Comparative Constitutional Law I

1. Explain the concept of a constitution and its role in a state.
2. Identify and analyze the sources of constitutional law.
3. Trace the historical development of constitutionalism in Nigeria.
4. Compare and contrast different constitutional systems.
5. Evaluate the principles of federalism and separation of powers.
6. Apply constitutional principles to contemporary legal and political issues.

13 weeks, about 112 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law

   • Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law · 8 hours

     Read the introduction to Constitutional Law.. Define the term 'Constitution' and explain its significance.. Discuss the role of the Constitution in a democratic society..

2. Week 2Module 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law

   • Unit 2: Traditional Constitutional Concept and Comparison between Constitutional Law and Administrative Law · 8 hours

     Analyze the traditional constitutional concepts.. Compare and contrast Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.. Discuss the concept of 'Constitutionalism' and its importance..

3. Week 3Module 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law

   • Unit 3: Sources and Functions of a Constitution · 8 hours

     Identify the various sources of a Constitution.. Differentiate between the various approaches to Constitutional Law.. Identify the historical circumstances leading to different sources of a Constitution..

4. Week 4Module 1: Definition and Scope of Constitutional Law

   • Unit 4: Classifications/Types of Constitutions · 8 hours

     Classify the different types of constitutions.. Analyze the features of written and unwritten constitutions.. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type..

5. Week 5Module 2: Constitutional Structure and Development in Nigeria

   • Unit 1: Constitutional Structure and Development in Nigeria · 8 hours

     Understand the Constitutional development of Nigeria from pre-colonial times to the end of British rule.. Examine the impact of colonial rule on the Nigerian Constitution.. Discuss the key features of the Clifford's and Richard's Constitutions..

6. Week 6Module 2: Constitutional Structure and Development in Nigeria

   • Unit 2: Problems of Constitutional Evolution in Nigeria and the Pre-Colonial Rule · 8 hours

     Analyze the problems of constitutional evolution in Nigeria.. Examine the pre-colonial rule and its impact on constitutional development.. Discuss the challenges faced during the early stages of constitutional evolution..

7. Week 7Module 2: Constitutional Structure and Development in Nigeria

   • Unit 3: Constitutional Development in Nigeria between 1960 and 1979 · 8 hours

     Study the constitutional developments in Nigeria between 1960 and 1979.. Analyze the key events and changes during this period.. Discuss the impact of military rule on constitutional development..

8. Week 8Module 2: Constitutional Structure and Development in Nigeria

   • Unit 4: Constitutional Development in Nigeria between 1979-date · 8 hours

     Examine the constitutional developments in Nigeria from 1979 to date.. Analyze the key events and changes during this period.. Discuss the impact of democratic rule on constitutional development..

9. Week 9Module 3: Constitutional Supremacy through the Cases

   • Unit 1: Constitutional Supremacy through the Cases · 8 hours

     Analyze the concept of constitutional supremacy through case studies.. Examine landmark cases that highlight the importance of constitutional supremacy.. Discuss the role of the judiciary in upholding constitutional supremacy..

10. Week 10Module 3: Constitutional Supremacy through the Cases

    • Unit 2: Constitutional Development and Structure in France · 8 hours

      Study the constitutional development and structure in France.. Analyze the key features of the French Constitution.. Discuss the differences between the French and Nigerian constitutional systems..

11. Week 11Module 3: Constitutional Supremacy through the Cases

    • Unit 3: Constitutional Development and Structure in South Africa · 8 hours

      Study the constitutional development and structure in South Africa.. Analyze the key features of the South African Constitution.. Discuss the differences between the South African and Nigerian constitutional systems..

12. Week 12Module 3: Constitutional Supremacy through the Cases

    • Unit 4: Constitutional Development and Structure in India · 8 hours

      Study the constitutional development and structure in India.. Analyze the key features of the Indian Constitution.. Discuss the differences between the Indian and Nigerian constitutional systems..

13. Week 13Module 4: Systems of Government

    • Unit 1: Federal System of Government · 8 hours

      Compare and contrast the federal and unitary systems of government.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each system.. Discuss the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federal system..

    • Unit 3: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems · 8 hours

      Compare and contrast the presidential and parliamentary systems of government.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each system.. Discuss the reasons why Nigeria adopted a presidential system..