Scheme of Work – Government (SSS 1)

Second Term | 2025/2026 Academic Session

Week

Topic / Content

1. Constitution – Meaning, Sources and Features of a Constitution

2. Types of Constitution – Written & Unwritten; Rigid & Flexible
3. Functions and Importance of a Constitution
4. Constitutional Development in Nigeria – Pre-Colonial Period
5. Constitutional Development in Nigeria – Colonial Period (1922–1954)
6. Constitutional Development in Nigeria – Independence & Republican Constitutions
7. Principles of Government – Separation of Powers
8. Principles of Government – Rule of Law
9. Principles of Government – Checks and Balances
10. Arms of Government – The Legislature
11. Arms of Government – The Executive
12. Arms of Government – The Judiciary
13. Revision / Examination

SSS 1 GOVERNMENT –

LESSON NOTES (WEEK 1–12)

Class: SSS 1

WEEK 1: CONSTITUTION – MEANING, SOURCES AND FEATURES

A constitution is the fundamental law of a country which provides the framework for its political system.
It lays down the basic principles according to which a state is governed.

According to Modern Government, a constitution defines the structure of government, specifies the
powers and functions of various organs of government, and outlines the rights and duties of citizens.

The constitution is regarded as the supreme law of the land. This means that all other laws derive their
authority from it, and any law that contradicts the constitution is null and void. In democratic states, the
constitution protects citizens against abuse of power and ensures orderly governance.
Sources of a Constitution

The constitution of a country may originate from different sources.

Major source of sources of a Constitution, they are as follows:

1) Customs and traditions: It is especially seen in societies where political systems evolved
gradually.
2) Acts of the legislature also serve as sources when laws passed by parliament form part of
constitutional practice.
3) Judicial precedents, which are past decisions of courts, contribute significantly to constitutional
development, especially in countries like Britain.
4) Conventions, though not legally enforceable, are accepted political practices that guide
governance.
5) Constitutional conferences and foreign constitutions also influence the drafting of constitutions,
especially in developing countries.
6) Foreign Constitutions – ideas borrowed from other countries.

Features of a Constitution.

A good constitution possesses certain identifiable features. These include:

1. The supremacy of the constitution.

2. Separation of powers.
3. Fundamental human rights.
4. Rule of law.
5. Checks and Balances.
6. A clearly defined system of government, whether federal or unitary.

WEEK 2: TYPES OF CONSTITUTION – WRITTEN & UNWRITTEN; RIGID & FLEXIBLE

A constitution may be classified based on its form and the procedure for its amendment.

A written constitution is one that is contained in a single document. It is clearly written and codified.
Countries like Nigeria and the United States operate written constitutions. The major advantage of a
written constitution is that it is easy to consult and reduces ambiguity. However, it is often rigid and
difficult to amend.

An unwritten constitution is not contained in a single document. Instead, it consists of customs,

conventions, statutes and judicial decisions.

Britain is the best example.

Although flexible and adaptable, it may be difficult to understand due to lack of documentation.

A rigid constitution is one that is difficult to amend. Special procedures such as referendum or approval
by a supermajority are required. A flexible constitution, on the other hand, can be amended easily in the
same way as ordinary laws. Britain practices a flexible constitution.
WEEK 3: FUNCTIONS AND IMPORTANCE OF A CONSTITUTION

The constitution performs de several vital functions in a state.

1. It defines the powers and limits of government, ensuring that authority is not abused.
2. It also protects fundamental human rights, guaranteeing freedoms such as freedom of speech,
religion and association.
3. It promotes political stability by providing accepted rules for governance.
4. It ensures accountability by making leaders answerable to the law and the people.
5. It also promotes democracy by establishing representative institutions and electoral processes.
6. It serves as the backbone of political organization in a state.
7. It prevents abuse of power.
8. It guides law making.

WEEK 4: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA – PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD.

Before colonial rule, Nigerian societies had well-organized political systems based on customs and
traditions rather than written constitutions. These systems differed from one society to another.

The centralized system was practiced by the Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba. In this system, political authority
was concentrated in the hands of a central ruler such as the Emir or Oba, assisted by councils of chiefs.

The decentralized system, practiced by the Igbo, had no central authority. Power was shared among
family heads, village elders and age grades. Decisions were taken collectively.

The confederation system, found among the Efik and Ibibio, involved autonomous communities linked by
common interests. These systems laid the foundation for modern governance in Nigeria.

WEEK 5: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA – COLONIAL PERIOD (1922–1954)

The colonial period marked the introduction of formal constitutions in Nigeria.

The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the elective principle, allowing Nigerians to elect
representatives into the Legislative Council.

The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced regionalism by dividing Nigeria into Northern, Western and
Eastern regions.

The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 allowed wider participation of Nigerians in constitution-making

and strengthened regional autonomy.

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 established a federal system of government, granting autonomy to
the regions and laying the foundation for independence.
WEEK 6: INDEPENDENCE & REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTIONS.

The Independence Constitution of 1960 marked Nigeria’s freedom from British rule. Nigeria became a
sovereign state, but the British Queen remained the ceremonial Head of State.

The Republican Constitution of 1963 removed the Queen and replaced her with a Nigerian President as
Head of State. Nigeria became a republic with full political independence.

WEEK 7: PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT – SEPARATION OF POWERS.

Separation of powers is a principle which divides governmental authority among three organs: the
legislature, executive and judiciary. This principle was advocated by Montesquieu.

The legislature makes laws, the executive implements laws, while the judiciary interprets laws.
Separation of powers prevents concentration of power and promotes efficiency and accountability in
governance.

WEEK 8: PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT – RULE OF LAW

Rule of law means that everyone is equal before the law, and no one is above it. Government actions
must be carried out according to established laws.

Key elements of rule of law include:

a. Supremacy of the law.

b. Equality before the law.
c. Protection of fundamental human rights.
d. Rule of law ensures justice, fairness and orderly governance.

WEEK 9: PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT – CHECKS AND BALANCES.

Checks and balances refer to the system where each arm of government controls and limits the powers
of the others.

This prevents abuse of power.

For example, the legislature can impeach the executive, the executive can veto laws, and the judiciary
can declare laws unconstitutional.

This system ensures balance and accountability in government.

WEEK 10: ARMS OF GOVERNMENT – THE LEGISLATURE.

The legislature is the law-making arm of government. In Nigeria, it consists of the National Assembly,
which is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Its functions include:

i. By making laws.
ii. By representing the people.
iii. By controlling public finance.
iv. By overseeing the executive.

The legislature plays a crucial role in democratic governance.

WEEK 11: ARMS OF GOVERNMENT – THE EXECUTIVE.

The executive is responsible for implementing laws and administering the state.

a. It includes the President, ministers and civil servants.

b. The executive formulates policies.
c. They executes laws, maintains law and order.
d. They conducts foreign relations.

It is the engine room of government administration.

WEEK 12: ARMS OF GOVERNMENT – THE JUDICIARY.

The judiciary is the law-interpreting arm of government.

a) It consists of courts and judges who administer justice.

b) Its functions include interpretation of laws.
c) They consecrate on the settlement of disputes.
d) They protect the citizens’ rights, and punishment of offenders.

For the judiciary to perform effectively, it must be independent, with security of tenure and
adequate remuneration.

WEEK 13: REVISION AND EXAMINATION.