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PUL243Law4 Unitsintermediate

Constitutional Law I

This course provides an overview of Constitutional Law I, exploring its definition, scope, and traditional concepts. It examines the sources of constitutions, federalism, separation of powers, and the rule of law. The course also covers the classification of constitutions, systems of government, and constitutional supremacy. Furthermore, it delves into the constitutional development of Nigeria from pre-colonial times to the present, offering a comprehensive understanding of constitutional principles and their application in the Nigerian context.

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40h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Constitutional LawFederalismSeparation of PowersRule of LawNigerian Constitution

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law

2

Sources of a Constitution

3

Federalism

4

Separation of Powers

5

Rule of Law

6

Classification of Constitutions

7

Systems of Government

8

Constitutional Supremacy

9

Parliamentary Supremacy

10

Constitutional Development of Nigeria

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Legal Practitioner

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Policy Analyst

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Governance Expert

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Civil Servant

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Political Advisor

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentLawPoliticsPublic AdministrationCivil Service

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction

5h

Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law and Traditional Constitutional Concept

3 study hours

•Read the introduction to understand the importance of constitutional law.
•Define 'Constitution' and explain its role in society.
•Discuss the scope of constitutional law and its relevance to other areas of law.
•Explain the traditional constitutional concept of limited government.

Unit 2: Sources of a Constitution

2 study hours

•Identify the various sources of a constitution, including historical documents, statutes, and judicial precedents.
•Differentiate between various approaches to constitutional making.
•Analyze the historical circumstances leading to different sources of a constitution.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Federalism

3 study hours

•Define federalism and discuss its legal underpinnings.
•Examine different constitutional forms of federalism.
•Analyze the basis and justification of federalism in diverse nations.

Week

3

Module 2: Core Principles

3h

Unit 1: Separation of Powers

3 study hours

•Define the concept of separation of powers and its purpose.
•Discuss the application of separation of powers under military rule.
•Compare the application of separation of powers under civil rule.

Week

4

Module 2: Core Principles

3h

Unit 2: The Rule of Law

3 study hours

•Explain the historical evolution of the rule of law concept.
•Define the rule of law and its key components.
•Discuss the requirements for the validity of the rule of law.

Week

5

Module 2: Core Principles

3h

Unit 3: Classification of Constitutions

3 study hours

•Define 'Constitution' and explain its nature, functions, and origin.
•Differentiate between unwritten and written constitutions.
•Compare rigid and flexible constitutions.

Week

6

Module 2: Core Principles

3h

Unit 4: Systems of Government

3 study hours

•Explain the federal and unitary systems of government.
•Compare the presidential and parliamentary systems of government.
•Analyze the characteristics of each system.

Week

7

Module 3: Constitutionalism

3h

Unit 1: Constitutional Supremacy

3 study hours

•Discuss the constitutional supremacy in the Independence Constitution of 1960.
•Analyze the constitutional supremacy in the Republican Constitution of 1963.
•Examine the constitutional supremacy under military dictatorship.

Week

8

Module 3: Constitutionalism

3h

Unit 2: Parliamentary Supremacy

3 study hours

•Define key terms: the constitution, unwritten and written constitutions.
•Discuss sovereignty or supremacy in pre-modern Nigeria.
•Examine the parliamentary supremacy.

Week

9

Module 4: Nigerian Constitutional History

3h

Unit 1: Constitutional Development of Nigeria: (Pre-colonial Nigeria to British Rule)

3 study hours

•Explore the historical background of Nigeria and its pre-colonial era.
•Discuss the constitutional development between 1900-1919.
•Examine the Clifford's Constitution.

Week

10

Module 4: Nigerian Constitutional History

3h

Unit 1: Constitutional Development of Nigeria: (Pre-colonial Nigeria to British Rule)

3 study hours

•Examine the Richard's Constitution.
•Discuss the constitutional development between 1951-1956.
•Analyze the MaCpherson's and Lyttleton's Constitutions.

Week

11

Module 4: Nigerian Constitutional History

3h

Unit 2: Constitutional Development of Nigeria; 1960-1979

3 study hours

•Discuss the 1957 and 1958 Constitutional Conferences.
•Analyze the constitutional development between 1960-1979.
•Examine the Independence and Republican Constitutions.

Week

12

Module 4: Nigerian Constitutional History

3h

Unit 3: Constitutional Development in Nigeria 1979 to Date

3 study hours

•Discuss the 1979 Constitution and its key features.
•Examine the 1989 Constitution and its impact.
•Analyze the 1995 Draft Constitution and its significance.

Week

13

Module 4: Nigerian Constitutional History

3h

Unit 3: Constitutional Development in Nigeria 1979 to Date

3 study hours

•Discuss the 1999 Constitution and its key provisions.
•Compare and contrast the various constitutions from 1979 to 1999.
•Reflect on the overall constitutional development in Nigeria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed outlines for each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.

2

Develop comparative charts for different types of constitutions and systems of government.

3

Practice essay questions on the separation of powers and the rule of law.

4

Review landmark cases related to constitutional development in Nigeria.

5

Form study groups to discuss and debate complex constitutional issues.

6

Focus on understanding the evolution and impact of each constitution on Nigerian governance.

7

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

8

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

9

Review all TMAs

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