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PRIMARY 4: SOCIAL STUDIES – SECOND TERM | WEEK 3

Updated January 19, 2026Primary 4, Second Term, Social Studies

TOPIC: GOVERNMENT

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

  1. Chart showing the levels of government.
  2. Pictures of government buildings.
  3. Map of Nigeria.
  4. Flashcards.
  5. Pupils’ writing books and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

  1. Scheme of work.
  2. Recommended Social Studies textbook for Primary 4.
  3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt about citizenship, rights and duties of citizens in society.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

  1. Define government.
  2. State reasons for having government.
  3. Name the three levels of government in Nigeria.
  4. Identify the Federal Government.
  5. Identify State Government.
  6. Identify Local Government.
  7. Name the three arms of government.
  8. State the importance of government.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Government

Government is the group of people and institutions responsible for making decisions, making laws and managing the affairs of a country or community.

Reasons for Having Government

Government is needed to:

  1. Maintain law and order.
  2. Protect lives and property.
  3. Provide social amenities.
  4. Make and enforce laws.
  5. Provide education and healthcare.
  6. Promote development.
  7. Settle disputes.
  8. Protect the country.

Levels of Government in Nigeria

Nigeria has three main levels of government:

  1. Federal Government.
  2. State Government.
  3. Local Government.

Federal Government

The Federal Government governs the whole country. It handles matters that affect Nigeria as a nation.

State Government

The State Government governs a state. Nigeria is divided into states, and each state has its own government.

Local Government

The Local Government is the level of government closest to the people in local communities.

Arms of Government

The three arms of government are:

  1. Executive.
  2. Legislature.
  3. Judiciary.

Functions of the Arms

Executive: carries out laws and government policies. Legislature: makes laws. Judiciary: interprets laws and settles legal disputes.

Importance of Government

Government:

  1. Maintains peace.
  2. Protects citizens.
  3. Provides public services.
  4. Promotes development.
  5. Makes laws.
  6. Supports education and health services.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

  1. Explains the meaning of government.
  2. Discusses reasons for government.
  3. Displays a chart of the levels of government.
  4. Explains Federal, State and Local Governments.
  5. Introduces the three arms of government.
  6. Explains the importance of government.
  7. Asks pupils oral questions.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

  1. Define government.
  2. Mention reasons for having government.
  3. Name the three levels of government.
  4. Identify the level closest to the people.
  5. Name the three arms of government.
  6. State the importance of government.
  7. Answer questions.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the meaning, levels and arms of government. The teacher encourages pupils to understand that government exists to organise society and serve the people.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What is government?
  2. Mention four reasons for having government.
  3. Name the three levels of government.
  4. Which level governs the whole country?
  5. Which level is closest to the people?
  6. Name the three arms of government.
  7. State three importance of government.