SHS3 Government · Semester 1 Week 12: Constitution and Organs of Government/State and Non-state Actors in Ghana

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.2 - Describe separation of powers, checks and balances

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define separation of powers and checks and balances in their own words and distinguish between the two concepts.
Identify the three arms of government under the 1992 Republican Constitution and state the primary function of each arm.
Describe at least three specific examples of how one arm of government checks the actions of another arm in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Analyse a real or hypothetical scenario involving a conflict between arms of government and determine which check or balance applies.
Justify why separation of powers and checks and balances are essential for safeguarding democracy and preventing the abuse of power in Ghana.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Constitution, Institutions and Administration (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Constitution and Organs of Government/State and Non-state Actors in Ghana (2.1)
Content standard: 3.2.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the 1992 Republican Constitution. 3.2.1.LO.1 Examine the significance of the Fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana and justify the existence of separation of power and checks and balances.
Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.2 - Describe separation of powers, checks and balances
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 12 (Week 12 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.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

exemplars - p.66: the document prints this indicator's assessment code as "3.2.1.AS3" - the same number it prints on the next indicator, and 3.2.1.AS.2 appears nowhere in the document. The block below is the one printed beside this indicator; its code is left as printed rather than corrected to 3.2.1.AS.2, which would be a guess
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 66

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Problem-Based Learning: Brainstorm the concept of separation of powers, checks and balances, probe for further responses to stimulate critical thinking. At the same time demonstrate qualities of justice, fairness, balance, and equality.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- The 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
- Government Curriculum
- NaCCA approved textbook on government
Assessment (3.2.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.