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SubjectFree lesson

Federalism I

ClassNotes Team 2 MIN READUPDATED 5 JUL 2026

Civic Education SS1 Second Term

Week 5

Federalism

Performance objectives

The student should be able to:

1. Meaning/definition of federalism

2. Federal, state and local government

3. Characteristics, functions, structures.

Content

Definition of federalism

Federalism is the belief and support for the federal system of government. A federal system of government is a political system in which power is shared between the central and regional government.

State government and its structure

The state government is the second tier of government in the federal system. The head of the state government is the Governor. There are thirty-six states currently recognized and operating in Nigeria. The legislative arm of the state government is called the state house of Assembly. The characteristic of a state includes; Government, Territory, Population, Sovereignty, Permanence

Its function is, to manages the affairs of the state.

Local government and its structure

This is the grassroots level where the majority of the people live, the local government is the closest government to the people. The essence of its creation is to involve local participation in the affairs of the country.

Functions of the local government include; provision of health centres, the naming of streets, road maintenance, establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial ground and homes for the destitute etc.the head of the local government is the chairman and he supervises the activities of the local government and presides over all meetings in the council.