TOPIC: FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS
- Government functions chart.
- Pictures of schools and hospitals.
- Pictures of security agencies.
- Flashcards.
- Pupils’ notebooks.
B: REFERENCE MATERIALS
- Scheme of work.
- Recommended Civic Education textbook for Primary 5.
- Online educational resources.
C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
The pupils have learnt why government is necessary and how it contributes to peace, security and development.
D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Mention functions of government.
- Explain law-making and law enforcement.
- State government’s role in providing public services.
- Explain government’s role in national defence.
- Compare some functions of government with those of the family.
E: CONTENT
Main Functions of Government
Government performs many functions for citizens.
1. Making Laws
The Legislature makes laws for the country.
2. Enforcing Laws
The Executive and law enforcement agencies ensure that laws are obeyed.
3. Interpreting Laws
Courts interpret laws and settle disputes.
4. Maintaining Law and Order
Government provides security agencies to maintain peace.
5. Providing Public Services
Government provides: 🏫 Schools. 🏥 Hospitals. 🚧 Roads. 🚰 Water supply. 💡 Electricity.
6. National Defence
Government provides armed forces to protect the country.
7. Protection of Citizens’ Rights
Government creates laws and institutions that protect citizens.
8. Promoting Economic Development
Government encourages businesses, agriculture, employment and infrastructure development.
Government and the Family
Both government and family provide leadership, protection and welfare. However, government serves the whole society while a family takes care of its own members.
F: LESSON PRESENTATION
F1: Teachers’ Activities
- Introduces functions of government.
- Explains law-making.
- Explains law enforcement and interpretation.
- Discusses public services.
- Explains national defence and protection of rights.
- Compares government functions with family functions.
F2: Pupils’ Activities
- Mention functions of government.
- Explain selected functions.
- Identify examples of public services.
- State the role of government in security.
- Compare government and family responsibilities.
G: CONCLUSION
The teacher summarizes the major functions performed by government. The teacher reminds pupils that citizens should cooperate with government by obeying laws and protecting public property.
H: EVALUATION GUIDE
Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:
- Mention six functions of government.
- Which arm makes laws?
- Which arm interprets laws?
- State four public services provided by government.
- How does government protect the country?
- Mention one similarity between government and the family.