The U.S. Government

Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The U.S. Government
Students identify the buildings that house the three branches of the U.S. government. Then they explore the three branches and their powers. Next they learn about checks and balances and create a chart. Finally, they put the system of separation of power and checks and balances into a historical context by answering a question about the goal of the framers of the Constitution.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for The U.S. Government:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students identify the buildings that house the three branches of the U.S. government. Then they explore the three branches and their powers. Next they learn about checks and balances and create a chart. Finally, they put the system of separation of power and checks and balances into a historical context by answering a question about the goal of the framers of the Constitution.

Note: Government at the state and local levels are covered in the unit American Identity, the experience “Your State and Local Communities.”

Estimated duration: 30–40 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • safeguard
  • interpret
  • preside
  • veto
  • unconstitutional
  • nomination
  • impeach

Objectives

  • Describe the structure of the federal government.
  • Explain the safeguards built into the Constitution and why they are important to democracy.


Engage


The U.S. Constitution sets the framework for the national government. It divides the power into three separate branches: legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch. In this experience you will learn what each of these branches does. You will also learn how the Constitution guarantees democracy in the United States.

Objectives
  • Describe the structure of the federal government.
  • Explain the safeguards built into the Constitution and why they are important to democracy.



Ask students: Have you ever visited any of these buildings? If so, give them an opportunity to describe the experience. You can provide additional information:

  • The buildings are all located in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
  • The White House is where the President lives and works.
  • The U.S. Capitol is where Congress meets to discuss and pass laws.
  • The Supreme Court is where the Supreme Court Justices hear legal cases and make decisions.
Students will learn about each of the branches in the coming scene, so you do not need to correct misconceptions.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Constitution and Government Unit.
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The U.S. Government
The U.S. Government
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government Constitution and Government: Vocabulary
Constitution and Government: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The Cornerstone of U.S. Democracy: The U.S. Constitution
The Cornerstone of U.S. Democracy: The U.S. Constitution
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The Writing of the U.S. Constitution
The Writing of the U.S. Constitution
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The New Republic
The New Republic
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