9th Grade First Term Civic Education Notes 2024/2025 Session

TOPIC: THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. I Lesson’s Objective: at the end of the lesson, the students should be able to; Define the constitution. Mention the sources of the Constitution. Highlight the types of constitutions. List the functions of a constitution               THE CONSTITUTION   What is Constitution: It can be defined as a body of set rules and regulations governing the conduct of the affairs of a country. It can also be defined as the body of laws governing a country. It teaches the people how government should be practiced and equally gives functions to the various arms of government.     SOURCES OF CONSTITUTION The sources of the Nigerian Constitution are categorized under the following; 1. Written Document 2. Unwritten Document 1. Written Document: it is a formal document that specifies the rights of citizens/government. Examples of written documents include; (a) Acts of Parliament: it means laws made by legislatures. (b) Past Constitution: Past constitutions and other countries' constitutions form the bases for a new constitution. (c) Constitutional Conferences: it is an organized gathering where constitutional issues are discussed. (d) International Laws: this involved the inclusion of some international laws like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. (e)  Decrees: These are the laws made by the various military governments in Nigeria when they seized power. 2. Unwritten Document: It is a source of the constitution where no single formal document defines (explains) the powers of government. Examples of unwritten sources of constitution include; (a) Past experiences: The history and political structures/institutions of the people are taken into consideration. (b) Customs and Traditions: They are the rules of behaviors accepted by all. Though they are not written down but they are obligatory (c) Judicial Pronouncement: These are past court judgment pronounced by judges. Sometimes, these court judgments serve as sources of constitution in Nigeria. TYPES OF CONSTITUTION Federal Constitution: In this type of constitution, governmental powers are shared between the central government and other component units (state and local government). Examples of countries with federal constitution are; USA, Nigeria, Australia, India, Germany, etc. Features of Federal Constitution It is always adopted in a multi-ethnic nation. It takes care of language differences. It is adopted in order to maintain political stability among diverse ethnic groups.   Unitary Constitution: In this type of constitution powers and authority are concentrated in a single central government/legislature. It does not share powers with anybody but, rather delegate powers to other subordinate bodies. Examples of countries with unitary constitution are – Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Togo, Ghana, Cameroun, Sudan, etc. Features of Unitary Constitution It concentrates power to a single central government. A unitary constitution is flexible. Unitary constitution is not usually written.   Confederal Constitution: In this type of constitution, powers are exclusively reserved for the component units (state and local government). Thus, confederal constitution makes the component units very powerful, while the central government becomes weak. Examples of countries with confederal constitution are Senegal and Gambia.   Features of Confederal Constitution The central government is weak. It makes the component state strong and powerful. It allows the component state to be independent, i.e. to have its own police force, Armed forces, etc.   FUNCTIONS OF CONSTITUTION   It states the principles and objectives of the country. It defines the powers of various organs of government. It prevents leaders from becoming autocratic. It is a symbol of sovereignty of a nation It clearly states the fundamental rights of the citizens of a country CLASS ACTIVITY Explain the meaning of constitution Highlight the three written sources of constitution List the three types of constitution Enumerate four functions of a constitution Differentiate between a federal constitution and a unitary constitution                                                                                            

TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. II Lesson’s Objective: at the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: Define the colonial Nigeria constitution List the colonial Nigeria constitution. Explain Clifford's Constitution of 1922 and its features Discuss the features of Richard's constitution of 1946. Meaning of colonial Nigeria constitution Colonial Nigerian constitutions are constitutions drafted (written) by the British government for her colonies. Hence, Lord Lugard became the first colonial governor-general in Nigeria in 1914, after the merging (amalgamation) of the northern and southern protectorate in 1914. Thus, the colonial constitution includes the following: The Clifford constitution of 1922. The Richards constitution of 1946. Macpherson constitution of 1951. Lyttleton constitution of 1946. Meaning of colonial Nigeria constitution Colonial Nigerian constitutions are constitutions drafted (written) by the British government for her colonies. Hence, Lord Lugard became the first colonial governor-general in Nigeria in 1914, after the merging (amalgamation) of the northern and southern protectorate in 1914. Thus, the colonial constitution includes the following: The Clifford constitution of 1922. The Richards constitution of 1946. Macpherson constitution of 1951. Lyttleton constitution of 1954. CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION OF 1922 The 1922 constitution was named after the then-governor of Nigeria. Sir, Hugh Clifford.     FEATURES OF CLIFFORD’S CONSTITUTION OF 1922 A new executive council was introduced for the country. Elective principle was introduced for the first time in West Africa showing that, conducting election and voting for candidates to represent Nigerians in the legislature was introduced. It creates political awareness i.e. nationalist movement which gave rise to the first political party known as Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) headed by Herbert Macaulay in 1923. The legislative council was enlarged to 46 members and more Nigerians were given seats in the legislature.   RICHARDS CONSTITUTION OF 1946   The Richard constitution was introduced to correct the weakness of Clifford constitutions and the proposals were submitted by Sir Bernard Bourdillion (1936-1943). Bourdillion was removed as Governor in 1943 and the constitution was signed into law under Sir Author Richard and it was named after him.       FEATURES OF RICHARD CONSTITUTION 1946  Nigerian was divided into 3; Northern, Eastern and Western regions. Each of the regions had a legislative assembly. Hence, Richard became the father of Regionalism in Nigeria. It provides for a bicameral legislature i.e. two chambers, house of chiefs and house of assembly. It retained the 46 members in the legislative seat. The representatives of regional assemblies were selected by the nation authority. The governor still retained his veto power. (Veto means the right to refuse to allow something to be done especially right to stop a law from being passed or a decision from being taken) MACPHERSON CONSTITUTION OF 1951   The Macpherson constitutions replaced the Richards constitutions because, the Richards constitutions was drafted without the consent of Nigerians. It was the period after the Second World War when the ex-service men returned. The myth of white superiority and colonialism had greatly weakened. Macpherson had to set up a constitution drafting committee and the constitution was signed into law in 1951 to become Macpherson Constitution.       FEATURES OF MACPHERSON CONSTITUTION OF 1951 There was a central legislature made up of 148-members to be called the house of representative. Voting rights were extended to the regions for election of members of regional assembly. It introduces the federal system of government in Nigeria with division of powers between the central and regional government It created a central executive council without any executive powers. The regional legislature from the north and west has two chambers, i.e. house of assembly and house of chiefs. In the East, there was only one house of assembly. It granted regional assemblies power to make laws for their regions bearing in mind that the federal laws would override in case of any conflict. CLASS ACTIVITY: Define the colonial constitution List three colonial constitutions Mention five features of Macpherson's constitution Explain Clifford's constitution    

TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. III Lesson’s Objective: at the end of the lesson, the students should be able to; Explain the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 and the features Highlight the features of the 1960 Independence constitution Examine the general features of the colonial Nigeria constitution LYTTLETON CONSTITUTION OF 1954 The Lyttleton constitution was introduced to reflect the principal of federation.   Features of the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 Nigerian became a federation with the federal government and three regional governments. Each government whether federal or regional was granted specific powers. No government should make laws on a subject not allocated to it. The legislative lists were drawn: The Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual lists. Lagos becomes the federal capital territory. The federal legislative was enlarged to 184 members. It introduced the office of the speaker and deputy speaker. The post of premier was established for the regions. Hence, Ahmadu Bello become the premier of the northern region, Obafemi Awolowo became the premier of the western region and Nnamdi Azikiwe became the premier of eastern Nigeria. It created posts of permanent secretaries. Class Activity- 1:  Describe the roles of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo in securing Nigeria’s independence. THE 1960 INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTION Nigerian became independent and a sovereign nation on October 1st 1960. The constitution put Nigerians in charge of their own government. The British flag (union jack) was replaced with the Nigerian flag.             FEATURES OF THE 1960 INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTION It made Nigeria an independent state. It introduces the parliamentary system of government, i.e. head of state and prime minister. The Queen of England remained the head of state represented by a Nigerian governor-general. Nigeria remained a federal state with three regions. Bi-cameralism was retained, i.e. house of senate and house of representative. Fundamental human right was introduced for the first time. It provided for a written constitution. It provides the procedure for the amendment of the Constitution. The highest court in Nigeria was still the judicial Privy Council in London. SPECIAL FEATURES OF COLONIAL CONSTITUTIONS The colonial constitutions were vested with veto power. Establishment of the legislative and executive council’s domination by the whites. Introduction of elective principles. The native administration was based on an indirect system. The British official dominated high positions. The colonial governors were answerable to the colonial secretary in London. Lack of consultations with Africans before drafting most of the colonial constitutions. Class Activity Mention three contributions of the colonial constitutions in the constitutional development in Nigeria Explain Lyttleton constitution Mention three features of the 1960 independence constitution Highlight any two features of Lyttleton  constitution Identify any two special features of colonial constitutions                      

TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. IV Lesson’s Objective: at the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: Explain the meaning of the post-1960 constitution List the constitutions that fall into post-1960 Mention the features of post 1960 constitutions         POST-1960 CONSTITUTIONS The post-1960 constitutions are those constitutions that were drafted by Nigerians. They are as follows 1963 Republican Constitution 1979 Presidential Constitution 1989 Presidential Constitution 1999 Presidential Constitution 1963 REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION (1st REPUBLIC) The 1963 republican constitution was introduced to erase completely colonial rule in Nigeria. Hence, Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first ceremonial executive president of Nigeria in 1963 and Tafawa Belewa became the first prime minister.   FEATURES OF 1963 CONSTITUTION The office of governor-general was established and replaced by the office of the president. The judicial Privy Council in London was replaced with the Supreme Court. The federal legislature consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. Fundamental human right was retained. It provided for universal adult suffrage. It provided for the police service commission.   1979 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION After the military coup (January 1, 1966) which lasted for 13 years. Thus, 1st October 1979, the second republican constitution was adopted.             FEATURES OF THE 1979 CONSTITUTION It provides for a presidential system of government The president was directly elected in a general election It made local government the third tier of government The tenure of the president, the governor was four years Each of the 19-state practiced universal legislature The chief justice of the federation was to be appointed by the president     1989 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION The 1989 constitution was introduced to restore power back to civilian government. Features of 1989 Constitution It retained the Presidential system of government. It provides for a two-party system. Abuja (12 December, 1991) became the federal capital territory. It provided part-time legislators. It provides the duties and obligations of all citizens.                               1999 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION The 1999 constitution ushered in the 4th republic, hence a constitution drafting committee was set up in accordance with Nigeria's aspirations. It came into existence on 29 May 1999.                           FEATURES OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION It upholds the supremacy of the Constitution over everyone. It provides for a bicameral legislature at the center and unicameral for the state. It provided for a multi-party system. The minimum qualification to contest for any political position is a secondary school certificate. The right to vote was limited to 18 years and above. The country was divided into 36 federating states, 774 local governments, and a federal capital territory. It provides for three forms of Nigerian citizens, i.e. by birth, registration and naturalization.   SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE POST-1960 CONSTITUTION All the constitutions retained the presidential system of government, except the 1963 parliamentary system. All the constitutions retained the federal system of government i.e., federation. All the post-1960 constitution are indigenous, i.e. they were all written by Nigerians. It provided for a bicameral legislature at the centre and unicameral legislature at the level. All the constitutions were written constitutions. Fundamental human rights were upheld in the Constitution. The constitutions were seen as being supreme over all authorities. It provides for the requirement of being a citizen, either by birth, registration and naturalization.   CLASS ACTIVITY Mention the four Post-1960 Independence constitutions Highlight four special features of the post-1960 constitution Explain the concept of the Post-1960 constitution   TOPIC: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION   Lesson’s Objective: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to; Define the Supremacy of the Constitution. List the reasons why the Constitution is supreme.                         SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION Supremacy of the constitution simply means that the constitution is the highest and final authority in the land, which is above individual groups and institutions in a country. Hence the supremacy of the constitution is a basic feature of a democratic government. In Nigerian, the supremacy of the 1999 constitution section 1 states that ‘This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria’. Therefore, the supremacy of the constitution allows for political stability and socio-economic progress of a country.       REASONS WHY THE CONSTITUTION IS SUPREME The Constitution is supreme because it creates uniformity in all parts of the country. It guarantees and assures the citizen of their fundamental human rights. It serves as a symbol of our nationhood which differentiates us from other countries of the world. It serves as a symbol of unity: it is a binding force on all persons in the country. It defines the rights, duties and obligations of the citizens. The constitution is the fundamental law where other laws derive their existence.   CLASS ACTIVITY Explain the concept of supremacy of the constitution Discuss  four reasons why the constitution is supreme                                

TOPIC: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION   Lesson’s Objective: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to; Define the Supremacy of the Constitution. List the reasons why the Constitution is supreme.                         SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION Supremacy of the constitution simply means that the constitution is the highest and final authority in the land, which is above individual groups and institutions in a country. Hence the supremacy of the constitution is a basic feature of a democratic government. In Nigerian, the supremacy of the 1999 constitution section 1 states that ‘This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria’. Therefore, the supremacy of the constitution allows for political stability and socio-economic progress of a country. REASONS WHY THE CONSTITUTION IS SUPREME The Constitution is supreme because it creates uniformity in all parts of the country. It guarantees and assures the citizen of their fundamental human rights. It serves as a symbol of our nationhood which differentiates us from other countries of the world. It serves as a symbol of unity: it is a binding force on all persons in the country. It defines the rights, duties and obligations of the citizens. The constitution is the fundamental law where other laws derive their existence   CLASS ACTIVITY Explain the concept of supremacy of the constitution Discuss  four reasons why the constitution is supreme   

TOPIC: RIGHT ATTITUDE TO WORK Introduction; Work means any human effort which can be mental or physical tailored towards earning a living.   Attitude is a consistent manner of thinking, feeling and reaction to people, groups and social issues in one’s environment. It is generally viewed as either positive or negative. In every society there are norms, values and attitudes that are cherished and considered useful for the well-being of members and the progress of the society. Some of these values include honesty, hard work, discipline, punctuality, commitment etc.       What is right to attitude to work? It is the ability of the workers/student to have and practice good positive values like hard work, honesty, integrity, punctuality, discipline and accountability at workplace. ATTRIBUTES OF RIGHT ATTITUDE TO WORK Honesty: it is the quality of telling the truth at all time. Honesty is needed for good relationship in the society. Commitment and dedication: commitment is the act of pledging oneself to an idea, cause or action. Thus, commitment and dedication to work means working consistently and consciously in order to achieve a given objective. Punctuality: it means the act of being regularly early at workplace. Punctuality, they say is business of the soul. Efficiency: it means being result oriented and ensures self reliance. Discipline: it means the practice of training people to obey rules and regulation or the code of behavior in the society using punishment to correct disobedience. Integrity: it means being consistently honest and trust worthy. Regularity: it means being consistent in carrying out one duties and responsibility in the place of work. Consistency: it means a degree of firmness. Thus, for one to have right attitude to work, that person must be firm and resolute in carrying out his duties in the place of work. Diligence: it means earnest and constant effort to accomplish what is given to you to do. Leisure: it means pleasure time set aside for recreational activities and getting away from the tension of work. Hard work: Hard works contribute to the common good of the society and mankind in general.     REWARDS/IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT ATTITUDE TO WORK It leads to higher Productivity: right attitude to work brings out the best potential in individuals and lead to job satisfaction, prosperity and security of life. It promotes Efficiency: having right attitude to work makes one to perform a given task within a limited time. Therefore, students should cultivate the virtue of hard work in order to be efficient. It leads to Progress (Success): a student who is working very hard will always progress and this will make him excel in his academic work. One will be respected, recognized and promoted. Improved National Image: it projects the image of the country and respect from international communities. It promotes good and strong legacy for younger generation to emulate.       CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO WORK It leads to decline in productivity: Negative attitude to work leads to lack of interest, commitment and dedication will result to decline in productivity. It leads to lack of motivation: Negative attitude to work breeds demotion, no promotion, and no increment in salary which will eventually leads to lack of interest and passion for the work. It gives rise to Indiscipline behaviours: It is the absence of training of the mind to produce self-control. Thus, indiscipline person shows no regard for laws and order. It leads to national disasters: some natural disaster like air crash, shipwreck, water pollution and over flooding are all AVOIDABLE DISASTERS, due to bad attitude to work. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES/PROGRAMMES AIMED AT PROMOTING RIGHT AND POSITIVE ATTITUDINAL CHANGES Ethical revolution by Shehu Shagari in 1981 The War Against Indiscipline by Muhammadu Buhari in 1984 Servicom by Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 Due Process by Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 Transformation Agenda by Goodluck Jonathan in 2011   CLASS ACTIVITY Define right attitude work Highlight four attributes of right attitude to work Identify four (4) rewards of right attitude to work Enumerate  three consequences of not having right attitude to work Explain the concept of  ‘’ Due Process’’ programme established by the Nigerian government

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