SHS1 Government · Semester 1 Week 16: Constitution and Organs of Government

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Explain the meaning, composition and types of the executive.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define the executive as the organ of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and formulating policy.
Identify and describe the composition of the executive in Ghana’s presidential system, including the President, Vice President, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
Distinguish between the three main types of executive: presidential, parliamentary (cabinet), and ceremonial (nominal) executive, with reference to examples.
Explain the structure of Ghana’s executive under the 1992 Constitution, including the head of state versus head of government roles.
Discuss gender dynamics and inclusivity in the composition of the executive, drawing on current and past appointments in Ghana.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Constitution, Institutions and Administration (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Constitution and Organs of Government (2.1)
Content standard: 1.2.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the constitution and organs of government 1.2.1.LO.1 Evaluate the meaning and types of constitution. 1.2.1.LO.2 Examine the meaning, types and structure of the organs of government.
Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Explain the meaning, composition and types of the executive
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 16 (Week 16 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 32

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for Learning: Learners think-pair and share the meaning, types and composition of the executive organ through probing questions, while demonstrating elements of equality, equity, transparency and respect. Discuss the gender dynamics in the governance structure.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
- Government Curriculum
- Pictures of the President and Ministers of state.
- Videos/Pictures/Audio depicting members of the legislature.
- Internet: website of Parliament of Ghana
- Internet: website of the Judicial Service of Ghana.
Assessment (1.2.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.