FEATURES OF NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION Lesson Note
This SS2 CITIZENSHIP & HERITAGE lesson note covers FEATURES OF NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION for First Term, Week 2.
Learning Objectives
- Able to define constitution
- Able to mention features of Nigeria constitution
Lesson Note
A. MEANING OF CONSTITUTION
Meaning of Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental rules and principles according to which a country is governed. It defines the powers and responsibilities of government and protects the rights and duties of citizens.
Nigeria has had several constitutions at different periods, including the Clifford Constitution (1922), Richards Constitution (1946), Macpherson Constitution (1951), Lyttleton Constitution (1954), Independence Constitution (1960), Republican Constitution (1963), and the 1979, 1989 and 1999 Constitutions.
B. FEATURES OF NIGERIAN CONSTITUTIONS
1. Written Constitution
Nigerian constitutions are written documents containing rules and principles for governing the country.
2. Supremacy of the Constitution
The constitution is the highest law of the land. Any law that conflicts with it is invalid to the extent of the conflict.
3. Federal System of Government
Nigeria operates a federal system in which governmental powers are shared between the federal government and the states.
4. Separation of Powers
Government powers are divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary to prevent excessive concentration of power.
5. Fundamental Human Rights
The constitution guarantees important rights such as the right to life, dignity, fair hearing, freedom of expression and freedom of movement.
6. Rule of Law
Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. No person is above the law.
7. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and settling disputes. It is expected to perform its functions independently.
8. Representative Government
Citizens elect representatives who make decisions and formulate laws on their behalf.
9. Periodic Elections
The constitution provides for elections at specified intervals to enable citizens to choose their leaders.
10. Checks and Balances
Each arm of government has certain powers to check the activities of the other arms and prevent abuse of power.
11. Citizenship Provisions
The constitution states who qualifies as a Nigerian citizen and provides for matters relating to citizenship.
12. Amendment Procedure
The constitution provides procedures through which its provisions can be changed or amended.
13. Directive Principles of State Policy
The constitution contains principles that guide government in promoting the welfare, security and development of the people.
14. Independent Electoral System
Provision is made for an electoral body responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria.
C. IMPORTANCE OF THE FEATURES OF THE CONSTITUTION
1. They provide a framework for governing Nigeria.
2. They protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
3. They prevent arbitrary use of government power.
4. They promote democracy and good governance.
5. They define the powers of government institutions.
6. They promote peace, order and stability.
7. They provide ways of resolving disputes.
8. They encourage citizens’ participation in government.
SUMMARY
The Nigerian constitution serves as the legal foundation of government and society. Its major features include supremacy of the constitution, federalism, separation of powers, fundamental human rights, rule of law, representative government, elections, checks and balances, and procedures for constitutional amendment.
Evaluation
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
One important feature of the Nigerian Constitution is that it is the ______ law of the country.
A. ordinary
B. supreme
C. traditional
D. religious
The Nigerian Constitution provides for the ______ of powers among the three arms of government.
A. sharing
B. separation
C. removal
D. cancellation
Which of the following is a feature of the Nigerian Constitution?
A. Rule by one person
B. Fundamental human rights
C. Military dictatorship
D. Absence of elections
The Constitution provides for the establishment of the ______ arms of government.
A. two
B. three
C. four
D. five
Which of these is one of the three arms of government recognised by the Nigerian Constitution?
A. Traditional Council
B. Legislature
C. Press
D. Civil Society
The Nigerian Constitution clearly defines the ______ of citizens.
A. duties and rights
B. occupations and salaries
C. religions and beliefs
D. family relationships
Another feature of the Nigerian Constitution is that it provides for ______ government.
A. federal
B. absolute
C. monarchical
D. colonial
The Constitution contains provisions for the ______ of government officials.
A. accountability
B. secrecy
C. immunity from all laws
D. personal enrichment
Which of the following is provided for in the Nigerian Constitution?
A. Fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy
B. Abolition of citizenship
C. Permanent military rule
D. Suspension of all elections
The Constitution provides a legal framework for the ______ of the country.
A. administration
B. destruction
C. division
D. colonisation
Theory Questions
1a. What is a constitution?
1b. Mention five features of Nigerian constitutions.
2a. Explain the principle of separation of powers.
2b. State four reasons why fundamental human rights are included in the constitution.
2c. Explain the meaning of constitutional supremacy.