SHS1 Government · Semester 2 Week 7: State and Non-state Actors in Ghana

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Explain how public opinion influences public policy decisions.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define public opinion and public policy in their own words, using at least one Ghanaian example for each.
Identify at least four channels through which public opinion is expressed in Ghana (for example, radio phone-in programmes, demonstrations, social media, petitions to Parliament).
Explain, with at least two concrete examples, how public opinion has shaped a specific public policy decision in Ghana.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of public opinion as a driver of public policy, justifying their position with reasoned arguments.
Work collaboratively in mixed-ability groups to analyse a current policy issue and propose how public opinion could influence its outcome.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Constitution, Institutions and Administration (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: State and Non-state Actors in Ghana (2.2)
Content standard: 1.2.2.CS.1 - Exhibit knowledge and understanding of State- Society Relations in Ghana 1.2.2.LO.1 Use information in the environment to analyse how public opinion, the mass media and political parties shape national discourse.
Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Explain how public opinion influences public policy decisions.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 7 (Week 27 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. 35

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning: In gender based and mixed-ability groups, examine the influence of public opinion on public policy decision-making, while imparting the values of teamwork, justice, cooperation and responsibility. Further examine how groups (women, persons with special needs, youth, children etc.) have voice and can express their opinion and influence public policy.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Newspapers
- Podcasts
- Website of reputable media houses and civil society.
- Party constitutions, manifestoes, logos, symbols/paraphernalia etc.
Assessment (1.2.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.