CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – LAW AND ORDER 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY

LEARNING AREA 

1. Meaning of Constituted Authority

2. Types of Constituted Authority

3. Importance of Constituted Authority

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Textbooks

2. Pictures

3. Posters

4. Charts

5. Magazines

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. define and explain the meaning of constituted authority.

2. state and discuss types of constituted authority.

3. explain the importance of constituted authority.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Constituted authority refers to an individual, group or body vested with legitimate power to carry out specific duties for the common good of a group or society. Constituted authority is the leadership recognized and established by the people in a community.

In the school, the head teacher and teachers, the school prefects and class monitors are constituted authority. The Oba, Obi and Emir are constituted authority in traditional community. In the larger society, the local governments, state and federal governments are constituted authorities.

DUTIES OF CITIZENS TO CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY 

1. Obedience to law

2. Pay tax and rate regularly

3. Voting during elections

4. Honest and loyalty

5. Punctuality to work

6. Effective service delivery

7. Contribution to the development of society

8. Respect for the dignity and religion of others

TYPES OF CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY 

1. Legal Authority – Legal authority is established through laws, regulations, and judicial decisions. It is derived from the constitution and other legal documents that define the powers and limitations of government institutions.

2. Administrative Authority – Administrative authority is the power granted to government agencies and officials to carry out specific functions and make decisions. It is typically delegated by higher levels of government or established through administrative regulations.

3. Political Authority – Political authority is derived from the consent of the governed and is exercised through the democratic process. Elected officials are granted political authority to represent the interests of the people and make decisions on their behalf.

4. Traditional Authority – Traditional authority is based on long-standing customs, norms, and practices. It is often associated with hereditary leadership roles or societal structures that have been passed down through generations by the Obas, Emirs, Chiefs, Igwes, village head, etc.

5. Charismatic Authority – Charismatic authority is based on the personal qualities and charisma of an individual leader. It is often seen in religious or social movements where a charismatic leader inspires followers and gains authority through their personal influence.

6. Positional Constituted Authority – Positional constituted authority are individuals do not exceed the power given to or conferred on him. He can only act within the areas given to him.

7. Technical Authority – Technical authority are experts with skills or knowledge in his field of practice. For example, an electrician knows the skills to apply so as to get a positive result.

8. Organizational Constituted Authority – Organizational constituted authority is a private organization with power and legitimacy to perform business or commercial roles in the society.

9. Democratic Constituted Authority – Democratic constituted authority is a western democracy practiced all over the world. It involves electing people into the position of power or authority by election.

10. Religious Constituted Authority – Religious constituted authority includes Imams, Pastors, Reverend, Bishop, Pope, Ifa Priest, etc. in positions of authority and legitimacy from religious beliefs, practices, denominations or sect activities in the society.

IMPORTANCE OF CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY

1. It maintains peace, law and order in the society.

2. It establishes sense of direction.

3. It helps to pressure the culture of the people.

4. It ensures the prevention of major breakdown of societal laws and order.

5. It makes decision/policies for effective/efficient running of the society.

6. It provides for the spiritual needs of the followers.

7. It provides social amenities to people.

8. It ensures equality of opportunity and treat every citizen fairly.

9. It protects lives and properties.

10. It promotes peaceful settlement of conflicts.

11. It promotes and protects the interests and general welfare of the people.

12. It instils good moral and discipline in the society.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. Defines and explains constituted authority.

2. Lists types of constituted authority.

3. Guides the students in enumeration of the importance of constituted authority.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. Defines and explains constituted authority.

2. Name types of constituted authority.

3. Enumerate the importance of constituted authority to people around.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define and explain constituted authority.

2. state and discuss types of constituted authority.

3. list and explain the importance of constituted authority to the public.