Constitutional Democracy I – SS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Constitutional democracy is a system of government in which the people choose their leaders and those leaders must obey the Constitution.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain the meaning of constitutional democracy.
2. Distinguish between direct and representative democracy.
3. Highlight the features of constitutional democracy.
4. Explain how the arms of government check one another.
5. State how the Constitution limits government.
6. State the functions of constitutional democracy.

What is constitutional democracy?

Constitutional democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people, based on the supremacy of the Constitution.

• Constitutional democracy: a system in which the people choose their leaders and those leaders must obey the Constitution.
• Constitution: the supreme law of a country. It sets out how government is organised and what citizens may expect.
• Democracy: rule by the people, directly or through elected representatives.
• Rule of law: everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and no one is above it.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: any law or action that conflicts with the Constitution is void.
• Will of the people: the wishes of the people prevail, provided they stay within the rule of law.

What are the types of democracy?

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

Direct democracy

• Meaning: citizens take part personally in making decisions and laws.
• Where it works: small communities, such as a village meeting where every adult speaks and votes.

Representative democracy

• Meaning: citizens elect people to make laws and decisions for them.
• Where it works: large countries such as Nigeria, where elected legislators and executives act for the people.

What are the features of constitutional democracy?

There are seven main features of constitutional democracy, listed below.

1. Popular sovereignty: final power belongs to the people, who give government its authority through voting.
2. Separated and shared powers: power is divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary. It is also shared among federal, state and local governments.
3. Majority rule with minority rights: the majority decides, but the rights of minority groups are protected.
4. Limited government: the powers of government are limited by law, so no ruler can act as they please.
5. Due process of law: legal procedures are followed and strictly obeyed, for example fair trial before punishment.
6. Leadership succession by elections: leaders come to office and leave office through periodic elections.
7. Checks and balances: agencies and branches of government have adequate powers to check the powers of other branches.

How do the arms of government check one another?

Checks and balances is the system in which each arm of government can limit the powers of the other two.

• Legislature: makes laws and watches the executive.
• Executive: carries out laws and can refuse to sign bills.
• Judiciary: interprets laws and can cancel acts that break the Constitution.

How does the Constitution limit government?

The Constitution limits government in four main ways.

• Fundamental human rights: the Constitution lists rights such as life, fair hearing and freedom of expression, which government must respect.
• Term limits: the President and governors may serve a maximum of two terms of four years each.
• Independent courts: judges can rule against the government when it breaks the law.
• Free and fair elections: an electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), organises elections.

What are the functions of constitutional democracy?

Constitutional democracy has seven main functions, listed below.

• Protection of citizens: it protects citizens from internal and external attacks.
• Provision of amenities: it provides basic amenities such as roads, water, schools and hospitals.
• Protection of rights: the rights and dignity of individuals are protected.
• National unity: it promotes national unity by giving all groups a say in government.
• Peaceful change of government: power changes hands through votes, not force.
• Accountability: leaders must explain how they use public power and money.
• Settling disputes: courts settle conflicts between citizens, and between citizens and government.

Evaluation

1. Explain the meaning of constitutional democracy.
2. Highlight five features of constitutional democracy.
3. Explain how checks and balances work, with one Nigerian example.
4. State four functions of constitutional democracy.
5. Distinguish between direct and representative democracy.

Assignment

Choose any four features of constitutional democracy and explain each one in two lines, with a Nigerian example, in your exercise book.

Teaching techniques and materials

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos from source

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Textbook
• Pictures

Closing the lesson

• The teacher commends the students positively.