called the House of Representatives was established, with 148 members (136 Nigerians, 6 official members, 6 special members).
Regional Legislatures: Each region had its own House of Assembly and a House of Chiefs (in the North and West). The regional legislatures were empowered to make laws on specified subjects.
Central Executive Council: A Council of Ministers was created at the centre, comprising the Governor, 6 official members, and 12 Nigerian ministers (4 from each region). Regional Executive Councils were also created.
Quasi-Federal Structure: The constitution maintained a strong central government but granted significant legislative powers to the regions, creating a quasi-federal system.
No Premier: There was no post of Premier at the regional level, and ministers had no specific portfolios.
Significance: It marked a significant step towards self-government by increasing Nigerian representation and administrative experience. It also intensified regional rivalry.
Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 Background: Named after Sir Oliver Lyttleton, the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies. It was a direct consequence of the constitutional crisis of 1953 (the self-government motion) and the need to address regional anxieties and demands for true federalism.
Main Features: True Federalism: Established a truly federal system of government, explicitly dividing powers between the central government and the regional governments through a legislative list (exclusive, concurrent, and residual lists).
Regional Autonomy: Granted greater autonomy to the regions. Each region had its own Premier as Head of Government and a cabinet responsible to the regional legislature.
Separate Civil Services: Created separate public services for the federal and regional governments, reinforcing federalism.
Lagos as Federal Capital: Lagos was separated from the Western Region and designated as the federal capital territory.
No Central Minister for Finance: This function was devolved to the regions for greater financial autonomy.
Independence Date: Set 1956 as the target year for self-government for any region that desired it (Western and Eastern Regions achieved this in 1957, North in 1959).
Significance: It firmly established federalism in Nigeria and paved the way for self-government and eventual independence. B. Independence and Post-Independence Constitutions and Their Main Features These constitutions reflect Nigeria's journey from independence to republicanism and through various periods of military rule and democratic transitions. Independence Constitution of 1960 Background: Came into effect on October 1, 1960, marking Nigeria's independence from Britain. It was largely based on the Lyttleton Constitution.
Main Features: Parliamentary System: Adopted a parliamentary system of government (Westminster model) with a ceremonial Head of State (Queen of England, represented by the Governor-General) and an executive Head of Government (Prime Minister).
Federalism: Maintained the federal structure with three regions (Northern, Eastern, Western) and shared powers.
Bicameral Legislature: A bicameral federal parliament was established: the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house). Regional legislatures were also bicameral (except Eastern Region).
Fundamental Human Rights: Included a comprehensive Bill of Rights guaranteeing fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Supreme Court: Established the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the highest court, with appeals going to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
Citizenship: Defined Nigerian citizenship.
Significance: Legitimized Nigeria's independent status, although still acknowledging the British monarch as Head of State. Republican Constitution of 1963 Background: Came into force on October 1, 1963, replacing the 1960 Constitution. It was designed to sever the last ties with the British monarchy and make Nigeria a sovereign republic. * *Main