International Organisation III: Commonwealth of Nations: – SS3 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Behavioural objectives

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

• define the Commonwealth of Nations;
• describe how the Commonwealth began;
• state the conditions for membership;
• list the features of Commonwealth member nations;
• state the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth.

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent countries that were formerly British colonies. It is made up of Britain and countries that were at one time British colonies. The United States of America, though a former British colony, is not a member.

The British monarch (the Queen) is the head of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has its headquarters at Marlborough House, London. It presently has 49 member nations.

How did the Commonwealth begin?

The origin of the Commonwealth lies in the British desire to conquer a greater part of the world as its empire. All the territories acquired by Britain formed the British Empire.

Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, which were formerly British colonies, were granted responsible and representative governments in the 19th century. With that status, they were free to elect their own legislature and manage their own internal affairs. They were still linked with Britain, however, and their governors still represented the Queen of England. The Queen could still make laws for these semi-independent countries. From 1907, these countries started regular meetings in London, known as the “Imperial Conference”.

From 1920, these semi-independent countries were granted full autonomy and Britain stopped managing their affairs. They were given a new name, “Dominions”, and were no longer called colonies.

In 1931, a law was made granting full independence to the Dominions, so that they were no longer bound by laws passed by the British parliament. The name Commonwealth of Nations was adopted in 1951 because the word “Dominions” attracted wide criticism. The Dominions did not want to be addressed as Dominions because they believed the word was synonymous with colonialism.

Ireland ceased to be a member in 1949. South Africa was expelled in 1961 because of her apartheid racial policies.

What are the conditions for membership of the Commonwealth?

1. The prospective country must be a former territory or colony of Britain.
2. The prospective country must have gained full political independence.
3. The prospective country must be ready to accept or recognise the British monarch as the permanent Head of the Commonwealth.
4. The prospective member country must be prepared to accept other member states as equals and refrain from racial discrimination.

What are the features of Commonwealth member nations?

1. English is the common official language in all the member nations.
2. The British monarch (the Queen of England) is the Head of the Commonwealth.
3. Most of the member nations adopt the British style of parliamentary government.
4. Member nations modelled their systems of education on the British type.
5. Member nations take part in the Commonwealth Games and sports.
6. There is general cooperation among member nations in international affairs, trade, finance, defence, law, medicine, agriculture and other areas.
7. Member states adopt English common law.
8. Some member nations frequently sign defence pacts.

What are the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth?

1. Solution to problems: To cooperate and find solutions to problems confronting member nations in education, trade, finance, medicine, agriculture, science, sports and other areas.
2. Common understanding: To facilitate common understanding among the members.
3. Territorial integrity: To respect and protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member nations.
4. Promotion of sporting activities: To promote sports among member states so as to strengthen the spirit of friendship and cooperation. The Commonwealth Games are held every four years.
5. Economic development: To bring about the economic development of member states through financial, material, manpower and technical aid.
6. Common language and voice: To discuss the common language, English, and speak with one voice in matters of international affairs.

Evaluation

1. What is the Commonwealth?
2. Mention 7 countries that are members of the Commonwealth.
3. List 3 qualifications for membership of the Commonwealth.
4. Highlight 4 features of the Commonwealth.
5. List 4 aims and objectives of the Commonwealth.

General evaluation and revision questions

1. What is indirect rule? Why did the British adopt the system of indirect rule?
2. What factors led to the failure of indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria?
3. Explain the weaknesses of the indirect rule system.

Assignment

Weekend assignment

1. The Commonwealth is _____ (a) an economic organisation (b) made up of independent ex-colonies of Britain (c) made up of independent European countries (d) made up of oil producing countries.
2. The head of the Commonwealth of Nations is (a) American president (b) Tony Blair (c) Ban Ki-moon (d) the British monarch.
3. The Commonwealth of Nations was established in (a) 1953 (b) 1956 (c) 1951 (d) 1931.
4. The following are members of the Commonwealth except (a) U.S.A. (b) Nigeria (c) Ghana (d) Sierra Leone.
5. The Commonwealth is presently made up of _____ members (a) 51 (b) 49 (c) 50 (d) 48.

Theory

1. Briefly describe the origin of the Commonwealth.
2. What are the qualifications for membership of the Commonwealth?

Reading assignment

• Comprehensive Government by J.U. Anyaele, pgs 228, 226-223
• Essential Government by C.C. Dibie, pgs 246-247.