Structure and Powers of the National Government: Three Branches of Government (Remix)

Created Jan. 24, 2024 by Charles Baumgardner

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify the roles fo the three branches of government.
  • Compare the three branches of government and explain how each branch depends on the other when making laws.

Essential Question

What powers should the national government have? 

Procedure:

1. Introduction

There are three different branches of government in the United States. Each branch serves a separate purpose, but all are united in working towards the common good. An easy way to remember these three separate branches with one common purpose is to think about a tree. Use this graphic organizer.

2. Explore

Read or watch the following resources to learn about this concept, then do the practice activity.

 Read  Watch  Do
 Read the pages on this website titled “What are the Branches of Government”, “The Legislative Branch”, “The Executive Branch” and “The Judicial Branch.” Add information about each branch to your government tree as you read.  Watch this video and take notes on the three branches of government using your interactive notebook.  Sort the responsibilities of the three branches of government into their proper place by playing this game.


3. Explain

Discuss your ideas, opinions, and understandings about what you have explored to another member of your class. Compare and contrast the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government.  What do they have in common? What differences exist?

4. Assess

Now it is time to assess what you have learned about this topic.  If you do not know as much as you thought, go back to the “Explore” section of this lesson and reread, rewatch, or redo the activities.   Click here to take an online quiz when you think you are ready.  You do not have to sign in to take the quiz.

5. Expand

Driving Question: Is it necessary that our government be split into three separate branches?  Why or why not?  

Directions: Use the roles of each branch of government to defend your answer.  You may choose a format below to present your answer to this question.  

Types of Activities:

  • Write an essay
  • Make a video
  • Create a screencast
  • Make a poster
  • Write a blog post

Revision and Adaptation. Authored by: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains. Title of Work: Three Branches of Government  License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0    Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0  

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