CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – CITIZENSHIP 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – GOALS OF CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION II 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning and Functions of Government

3. Structures of Government

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Picture demonstrating citizenship.

2. World map

3. Documentation and video clips

4. National symbols e.g national flag, coat of arms, national pledge, etc.

5. Textbooks

6. Internet

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of government.

2. mention the main functions and structures of government.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

The government is a system or organization that establishes and administers laws, policies, and programs for a society or community. government is a vital institution that plays a central role in governing and managing the affairs of a society. Through its various functions, the government shapes public policy, allocates resources, and facilitates progress and development for the benefit of its citizens.

FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT

1. Maintenance of Law and Order – One of the key functions of government is to maintain law and order within society by enforcing laws, providing a system for adjudication of disputes, and ensuring public safety.

2. Protection of Citizens – The government is responsible for protecting the rights and interests of its citizens, including safeguarding national security, providing defense against external threats, and ensuring public welfare.

3. Provision of Public Services – Governments provide essential services to citizens, such as education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, social welfare programs, and public utilities.

4. Economic Regulation – Governments regulate and oversee economic activities within their jurisdiction, including setting fiscal policies, managing monetary policy, and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.

5. Promotion of Public Health – Governments play a crucial role in promoting public health through initiatives such as vaccination programs, disease prevention, healthcare services, and environmental regulations.

6. Social Welfare – Governments implement social welfare programs to support vulnerable populations, provide assistance to the needy, and address issues of poverty, homelessness, and inequality.

7. Infrastructure Development – Governments invest in the development and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public transportation, utilities, and public buildings to support economic growth and enhance quality of life.

8. Diplomatic Relations – Governments engage in diplomacy and international relations with other nations to promote peace, security, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

STRUCTURES OF GOVERNMENT

Governments can have different structures based on how power is distributed and exercised within the system. There are three main types of government structures –

1. Unitary Government – Unitary government is a centralized government that held all the powers of government. In this structure, power is not share. The central government has the authority to make decisions and pass laws that apply to the entire country. For examples of countries with a unitary government system include France and Japan.

2. Federal Government – Federal government is the government that shared powers among the components states and their local governments. Each level of government has its own set of powers and responsibilities, and both can make laws within their respective jurisdictions. For examples of countries with a federal government system include the United States, Canada, and Germany.

3. Confederation Government – Confederation government is the union of sovereign states agreed to delegate power to a central government for specific purposes. The central government has limited authority and relies on the consent of the subnational entities to govern. The European Union is an example of a confederal system, where member states retain significant autonomy.

Within these government structures, there are different forms of governance, such as:

1. Democracy – Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Examples include direct democracy, representative democracy, and parliamentary democracy.

2. Monarchy – Monarchy is a form of government where a monarch, such as a king or queen, holds supreme authority. Monarchies can be constitutional, where the monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution, or absolute, where the monarch has complete control.

3. Oligarchy – Oligarchy is a form of government where power is held by a small, privileged group of individuals or families. Oligarchies can exist within democratic or authoritarian systems.

4. Authoritarianism – Authoritarianism is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, with limited political or civil liberties for citizens.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads students in defining and explaining government.

2. discusses functions and structures of government.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain government.

2. state functions and structures of government

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. enumerate the meaning of government.

2. mention five functions of government.

3. discuss five structures of government.