CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning and Characteristics of Representative Democracy

2. The Rule of Law and Maximum Liberty for its Citizens

3. The Rule of Majority with Adequate Safeguards to the Minorities

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Nigerian Constitution

2. Textbooks

3. Resource person

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. define and explain representative democracy and its characteristics.

2. explain the rule of law and maximum liberty for its citizens.

3. examine the rule of majority with adequate safeguards to the minorities.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

MEANING OF REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY 

A representative democracy is a system of government that allows eligible voter to vote whom they want to represent them in government. It also is a form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives are responsible for representing the interests of the people and making decisions that align with the will of the majority.

The meaning of representative democracy lies in the idea that ordinary citizens have the right to have their voices heard and their interests represented in government. By electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf, citizens can participate in the democratic process and influence the direction of their country.

CHARACTERISTICS OF REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

The main characteristics of representative democracy are as follows –

1. Elections – Citizens participate in regular, free and fair elections to choose their representatives. These representatives are elected to serve a set term in office.

2. Rule of Law – In a representative democracy, the government operates within the framework of a constitution and the rule of law. This ensures that the government’s power is limited and that individual rights are protected.

3. Separation of Powers – The government is divided into separate branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power in any one institution. This system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government can become too powerful.

4. Accountability – Elected representatives are accountable to the people who elected them. They can be held accountable through elections, public scrutiny, and oversight mechanisms.

5. Political Parties – Political parties play a key role in representative democracy by organizing and mobilizing citizens, formulating policy platforms, and nominating candidates for office.

6. Other includes – Universal participation, Political equality (influence), Political competition and choice, Political accountability, Transparency in government, Majorly rule and Civil liberties /equality of opportunity.

RULE OF LAW AND MAXIMUM LIBERTY FOR ITS CITIZENS  

The rule of law is a fundamental principle that ensures a fair and just society by upholding the law and providing equal treatment under the law to all individuals. This principle requires that all individuals, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

At the same time, maximum liberty for its citizens means that individuals have the right to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and association, among other rights. This ensures that individuals can live their lives as they choose, without undue interference or restriction from the government or other entities.

By upholding the rule of law and allowing maximum liberty for its citizens, a society can thrive and flourish, as individuals are able to pursue their own interests and goals without fear of discrimination or injustice. It is through this balance of enforcing the law and protecting individual freedoms that a society can achieve true justice and equality for all its members.

RULE OF MAJORITY WITH ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS TO THE MINORITIES 

The rule of majority with adequate safeguards for minorities is a fundamental principle of democratic governance. It ensures that decisions are made through a fair and transparent process that takes into account the preferences and rights of all citizens, not just the majority.

In a democracy, the will of the majority is typically the deciding factor in decision-making processes. However, this does not mean that the rights and interests of minorities should be disregarded or marginalized. Adequate safeguards must be in place to protect the rights of minorities and ensure that their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

These safeguards may include constitutional protections, mechanisms for representation and participation, and the promotion of tolerance and respect for diversity. By balancing the rule of the majority with safeguards for minorities, democratic societies can ensure that all citizens have a voice in the decision-making process and that their rights and liberties are protected.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. defines and explains representative democracy and its characteristics.

2. explains the rule of law and maximum liberty.

3. explains the rule of majority with adequate safeguards to the minorities.

4 invites a guest speaker.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain representative democracy.

2. explain the rule of law and maximum liberty for citizens.

3. discuss the rule of majority with adequate safeguards to the minorities.

4. listen and ask questions.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. explain the meaning of representative democracy and its characteristics.

2. highlight the rule of law and maximum liberty for citizens.

3. explain the rule of majority with adequate safeguards to the minorities.