Problems Facing Government – Basic 4 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

What are Government Problems?

Challenges that make it hard for the government to do its work well and help citizens properly.

Major Problems

1. CORRUPTION 💰❌

What it means: Stealing public money Effects:

• No money for roads
• No money for schools
• Leaders get rich, people suffer

2. LACK OF FUNDS 💸

What it means: Not enough money Effects:

• Can’t build hospitals
• Can’t pay workers
• Can’t fix problems

3. BAD LEADERSHIP 😔

What it means: Selfish, lazy leaders Effects:

• Wrong decisions
• No development
• People lose hope

4. TRIBALISM/FAVORITISM 👥

What it means: Helping only your tribe/friends Effects:

• Unfair treatment
• Best people not chosen
• Division among people

5. POVERTY 🏚️

What it means: Many citizens are poor Effects:

• Can’t pay taxes
• Need more help
• Slow development

6. ILLITERACY 📚❌

What it means: Many can’t read/write Effects:

• Don’t understand rights
• Can’t contribute well
• Easy to deceive

7. INSECURITY 🚨

What it means: Crime and violence Effects:

• People live in fear
• Businesses close
• Investors run away

8. POOR INFRASTRUCTURE 🛣️

What it means: Bad roads, no light, no water Effects:

• Accidents increase
• Business suffers
• Life is hard

How These Problems Affect Us

• Schools lack books ❌
• Hospitals lack drugs ❌
• Roads have potholes ❌
• No clean water ❌
• No regular electricity ❌

Solutions Citizens Can Help With

✅ Don’t give or take bribes 

✅ Pay taxes honestly 

✅ Vote for good leaders 

✅ Get education 

✅ Report crimes 

✅ Be united

Remember!

When government has problems, everyone suffers. We must all work together to solve them!

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. _______ means stealing public money.
2. When government lacks _______, it can’t build roads.
3. _______ means helping only your tribe.
4. Many people who can’t read suffer from _______.
5. _______ makes people live in fear.

B. True or False:

1. Corruption helps development. _______
2. Poor leadership causes problems. _______
3. Tribalism brings unity. _______
4. Citizens can help solve problems. _______
5. Poverty affects government. _______

C. Match problem to effect:

D. Circle government problems:

• Good roads
• Corruption
• Education
• Bad leadership
• Development
• Poverty
• Unity
• Tribalism

E. How can citizens help? (✓ or ✗)

• Give bribes
• Pay taxes
• Vote wisely
• Cause violence
• Get education
• Be tribal

F. Answer:

1. Name 3 problems facing government.
2. What is corruption?
3. How can you help as a student?

G. Complete:

Government problems affect:

• Our _______
• Our _______
• Our _______