Subject Matter: Branches of Government
Grade
Level: 3rd Grade
Social Studies
Lesson Objective:
Learners will
demonstrate knowledge of the three branches of the United States Government and the roles/responsibilities of each.
Students will use websites provided to guide them through learning about each of the three branches of government. The information they find will allow them to answer the questions at hand, as well as better understand each branch.
Subject Matter Content Standard: 3.4 Students
understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives and the basic structure of
the U.S. government. 4. Understand the three branches of government, with an emphasis on
local government.
(California - http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp).
Use the following web sources to guide you through the Scavenger Hunt:
1. http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110221/
This site has information about the U.S. Government, including each of the
three branches of government. Within each branch, are links to more information
about that particular branch. For example, under the Executive Branch, are
facts about the President, Vice President, etc.
2. http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_threebranches.htm
This site has more information about the three branches of government, as well
as sections called Did You Know and Things to Think About to expand students’
minds on the subject.
3. http://www.usconsulate.org.hk/pas/kids/branches.htm
Along with information about the three branches of government, this site also
has links for information about Lawmaking, the Election Process, etc.
Essential Question:
1. What do you think would happen if we didn’t have the
three branches of government in place to make the laws and keep the peace? What
would it be like to live in America?
Questions:
2. In your own words, explain the responsibilities of the Executive
Branch.
3. Which branch includes the Senate and House of
Representatives?
4.What is at the head of the Judicial Branch?
5. Who would take over if something were to happen to the
President?
6. Explain how the Constitution is still important to our
government and its lawmaking abilities.
7. If you could pick any of the three branches of government
to be a part of, which would you choose? Why?
8. Who can make a law?
9. Where are joint sessions held?
10. Name a few of the powers of the National Government and
the State Government.
