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Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Signing the Constitution Ratifying the Constitution Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

  

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Books & Reading

Books & Reading

Our government has three branches. Imagine a triangle. At the top is the Executive Branch. The two bottom corners are the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch – also called Congress. Each part of the government is connected to the other. Each has its own responsibilities and powers. A system of checks and balances prevents one branch from gaining too much power. So how does this all work?

How have the three branches of government changed over time and what are their present day challenges?


The Duties of the Three Branches of Government


 

Ratifying the Constitution Signing the Constitution Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

 
The Three Branches of Government

3 Branches of Our Government
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/teacher_lessons/
3branches/1.htm
Read 3 Branches of Our Government. Print off the accompanying worksheet and fill in the blanks as individuals or partners. Discuss the main points and check the worksheets and correct them. Keep these for review.

3 Branches of Our Government
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/teacher_lessons/
3branches/2.htm
Printable worksheet. Fill in the blanks in the sentences.

3 Branches of Government Game
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/teacher_lessons/
3branches/3bgovt.htm
Interactive Teaching Unit

Branches of Government
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/threebranches/
branchesofgovernment.htm
Print the multiple-choice quiz and choose the best answer.

Government Branches
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/threebranches/
governmentbranches.htm
Print the multiple-choice quiz. Read the questions carefully and choose the best answer.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
http://www.education-world.com/a_tsl/archives/00-1/lesson0014.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Recognize the importance of understanding how the separate powers of the three branches of government work together, in a checks and balances system, to form a single unit of government.

Three Branches of Government
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/threebranches/
branchesofgovernment2.htm
Print the question and answer quiz. Use your social studies book to help you answer each of the questions.

The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game
http://rims.k12.ca.us/power_grab_game/
This activity will increase your knowledge of the Constitution and it's fundamental ideas: checks and balances, separation of powers, Bill of Rights and amendments. When finished you will be able to: identify the three branches of American government, describe the function of each branch of government, explain how the "checks and balances" system functions to protect the individual citizen from illegal power hungary politicians, describe how each branch of government is "separate" in its powers to the other branches of government, and explain how the amendments to the Constitution function today.

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Most of the time the House and the Senate each meet in their own chamber in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. However, every once in a while, they must meet together (joint session). For example, a joint session is needed to count the electoral votes in presidential elections. Joint sessions are held in the House chamber.

Surf with Uncle Sam
Surf with Uncle Sam

Word Spy
Word Spy

Projects You Can Do

This is a social studies/technology project that requires you to research the major responsibilities of each of the three branches of the US government.

After learning about the three branches of government, use inspiration to demonstrate your knowledge and create an informational Web site.

You will need to include and show separation of the three branches of government. You need to include the leaders, responsibilities, and the checks and balances between the branches. It is also suggested that you color code or somehow designate a difference between the branches so your Web site is easy to read.

 

Awards

 

The Dirksen Congressional CenterCopyright 2008