Lesson on Differences Between Traditional And Constitutional Government for Primary 4

Hi, students! Welcome back to Primary 4 National Values Education. In our previous lesson, we learned about the importance of civic education. Today, we’re going to learn about the differences between Traditional and Constitutional Government.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• List 2 differences between Traditional and Constitutional Government.

Differences Between Traditional And Constitutional Government

What is government? Government is a system of rules and laws that help to organize a society. There are different types of government, and two of them are traditional government and constitutional government.

What is Traditional Government?

Traditional government is a system where power is passed down through families or based on customs and traditions. It’s often found in communities that have been around for a long time, where the way things are done is based on what has always been done.

What is Constitutional Government?

Constitutional government is a system where power is based on a written document called a constitution. The constitution outlines the rules and laws that govern the country, and it protects the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Differences Between Traditional And Constitutional Government:

Some of the main differences between traditional and constitutional government include:

1. Source of Authority:
   • Traditional Government: Authority is derived from customs, traditions, and local leaders.
   • Constitutional Government: Authority is based on laws and a written constitution.
2. Leadership Selection:
   • Traditional Government: Leaders are often hereditary or chosen based on cultural norms.
   • Constitutional Government: Leaders are elected by the people through democratic processes.
3. Flexibility of Laws:
   • Traditional Government: Laws can change based on customs and traditions, and they may vary from place to place.
   • Constitutional Government: Laws are written in a constitution and are generally consistent and less flexible.
4. Rights and Freedoms:
   • Traditional Government: Rights and freedoms may be limited, and individuals may have fewer legal protections.
   • Constitutional Government: Citizens have well-defined rights and freedoms protected by the constitution and the rule of law.

Evaluation:

Now that you’ve learned about the differences between Traditional and Constitutional Government, let’s see if you can answer these questions:

1. What is traditional government?
2. What is constitutional government?
3. Can you give an example of each?
4. Name one difference between traditional and constitutional government.
5. What is the importance of a constitution in a constitutional government?
6. Why is it important to understand the differences between traditional and constitutional government?

Conclusion

Today, we learned about the differences between traditional and constitutional government. We discussed how they differ in terms of their source of authority, leadership selection, flexibility of laws, and rights and freedoms. Remember, understanding these differences is important for being a responsible citizen. Don’t forget to check the comments section if you have any questions, and use the navigation to move to the next lesson. See you in the next lesson!