THIRD TERM

NOTE
SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION CLASS: SS TWO

SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
1. Popular Participation
- Meaning of popular participation
- Types of popular participation: political, economic, etc.
- Need for popular participation in civil society
- Traditional and modern mode of popular participation.

2. Democracy
- Meaning of democracy
- Importance and problems of democracy
- Processes of democracy

3-4. Rule of Law

- Meaning and importance of rule of law
- Processes of rule of law
- Problems of rule of law

5. Constitutional democracy
- Meaning and types of constitutional democracy
- Features of constitutional democracy e.g. popular sovereignty, majority rule
and minority rights, etc.

6. - Meaning of key concepts in constitutional democracy.

- Advantages and disadvantages of constitutional democracy

7. Human Trafficking
- Meaning of human trafficking
- Causes of human trafficking e.g. poverty, greed, low self-esteem, corruption,
etc.

8-9 - Effects and consequences of human trafficking e.g death, unwanted

pregnancy, stigmatization, etc.
- Government and individual efforts to stop human trafficking e.g. NAPTIP,
enactment of laws, NGOs like WOTCLEF, etc.
 WEEK ONE
TOPIC: POPULAR PARTICIPATION
Meaning of Popular Participation
Popular participation is the show of interest and willingness of majority of citizens in a state
to partake in major decision making in the state. This is an essential ingredient in a
participatory democracy.

Types of Popular Participation

1. Political Participation: This refers to the general level of people in active politics in
a state.
2. Economic Participation: This is a form of popular participation which presides over
the economic activities of a state like ownership and establishment of public
economic firms.
3. Religious Participation: Religion is another popular activity in which people
participate actively without compulsion. This is why religion continues to influence
politics in a number of ways.
4. Sports: In Nigeria today, sports is one activity that brings our people together.
Nigerians love sports and participate well in it as players, supporters or even as
spectators.

Need For Popular Participation in Civil Society

Some of the needs for popular participation in civil society can be cited as follows:
i. Growth of democracy: Popular participation of people enhances democracy to grow.
ii. Citizens platform to act and manage their own affairs: Popular participation is the
only medium through which citizens can act and manage their own affairs (the state).
iii. Growth of government’s policy: Popular participation is the medium of securing
responsiveness of government policy and ensuring that the delivery of public services
meets the need of the population, especially at the local level.
iv. Independent and pluralistic media: Popular participation gives rise to mass media,
voluntary networks, citizens affairs and public policy and through the mass media, the
people’s needs and interests quickly reach the government.
v. Growth of democratic institutions: Popular participation enhances the growth of
democratic institutions like political parties, pressure groups, etc, which depends on
the people to grow.
vi. Poverty alleviation: Through popular participation, the needs of the people from
grassroots are presented to the government like poor electricity supply, lack of roads,
unemployment, etc.
Traditional and Modern Modes of Popular Participation
i. Traditional mode of popular participation: This is a mode which allows physical
participation and debates. It is by using local traditional chiefs/leaders to promote
politics in popular participation.
ii. Modern mode of popular participation: This is the participation carried out through
mass media expression of opinions, e.g calling through or use of radio or TV to
express one’s opinion.

EVALUATION

i. Explain 4 types of popular participation.

ii. State and explain 5 needs for popular participation in civil society
iii. Distinguish between modern and traditional modes of popular participation

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Section A

1. The division of Nigeria into various constituencies with each electing a person to
represent it in the National Assembly is a demonstration of
A. checks and balances
B. popular participation.
C. political rivalry among the constituents.
D. drive towards secession in the country.
2. The most popular means through which citizens of a country can participate in
politics is by
A. being members of political parties.
B. engaging in constructive criticisms.
C. engaging in political debates.
D. voting in elections.
3. Franchise means right to
A. contest for political post.
B. Join association
C. live in Nigeria
D. make constructive criticism
E. vote and be voted for
4. A political party’s programme is known as its
A. constitution.
B. document.
C. functions.
D. information.
E. manifesto.
5. Franchise can be described as the political right to
A. belong to a political party.
B. contest an election.
C. own property.
D. vote and be voted for.
 E. vote during elections.

Section B
1. (a) Define the term ‘popular participation.’
(b) State six reasons for popular participation in the society.
2. Highlight five roles civil society can play in promoting popular participation.
 WEEK TWO
TOPIC: DEMOCRACY
Meaning of Democracy
Democracy is defined as a system of government based on the popular will and sovereignty
of the people. Popular sovereignty means that power resides in the people who exercise that
power through their elected representatives in the legislative and executive arms of
government.
Characteristics of Democracy
There are several features with which democracy is identified. They are:
1. Rule of Law: This means that political power cannot be exercised arbitrarily.
2. Separation of Powers: The powers of the arms of government are separated to
prevent conflict of responsibility and ensure rule of law.
3. Popular Participation: Democratic government must ensure citizens participation in
government.
4. Multi-Party Politics: Democracy allows the existence and flourishing of various
political parties in the political system.
5. Press Freedom: The media operates freely without interference.
6. Judicial Independence: A true democracy survives and flourishes in an atmosphere
of judicial independence.
Problems of Democracy
As beautiful as democracy is, it has its own limitations. Some of them are:
1. Electoral Malpractices: Periodic election which is an important element of
democracy is usually far from being free and fair.
2. Bad Representation: Most often, the elected representatives loot the public treasury
at the expense of the people who voted them into power.
3. Political Apathy: Due to bad representation, electoral violence, etc. people feel
cheated and even scared to be involved in the electoral process.
4. Expensive Elections: Winning election in a democratic process can be very
expensive. Hence people become disinterested in political participation.
6. Costs of governance: The structure of government is expensive to maintain.
7. Corruption by the elected leaders: Elected leaders sometimes embezzle public
funds and make nonsense of the rule of law and administration of justice.
Processes of Democracy
Processes of democracy means series of actions taken in order to achieve democracy. In
Nigeria, the processes of democracy can be said to follow the underlisted sequence:
1. Establishment of the electoral body: Naturally, the birth of democracy will begin
with the establishment of the electoral umpire. E.g. Federal Electoral Commission
(FEDECO) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
2. Formation of political associations: Like minds and people of the same ideology
come together to form political parties.
3. Registration of political parties: The electoral body, having received the application
for registration from political associations, will register the qualified ones as political
parties.
4. Party Primaries: Following the election timetable, the political parties organise their
congresses and conventions for the election of their candidates/party flag bearers.
5. Voter Registration: It is the duty of the electoral body to register all citizens
qualified by age and mental disposition to vote and be voted for.
6. Electioneering Campaigns: After the emergence of party flag bearers, the parties
engage in a rigorous campaign exercise to sell their candidates to the electorate.
7. Press Freedom: As the “Fourth Estate of the Realm”, the press takes the centre stage
in guiding the masses to make the best of choices.
8. Voting: Voting in Nigeria is by secret ballot as provided for in the 1999 Nigerian
Constitution as amended.
9. Counting of Votes: Counting of votes is done in the open with party agents and
observers in attendance. After this, the electoral officer announces the result before
proceeding to the collation centre.
10. Collation and Announcement of Results: At the end of collation of the results from
the different voting booths, the result of the election is announced.
EVALUATION
i. Explain 5 features of democracy.
ii. In order to achieve democracy, series of actions are required. List 6 of them
iii. What is popular sovereignty in a democracy?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Section A

1. A System of government that listens to public opinion and tolerates opposition is

A. dictatorial regime.
B. capitalist regime.
C. democratic regime.
D. socialist regime.
2. Democratic governance is usually characterized by
A. free, fair and credible elections.
B. buoyant and competitive economy.
C. accessible employment opportunities.
D. youth participation in governance.

3. The National Assembly, Presidency and Court which are inter-related and
interdependent in our democracy constitute the
A. tiers of government.
B. types of democracy.
C. forms of government
D. arms of government.

4. The nearest government to the people and an important means of promoting

grassroots development is the
A. state government.
B. unitary government.
C. local government.
D. federal government.

5. Which of the following is not a function of the independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC)?
A. Administering oath of office to elected officers
B. Conducting periodic elections
C. Recruitment of electoral officers.
D. Registration of political parties
E. Registration of voters

Section B

1. (a) Define representative democracy.

(b) State three reasons Nigeria adopts representative democracy.
(c) List three factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
2. Explain any five of the following pillars of democracy:
(a) constitution;
(b) arms of government;
(c) political parties;
(d) free press;
(e) armed forces:
(f) civil societies.
 WEEK THREE & FOUR
TOPIC: RULE OF LAW

Rule of Law is the principle that law is supreme and that all citizens are equally subject to it
and equally entitled to its protection. It can also be defined as the predominance of law over
everybody.

The concept of the rule of law was popularized by professor A.V. DICEY in his book titled
‘introduction to the law of the constitution’ published in 1885. It emphasizes that
government should rule according to the provisions of the constitution and that the
government should be subject to the law. Also that no citizen should be punished except as
prescribed by the law.

Features or Principles of the Rule of Law

1. Equality before the law: this states that all men are equal before the law and that no
one is above the law. The law should not be manipulated to favor anyone irrespective of
wealth, post, class or status. All citizens of a country should enjoy equal access to the law
of the land, equal right to fair hearing etc.
2. Impartiality: this means that the due process of law should be followed in dealing
with offenders. No one should be made to suffer any abuse of right, loss of personal
liberty or punished in any way unless found guilty by the law court.
3. Guarantee of fundamental human rights: all citizens of a country should enjoy
their fundamental human right without any form of abuse. Such rights include
right to life, right to freedom of movement, right to freedom of expression, right to
fair hearing etc.
4. Separation of Power: There should be separation of power between the three arms of
government. That is, separation of power between the executive, judiciary and the
legislature.
5. Supremacy of the law: The law should be supreme on both the government and the
citizens. Government should rule in accordance to law of the country.

Problems of Rule of Law

The following are the factors that can limit the rule of law:
1. State of emergency: the rule of law may be limited when a state of emergency is
declared in a place. This can lead to abuse of human rights such as restriction of
movement.
2. The type of government in operation: the type of government such as military
government can lead to autocracy and dictatorship which will limit the application of
the rule of law.
3. Partial judiciary: when there is a partial judiciary or lack of independence of the
judiciary, the rights of individuals may not be guaranteed and this can also lead to the
limitation of the rule of law.
4. Special or administrative tribunals: such tribunals adopt special system of trial
different from that of the ordinary courts and they do not allow appeal against their
judgment.
5. Diplomatic immunity: ambassadors cannot be sued and prosecuted in the countries
where they are serving rather they can be repatriated. Also, some people in
government such as the president or governors enjoy immunity.
6. Parliamentary immunity: members of the parliament cannot be sued or prosecuted
based on the statements they make on the floor of the house.
7. Security of state: the rule of law can be limited when security personnel such as the
police carries out their duty to maintain security, and law and order. In such cases,
some peoples’ right may be violated.
8. Insanity: the rule of law does not apply to people suffering from mental disorder
and they are therefore not treated equally under the law.

Factors that Enhance the Rule of Law

1. Offenders should be tried publicly without any form of secrecy.
2. Existence of a free press.
3. Existence of a democratic system of government.
4. Independent and impartial judiciary.
5. Granting of citizens the right to appeal.
6. Separation of powers between the arms of government.
7. The constitution should be supreme.
8. Justice should not be delayed.

Importance of the Rule of Law

1. Protection of human rights: The rule of law respects and protects the fundamental
human rights of the citizens that are guaranteed by the constitution.
2. Good governance: The rule of law makes it possible that leaders and government
officials are responsible and accountable for their stewardship while serving the
people in government.
3. Rapid and consistent development of the nation: The transparency and
accountability as guaranteed by the rule of law reduces the propensity for corruption
by the officials.
4. Peace and harmony in the nation: Citizens enjoying the principle of impartiality
and equality before the law are most likely to live in peace and harmony with one
another.
5. Free and fair elections and smooth change of government: The rule of law
guarantees that the citizens of the nation can vote and be voted for according to the
law. Then when the results of the election are announced, people will accept without
crises and violence.

EVALUATION
1. Explain at least five problems of the rule of law
2. How can a successful application of the rule of law be achieved?
3. Explain the concept of rule of law.
4. Explain five features of the rule of law.
5. Who popularized the concept of rule of law?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Give five factors affecting the successful application of the rule of law.
2. State the importance of rule of law.
3. What are those factors that can aid the successful application of the rule of law.
4. What is a constitution?
5. Mention the arms of government.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Section A
1. Which of the following limits the rule of law (a) supremacy of law (b) citizens
fundamental human right (c) immunity granted to diplomats
2. To promote justice in a state, judges must (a) belong to the ruling party (b) punish
people who oppose them (c) enjoy security of tenure of office
3. The right of citizens to vote and be voted for is termed (a) indirect election (b)
general election (c) franchise
4. Military government are likely to be (a) accountable (b) democratic (c) dictatorial
5. The fundamental laws of a country are contained in her (a) constitution (b)
manifesto (c) political agenda

Section B
1. Write five advantages of the rule of law.
2. Give four reasons why people reject military rule in Africa.
 WEEK FIVE
TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
Constitutional democracy is a system of government in which the powers and authority of
government are derived from the constitution. In a constitutional democratic government,
those who hold power and authority of government must exercise that power according to
the law and provisions of the constitution of the country.

Types of Constitutional Democracy

i. Constitutional Monarchism
This is a system of government headed by a monarch who does not possess executive powers
as the head of the executive arm of government. The monarch in this type of constitutional
democracy is supported by the legislature and the judiciary. The legislature holds the power
while the monarch heads the government but his actions must be approved by the legislature.

ii. Constitutional Republicanism

This is a system of government in which the masses choose their leaders without any form of
restrictions. This process is liberal and the masses are completely independent in their
choice. The electoral process in this form of government is sacrosanct.

Features of Constitutional Democracy

i. Popular Sovereignty: This shows that the people possess the final political authority
in making decisions that relate to public issues. They also have the power to remove
any of their representatives that fails to represent their interest in government by not
voting for such candidates in subsequent elections or through the exercise of power of
recall.

ii. Majority Rule and Minority Right: In a constitutional democracy, the will of the
majority always prevail because of their large number in the legislature and as the
government in power. However, constitutional democracy ensures that there must be
adequate provision for the right of the minority groups.

iii. Limited Powers of Government: The constitution limits the powers of all arms of
government. This is to prevent abuse of office by the various arms of government.

iv. Periodic Election: Constitutional democracy is characterized by a regular and

periodic election. This election must be free and fair, and the electoral body must be
allowed to operate independently without interference.

v. Independent Judiciary: The judiciary in a constitutional democracy operates as an

independent body which is free from the influence of the executive and legislative
arms of government.

vi. Freedom of the Press: Constitutional democracy ensures that the press is free to
operate without government, group or individual influence, threat, harassment or
manipulation.

EVALUATION
1. What is democracy?
2. State the features of constitutional democracy.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Define constitutional democracy.
2. Explain the features of constitutional democracy
3. Give four advantages of this system of government.
4. Mention five causes of cultism.
5. How can the problem of cultism be solved?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Section A
1. An organization that can present candidates for election is called (a) pressure
group (b) political party (c) electoral commission
2. The act of choosing a leader by voting is called (a) franchise (b) appointment (c)
election
3. ___ is a document that contains the name and details of people who are qualified to
vote during election (a) ballot paper (b) ballot box (c) voters register
4. Which of these forms of government best promote the principle of rule of law? (a)
democracy (b) monarchy (c) oligarchy
5. Democracy means ___ (a) rule by the rich people (b) rule by a few people (c)
rule by the people

Section B
1. State the types of constitutional democracy.
2. Explain four features of constitutional democracy.
 WEEK SIX
TOPIC: MEANING OF KEY CONCEPTS IN CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

i. Supremacy of the constitution: The constitution of the country, which is the body of
rules and regulations and the law of the land, is the foundation of constitutional
democracy.
ii. Popular Sovereignty: This means that the power of government belongs to the
people, who exercise that power through the ballot box, periodically, to elect and
choose those they want to represent them in government
iii. Rule of Law: This means that the law is supreme over persons both in government
and the society.
iv. Separation of power: This means that the three arms of government must be
separated from each other to avoid duplication of functions and dictatorship
v. Majority Rule and Minority Right: This means that the majority population must
always have their ways while minority groups have their views considered.
vi. Periodic Free and Fair Election: There must be elections at regular interval, which
must be adjudged to be credible and popular.
vii. Judicial Independence: This means that the judiciary can operate freely without any
form interference or harassment from other arms of government, individuals or
groups.
viii. Accountability and Dues Process: This means that the government officials are
accountable to the people they represent and they follow rules of engagement while
discharging their duties.
ix. Civil Societies: These are associations and groups which are not under the apron
strings of government.
xii. Free Press: This means that the press are free to express their views and share same
with others.

EVALUATION
i. What are the demerits of constitutional democracy?
ii. Explain 3 key concepts in constitutional democracy.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1 Explain the advantages of constitutional democracy.
2 What are the disadvantages of constitutional democracy?
3 Define value.
4 State the types of value.
5 What is citizenship education?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Another name for an electorate is a/an ___(a) candidate (b) electoral officer (c)
voter
2. ___ is a body of law, rules and regulations that guides the governing of a state (a)
Constitution (b) Law (c) Customs
3. Which of these is not a feature of constitutional democracy? (a) Popular
sovereignty (b) Minority rule (c) Supremacy of the constitution
4. Which of these is currently an electoral commission in Nigeria? (a) FADECO (b)
NEC (c) INEC
5. People who assume position of constituted authority are called (a) followers (b)
leaders (c) workers

THEORY
1. Identify eight key concepts in a democracy.
2. Explain any five of the concepts you have listed above.
 WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: HUMANTRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is the recruiting, transporting, receiving and harbouring of people in
exchange for money. People who are most vulnerable to human trafficking are women and
children and they are subjected to forced labour, slavery, servitude and prostitution. The
people who engaged in human trafficking business are called human traffickers. Human
trafficking could be done domestically or at the international level. Most international
trafficking activities are targeted towards taking young ladies abroad through illegal means
for the purpose of forcing them into prostitution. Domestic trafficking is targeted towards
bringing young boys and girls into cities for force labour as house helps.

Causes of Human Trafficking

1. Poverty in the society
Poverty is a state of being poor or lack of basic necessities of life. Poverty can make people
vulnerable to human trafficking and child labour.

2. Greed
People who are not contented with what they have or those who want to accumulate fast
wealth may find themselves involved in human trafficking.

3. Low Self-Esteem
Some people due to low self-esteem or loss of sense of worth and self confidence may fall
victim to human traffickers who show off their wealth and make fake promises to them.

4. Corruption and desire for easy wealth

Human traffickers bribe government officials with money and material things so that they
can continue to carry out their illegal business without being caught or hindered by
government agencies.

5. Ignorance
Vulnerable members in the society can easily be deceived by human traffickers who will
promise them greener pastures and better lifestyles in the cities or abroad and because
everybody wants a better and improved life, they innocently follow these traffickers only to
discover that their intention was to exploit and use them to make money.

6. Eroding social values and moral decadence

Crisis and insurgency, economic decline and unemployment in Nigeria have eroded social
values and family traditions and customs. As a result of insufficient care for children, some
of them end up as social deviants and prostitutes to be lured by traffickers.

EVALUATION
1. Define human trafficking.
2. State the causes of human trafficking.
 WEEK EIGHT & NINE

TOPIC: EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

1. Physical or Psychological Abuse

People who are being trafficked are subjected to all form of physical abuse such as rape,
beating and torture. Children used as house help are often time beaten and the female ones
are raped and sometimes starved of food and other basic needs of life. This affects the
psychological growth of such children.

2. Abuse of Fundamental Human Rights

Human trafficking leads to abuse of fundamental human rights because they are often denied
their right to free thought, conscience and decision.

3. Delay in Their Education and Human Capacity Development

Children who are trafficked and forced into child labour are usually denied their right to
education in order to become useful to themselves in the future.

4. Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Some trafficked young girls are made to engage in prostitution which predisposes them
sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV/AIDS.

5. Unwanted Pregnancy
Victims of human trafficking are mostly faced with unprotected sex which could result into
unwanted pregnancies.

6. Stigmatization
People who are trafficked are usually stigmatized especially when they are deported back to
the country from abroad.

7. Loss of Lives
Some trafficked young boys and girls are made to undergo vigorous journey through the
North Africa from where they cross to Europe. During this journey, some of them die as a
result of thirst and exhaustion.

GOVERNMENT AND INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS GEARED TOWARDS

COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Government Efforts
i. In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,
Nigerian government enacted into law the Child Right Acts in 2003.
ii. Establishment of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and
other related offences (NAPTIP) in year 2003.
iii. Nigeria has bilateral agreement with other countries in West Africa and Europe to
assist in the investigation, prosecution and punishment of human traffickers.
iv. Enactment of trafficking law and administration Act in 2003 that was amended in
2005 to increase penalties and punishment for traffickers and to prohibit human
trafficking in all form.
v. Government together with international partners provide specialized training to
officials of NAPTIP, Police, Custom and Immigration on how to recognize,
investigate and prosecute human traffickers.

Individual
For individuals’ efforts to be notable, the following must apparently exist:
i. Nigerians must begin to shun the easy way to wealth and respect their personal
dignity.
ii. Individual religious leaders must intensify efforts in preaching against the evil of
human trafficking in their various worship centres.
iii. Individual citizens must have the spirit of patriotism by developing interest and hope
in their country, and contributing their own quota towards its development.

EVALUATION
i. State the punishment awarded for people who engage in human trafficking.
ii. Highlight the various functions of NAPTIP.
iii. Highlight the efforts of government in eradicating human trafficking.
iv. What are the effects of human trafficking?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is the meaning of NAPTIP?
2. Explain the roles of NAPTIP in eradicating human trafficking.
3. Define constituted authority?
4. Mention the types of constituted authority.
5. State the ways through which leaders emerge.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Section A
1. NAPTIP was established in year (a) 2000 (b) 2002 (c) 2003
2. Which of these Nigerian heads of state signed the trafficking in persons act into
law? (a) General Abdulsalam Abubakar (b) Dr Goodluck Jonathan(c) Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo
3. The National Assembly passed the bill on trafficking in persons law act on ________
(a) 14 July 2003 (b) 7th July 2003 (c) 7th August 2003
th

4. Which of these units of NAPTIP receives intelligence information on human

trafficking activities? (a) public enlightenment unit b) investigation unit (c)
prosecution unit
5. NAFDAC means? (a) National Food, Drug Administration and council (b)
National Agency for Food ,Drug Administration and Control (c) National Food,
Drug Administration and committee

Section B
1. How can government assist in eradicating human trafficking?
2. Highlight five roles of individuals in eradicating human trafficking.