Intern Name: Hunter Waltz

Lesson Title (Subject/Topic): Civics - Federalism / Separation of powers

Grade: 8
Length of Lesson: 15 minutes
Date Taught: 4/19
LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE
In this lesson…
Students will learn about the difference between separation of power and
Overview federalism. Students will answer a series of questions and then review key
differences between the two concepts. They will then compete in a two person
activity to test their knowledge of the material.
CE.6a.a
Standards of CE.6a.b
Learning CE.6a.c
What relationship do the federal government and state governments have?
Essential Questions What system does our government use to prevent abusing power?

Students will be able to…

Define feminism
Objectives Explain the relationship between the branches of government

I can define federalism

Learning Target I can explain the relationship between the branches of government.
I can Identify where federalism and separation of power interact
Students must understand the three branches of government and how they
Necessary Prior function
Knowledge Students must understand the purpose of each branch of government.
join.PD slideshow
Materials Pre cut question cards
Ask class to list the three branches of government
Ask class to give the functions and purpose of branches of government
Ask class if the President, congress, and the supreme court run the whole
Introduction/Hook country and dive into levels of government

1. Students will list branches of government

2. Students will list the purpose of each branch
3. Students will be given vocab and will take notes
Instructional 4. Students will be actively listen as we discuss federalism and the different
branches at state and local levels
Activities & 5. Students will split into groups of three
Strategies 6. Students will play a fast check game to test their knowledge of
federalism and separation of powers
7. One person has the question cards while the other two people are
playing.
Adapted from the Teacher Cadet Curriculum, Property of CERRA—South Carolina © 2004, and/or the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow Curriculum
John M. Merritt, English Teacher at Kellam High School (Virginia Beach City Public Schools)
 a. Person one flips the card and out of the two players, who ever
smacks the table as if they were hitting a buzzer gets to answer
first.
b. Once one player gets to three, the winner becomes the person
flipping the cards and will quiz the other two students.
Federalism - A type of government in which the power is divided between the
Key Vocabulary or national government and other governmental units.
Concepts Legislative - having the power to make laws.
Unitary - forming a single or uniform entity.
Assessments No assessments are attached to this lesson
Pre cut Question cards that range from listing the three branches, list the local
Closure Activity government's legislative branch, or list a check the judicial branch has over the
executive branch.
Accommodations None need to be made for this specific class/activity.

Adapted from the Teacher Cadet Curriculum, Property of CERRA—South Carolina © 2004, and/or the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow Curriculum
John M. Merritt, English Teacher at Kellam High School (Virginia Beach City Public Schools)