Curated OER
Introduction to the Constitution: The First Three Articles of the Constitution, Separation of Powers
Young scholars review the first three articles of the United States Constitution. In groups, they examine the three branches of government and their function. They follow the path of a bill until it becomes law and discuss Congress' role.
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Who Has Power?
Fourth graders discuss abuse of power in government and examine the Constitution for specific powers in each branch. They create a crossword puzzle utilizing terms and information regarding division of government powers and federalism
iCivics
Foreign Policy: War
What is the difference between foreign and domestic policy? What are the primary differences in what the United States hopes to accomplish through foreign aid, the military, and the creation of treaties? Your class members will examine...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Presidential Pardons
How do United States presidents give people second chances? Scholars research the concept of presidential forgiveness, or pardon. By completing an Executive Branch Mini-Lesson, class members get a better grasp of the power the executive...
Curated OER
The White House
Create a mini-White House in your classroom! After researching information about the Executive Branch and the duties of the president, learners construct an accurate three-dimensional replica of a portion of the United States White House.
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Presidential Succession
Who is in line for the presidency? Learners research the line of succession in the executive branch. They analyze the role the cabinet plays in a situation where the president and vice president are not able to serve. Along the way,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Creating the Office of the Presidency
The United States needed an executive power, but it wanted to avoid a monarchy. Using James Madison's notes on the Constitutional Convention, young historians look at the juggling act the Founding Fathers did to create a role for the...
Curated OER
Government Agencies
Students are taught that there is more to executive branch of the federal government than the president and cabinet. They identify in pairs the names and fucntions of different departments under the executive branch of federal...
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Branches of U.S. Government
In this branches of U.S. government activity, students answer 3 questions for each branch concerning separation of powers, then give examples from the textbook for the use of checks and balances for each branch.
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The Roles of the President
Students explore presidential duties. In this executive branch lesson, students examine myths regarding the role of the President of the United States and discuss them. Students view a PowerPoint presentation that feature the President's...
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Painting Presidential Portraits
Eleventh graders examine the duties and powers of the president. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research to find information on the role of the president. Students practice reading and listening skills.
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The Nonlegislative Powers
Eleventh graders examine the powers of Congress. For this American Government lesson, 11th graders read about Congress. Students complete a worksheet on their findings.
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War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine Constitution and what it says about war-making power, contrast roles and responsibilities of executive and legislative branches of government when it comes to making war, become familiar with important 20th and 21st...
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Government: The Power Grab
Learners are able to identify the departments and agencies within the executive branch that enforce energy policy. They are able to describe potential concerns that the executive branch must address when developing energy policy.
Curated OER
The Powers of Government: Montesquieu Student Worksheet
In this Enlightenment learning exercise, students read excerpts of The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu and then respond to 9 short answer questions.
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How Can the President Influence Legislation?
Students examine presidential powers. In this Executive Branch lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the president's influence on legislation as they view a 7-slide PowerPoint presentation.
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Eighth graders research the three branches of government and examine the effect that the separation of powers has on the presidency. They explain the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the...
Curated OER
The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game
Learners study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Eighth graders explore and explain the responsibilities and limits of our national system of government. After reading various selections documenting the viewpoints of the federalists and anti-federalists and the separation of power,...
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Checks and Balances
Students take a closer look at the responsibilities of the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students read articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Constitution and then use Venn diagrams...
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The Plan of Government under the U.S. Constitution
Students explore the U.S. plan for federal government. For this U.S. Constitution lesson, students investigate a chart on the responsibilities of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches of governments. Students complete a...
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Introduction to the Constitution (Enumerated Powers)
Students continue their examination of the United States Constitution. Using the text, they discover where the power for the government came from and why it was needed. They are introduced to the concept of Federalism and discuss the...
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Asking and Answering Questions Using the Balance of Powers
Learners complete a diagram showing the relationship between the executive, legislative and judical brances of the government. They form sentences using the question words. They restate who and what questions as well.
Curated OER
When Property Rights and the Public Good Clash
Students analyze a case involving a government's use of eminent
domain powers to construct a comprehension of property rights and how they might be viewed as essential protections for citizens in a constitutional democracy. They Use the...