This SSS 1 Government scheme of work lays a solid foundation for exploring the key concepts of governance, political structures, and the role of government in society.
Across three terms, you gradually dive into topics, from the basics of government to in-depth discussions on political parties, constitutions, and the principles of law.
Each week builds on the previous one, ensuring a smooth progression that enhances both teaching and learning.
Now, it’s time to fully engage with this subject—embrace the journey ahead and make the most of every opportunity to deepen your understanding of how government shapes the world around you!
SSS 1 GOVERNMENT First Term Scheme of Work
Week 1: Meaning and Scope of Government
- Definition of government
- Scope of government
- Importance of government
Week 2: Characteristics and Functions of Government
- Features of government
- Functions of government in society
- Government as an institution
Week 3: Basic Concepts of Government
- Power
- Authority
- Legitimacy
Week 4: Basic Concepts of Government (Cont’d)
- Sovereignty
- Democracy
- Political culture
Week 5: Basic Concepts of Government Continues
- Political socialization
- Political participation
- Political ideology
Week 6: Characteristics of Government
- Representative government
- Constitutional government
- Military government
Week 7: Mid-Term Break
Week 8: Characteristics of Government
- Monarchical government
- Federalism
- Unitary government
Week 9: Characteristics of Government (Cont’d)
- Presidential system
- Parliamentary system
- Theocratic government
Week 10: Characteristics of Government (Cont’d)
- Democratic government
- Dictatorship
- Features of political systems
Week 11: Revision
Week 12: Examination
Week 13: Closing
SSS 1 GOVERNMENT Second Term Scheme of Work
Week 1: The Basic Principles of Government – the Rule of Law
- Definition of the rule of law
- Elements of the rule of law
- Limitations to the rule of law
- Importance of the rule of law
Week 2: Basic Principles of Government (Cont’d)
- Political equality
- Due process
- Human rights
Week 3: Basic Principles (Cont’d)
- Accountability
- Checks and balances
- Justice
- Separation of power
Week 4: Basic Principles (Cont’d)
- Political participation
- Constitutionalism
- Limited government
Week 5: Centralization and Decentralization
- Meaning of centralization
- Meaning of decentralization
- Differences between centralization and decentralization
Week 7: Mid-Term Break
Week 8: Delegated Legislation
- Definition of delegated legislation
- Types of delegated legislation
- Importance of delegated legislation
Week 9: Citizenship
- Definition of citizenship
- Acquisition of citizenship
- Rights and duties of a citizen
Week 10: Party Systems
- Meaning of party systems
- Types of party systems
- Importance of party systems
Week 11: Political Party
- Meaning of political parties
- Functions of political parties
- Differences between political parties and pressure groups
Week 12: Revision & Examination
Week 13: Closing
SSS 1 GOVERNMENT Third Term Scheme of Work
Week 1: Parliamentary System of Government
- Definition of parliamentary system
- Features of parliamentary system
- Advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary system
Week 2: Presidential System of Government
- Definition of presidential system
- Features of presidential system
- Advantages and disadvantages of presidential system
Week 3: Military Government
- Meaning of military government
- Characteristics of military government
- Reasons for military intervention
Week 4: Constitution
- Meaning of constitution
- Types of constitutions
- Importance of a constitution
Week 5: Constitution (Cont’d)
- Written vs. unwritten constitutions
- Flexible vs. rigid constitutions
- Amending the constitution
Week 6: Structure and Organization of Government
- The executive arm
- The legislative arm
- The judiciary arm
Week 7: Mid-Term Break
Week 8: Pressure Groups
- Definition of pressure groups
- Types of pressure groups
- Functions of pressure groups
Week 9: Pressure Groups (Cont’d)
- Tactics used by pressure groups
- Differences between pressure groups and political parties
- Role of pressure groups in governance
Week 10: Public Opinion Continues
Definition of public opinion
Formation of public opinion
Influence of public opinion on governance
Week 11: Revision
Week 12: Examination
Week 13: Closing
SSS 1 GOVERNMENT Recommended Textbook
- Government for Senior Secondary Schools by Fafowora and Osaghae
- Comprehensive Government for Senior Secondary Schools by Akinbade
RECAP
Overall, this SSS 1 Government scheme of work takes you on a structured journey through the fundamental concepts of governance and political systems.
It starts by introducing the meaning, scope, and roles of government, then progresses into core principles like the rule of law, separation of powers, and citizenship.
As the terms advance, you explore different systems of government—parliamentary, presidential, and military—while also diving deeper into constitutions and political organizations.
By the third term, you should have gained solid theoretical knowledge about how governments function and shape society.
This scheme is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of government, ensuring a thorough grasp of the subject.
DISCLAIMER: Everything on this page is based on our research of what is obtainable for schools in all the states in the country, including government and some private schools. Schemes of work normally undergo a series of reviews and some schools modify them to suit their specific needs.
While we do all our possible best to keep up with the latest and approved schemes of work in the country, check the specific template your school uses. For example, some private secondary schools integrate the British curriculum. If you teach in such schools, expect to see slight changes to what we offer on this page. If you have any questions or require personalised support, kindly feel free to contact us.