Federal Government Lesson Plans

Fourth graders discover government by viewing a PowerPoint presentation in class. In this Federal Government branches lesson, 4th graders watch a film and Powerpoint regarding the government and answer study questions to recall the content. Students collaborate in small groups to research one individual branch of the Federal government.

Students explain the basic positions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. They chart the differences and similarities between state and federal governments. They write a persuasive essay in response to an open-ended question.

Students become familiar with the Federalist papers and the work of the federal government.  In this federalism lesson, students find similarities and differences between state and federal government.

Students explore the structure and powers of the federal government. They assess the validity of recent criticisms of each branch of the federal government and create pyramid posters which simulate the structure of government.

Seventh graders examine how to be active participants in their local, state, or federal governments. They create a powerpoint presentation and write a letter to one of their governmental representatives about a problem and solution of their choice.

Tenth graders study the effects of the Great Depression on the role of the federal government in the American economy. They reflect on the approaches to government involvement in the economy taken by the Hoover and Roosevelt administrations.

Students investigate the use of taxes that pay for local, state, and federal government services. In this taxes and budgeting activity set, students discuss tasks that could be done to earn an allowance. They set up a budget with savings and spending accounts before researching how the government uses money from taxes to provide programs and services.

How are disasters addressed by the Federal Government? This New York Times lesson plan, based on the article "Disaster Aid: The Mix of Mercy and Politics," prompts middle schoolers to discuss the idea of using a disaster declaration as a political tool. After evaluting the claims in the article, they conduct additional research and write an essay showing their opinion about disasters and politics. Focus on finding the central idea of the text to ease comprehension.

Students, in groups, investigate the purpose and jurisdiction of government agencies assigned to regulate different science/technology/health issues, then describe situations in which agencies might have a disagreement, and stage a mock hearing.

Students research the branches of government.  In this federal court system instructional activity, students use internet research and NoteFolio technology to research the structure and purpose of the federal courts.  In groups of three, they create a record of an assigned court system and create timelines.