3 Branches of Government
Activity #1 Background Knowledge and Key Vocabulary
With your class, review the key vocabulary and work together to answer the following question, "What are the specific roles of the Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches of the government?"
Activity #2 Deepening Understanding
With a partner, explore the links below to learn more about the 3 Branches of Government and how they work to check and balance each other.
Branches-of-Government.pdf Download Branches-of-Government.pdf
Complete this quiz to see how much you remember from your reading.
Activity #3 Application
Divide students into three groups. Each group will represent one of the three branches of government.
Each worksheet below includes a summary of the branch’s powers, a list of how it can check other branches’ powers, and a specific role-playing scenario with directions. Give each group one of the sheets.
The goal of this application activity is to be able to explain how the branch they represent would accomplish their goals with the powers they possess and then also the possible responses each would have to the actions taken by the other branches in each of their scenarios.
Provide each group with 10-15 minutes to read the worksheet and prepare the role- playing scenario. Students will need to familiarize themselves with their branch’s goal and brainstorm actions that they can take to accomplish this goal.
After students have prepared their scenarios, bring the three groups together for the role-playing exercise. Begin by having members of the executive branch present their scenario, including their goal and the actions they plan to take in order to accomplish this goal. Repeat this step for the legislative and judicial groups.
Provide the groups with 15-20 minutes to brainstorm how they would prevent the other two branches of government from accomplishing their goals through checking their powers. Ask each group to write down at least three specific actions it would take.
Bring the three groups together again. Begin by having members of the executive branch present the ways in which they would attempt to prevent the legislative and judicial branches from accomplishing their goals. Repeat this step for the legislative and judicial groups.
Conclude the exercise by leading a brief discussion about how the separation of powers and system of checks and balances makes it difficult for a single branch of government to abuse its power.
You Be the Congress.pdf Download You Be the Congress.pdf
You Be the President.pdf Download You Be the President.pdf
You Be the Supreme Court.pdf Download You Be the Supreme Court.pdf
Activity #4 Enduring Understanding
Watch the short video of Yertle the Turtle. Use the discussion below to discuss with your class how a system of Checks and Balances would help the people of Salamasod.