Democracy and Human Right – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Democracy is a system of government in which the people hold power and choose their leaders through elections.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define democracy and human rights.
2. State the key features of democracy.
3. List fundamental human rights in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.
4. Explain how democracy and human rights depend on each other.
5. Describe how students can respect rights and practise democracy in school.

What is democracy?

Democracy is government in which citizens have the power and use it by voting for their leaders.

• Famous description: “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people” (Abraham Lincoln).
• Meaning: one person, such as a king or a dictator, does not make all the rules.
• Citizens’ power: the people choose who leads them through elections.

What are the key features of democracy?

The key features of democracy are popular sovereignty, majority rule, minority rights and periodic elections.

• Popular sovereignty: the power of government belongs to the people.
• Majority rule: decisions follow what most people want.
• Minority rights: smaller groups (minorities) must still be protected and respected, even when the majority wins.
• Periodic elections: leaders do not stay forever, and voters decide every few years whether they stay or go.
• Rule of law: everyone, including leaders, must obey the law.
• Equality before the law: the law treats rich and poor, men and women, in the same way.

What are the types of democracy?

There are two types of democracy: direct democracy and representative democracy.

Direct democracy

• Meaning: citizens take part in making decisions themselves.
• Example: a class meeting where every student votes on a matter.

Representative democracy

• Meaning: citizens elect people to make decisions for them.
• Example: Nigerians vote for the President, governors and members of the National Assembly.

What are human rights?

Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections every person deserves simply because they are human.

• Equal for all: they do not depend on being rich, poor, male, female or on your tribe.
• Written law in Nigeria: they are set out in Chapter 4 of the Constitution as fundamental rights.
• Enforceable: a person whose right is violated can go to court.

What are examples of fundamental human rights in Nigeria?

Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution protects rights such as life, fair hearing, expression and movement.

• Right to education: Nigeria’s Constitution places education among the government’s duties in Chapter 2, not in Chapter 4.
• Limits on rights: the law can limit some rights to protect public safety, order, health and the rights of others.
• Responsibilities: every right comes with a duty to respect the rights of other people.

How are democracy and human rights connected?

Democracy and human rights depend on each other, so one cannot really exist without the other.

1. Democracy protects human rights

• Laws protect people: in a democracy, laws are made to protect citizens.
• Leaders can be voted out: they are more likely to respect rights.
• Citizens can act: if a leader treats people badly, people can protest or go to court.

2. Human rights make democracy possible

A real election cannot hold if people are afraid to speak.

• Freedom of speech: without it, we cannot criticise bad leaders.
• Freedom of assembly: without it, we cannot hold rallies or meetings.
• Right to vote: without it, we have no power over who leads us.

The “mirror” effect

• Democracy: provides the environment in which rights can grow.
• Human rights: provide the tools people use to take part in democracy.

What happens when there is no democracy or respect for human rights?

Without democracy and human rights, power is abused and citizens suffer.

• Dictatorship: one person makes all the rules, and those who disagree may be jailed.
• Fear: people are afraid to talk or move freely.
• Injustice: the rich and powerful take what they want from the poor without punishment.

What is our role as JSS3 students?

Students practise democracy and respect rights by how they behave at school and at home.

• Respect others’ rights: do not bully or silence classmates, because everyone has a right to an opinion.
• Stay informed: learn what the Constitution says about your rights.
• Participate: take part in class elections and debates as practice for adult life.
• Obey rules: follow school rules, which show the rule of law at a small scale.

Evaluation

1. In your own words, define democracy.
2. List four fundamental human rights you enjoy as a Nigerian citizen.
3. Explain one way democracy helps to protect your rights.
4. State two differences between direct and representative democracy.
5. What do you think would happen to a country if people had no right to freedom of expression?

Assignment

Write a short note of about one page on how your class can practise democracy and respect each other’s rights. Give at least three examples.