Branches of Government

Contributor: Victoria Surface. Resource ID: 10023

You will explore what the Founding Fathers had in mind for the national government. Through online research and suggested
literature, you will learn about the three branches of government.

CATEGORIES SUBJECT
United States Social Studies
LEARNING STYLE PERSONALITY STYLE

Visual Lion
GRADE LEVEL RESOURCE TYPE

Intermediate (3-5) Skill Sharpener

Get It!
Did you know that the United States Constitution includes 4,400 words?

It is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major government in the world.

Did you know that Pennsylvania is misspelled on the Constitution next to the signatures ?

Yes, it's spelled Pensylvania. But even with the misspelling, the Founding Fathers were very forward-thinking.

The Constitution is a set of principles that tells how the nation is governed.

It outlines the guidelines for a strong and fair national government. To prevent the government from abusing its power, the
Constitution sets up three branches of government:
The three branches of government were established in the United States Constitution to divide the power of government among the
executive, judicial, and legislative branches.

What are the constitutional powers of the three branches of government?

Who heads each branch of government?
What are checks and balances?

Download and print the Graphic Organizer - KWL Chart from Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar. Write down what
you already KNOW about the branches of government and what you WANT to know. Then, explore the resources listed below to learn
more about the three branches of government. Complete the KWL chart by filling in what you LEARNED. 

The Three Branches of Government, found at Fact Monster

Branches of Government, found at USA.gov

As you move on to the Got It? section, keep the KWL chart handy. The interactive USA Government: Branches of Government game
may present new information for you to record.

Got It?
In the Get It! section, you learned about the three different branches of the United States government. Each branch has its own
special purpose and has equal power with every other branch.

Now, without looking back, let's see how much you remember about each branch of government!
Nice work!

Now, check out this video, BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT by songsofherlrng and add any new information to your KWL organizer.

When you are ready, the Go! section to take this information to a new level.

Go!
This lesson has introduced you to the structure of the government in the United States of America.

Explore one or both of the activities included in this section to confirm and increase your understanding of the branches of
government.

Prompt a discussion with your instructor, family member, or friend to examine whether the Founding Fathers set up a good
system for a fair and strong national government. Include as part of this discussing how the three branches of government work
together, and how one branch is not more powerful than another.
 Create a poster illustrating how the three branches of government work together, and how one branch is not more powerful than
another. Include an analysis of why the Founding Fathers chose this system.

As you continue to learn more about the governing body of the United States of America, consider how the decisions made impact
your daily life. How can you be an active citizen in this governing body?