Description

In this lesson, students will compare the executive, legislative and judicial branches at all levels of government. Students will learn why powers and obligations are distributed between the levels of government.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Compare duties of, functions of, and relationships between members of legislative, executive, and judicial branches of local, state, and national government.
  • Explain how and why powers are distributed between local, state, and national governments.
  • Illustrate the law making process at each level, as well as obligations and services of each level
  • Evaluate the major changes/events that have affected the roles of local, state, and national government

Lesson Prep

PRINT
the Step by Step and Teacher's Guides for yourself.
On the Level Teacher.pdfapplication/pdf icon
PRINT
the Venn diagram transparency and "Powers" cards.
On the Level Venn Activity.pdfapplication/pdf icon
COPY
a class set of student materials. (double-sided OK)
On the Level Student.pdfapplication/pdf icon

Step by Step

DISTRIBUTE the reading to the class and the graphic organizer (OPTIONAL— graphic organizer can also be distributed after the reading has been completed).

READ through the reading pages together as a class.

CHECK for understanding before using the active participation activity (see teacher activity guide for instructions).

ASSIGN students to complete the graphic notes individually, in pairs, or as a whole class activity.

REVIEW the graphic notes together as a class. Optionally, create a transparency of the graphic organizer and allow students to approach the projector/board to fill in the graphic organizer one blank at a time.

PROJECT the Venn diagram and distribute “powers” cards to each student.

INSTRUCT students to approach the board one at a time and place the power where they think it should go. Constructively correct students, guiding them toward the correct answer. After each card is placed, take the opportunity to engage students in a very brief discussion about why each power is assigned to the federal or state government (or both!).

ASSIGN the review pages to your students and allow them to complete these pages independently or in pairs/small groups.

DISCUSS student responses to the State or Local? activity. Student responses may vary, but ask students to defend their answers. 

 

 

Recommended Sequence

Before: 
The Great State

Comments

Teacher Actions:

Sign up or Login View State Standards

Teacher Files:

There are no teacher files for this page.