Other
Canada Info: Structure of Canadian Federal Government Chart
The structure of the 3 levels of the Canadian Federal Government is clearly shown on this graphic chart. Useful for anyone researching the Canadian government.
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: Government of North America
Reference material for elementary students who are learning about U.S. Government provides an overview of the three branches of government outlined in the U.S. Constitution and a glimpse into the political party system.
Read Works
Read Works: Branching Out
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about three branches of government and their system of checks and balances. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Other
A Republic, if You Can Keep It
An essay by U.S. Congressional Representative Ron Paul of Texas on the state of the American republic delivered at the dawn of the twenty-first century. He argues for the strong separation of powers among the three branches of government...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Constitutional Convention
Travel back to 1787 and become a delegate to the convention in Philadelphia. As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states' conflicting...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Virginia Plan (1787)
Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.
Geographic
Mexico Government Index
This homepage provides links to a wide variety of information concerning Mexico's government, including constitutional history, the three branches of the government, the party system, the electoral process, and more.
Quia
Quia: The 3 Branches of Government
Complete the paragraph by filling in the missing terms. Collect coins by completing each exercise correctly.
The White House
The White House: State & Local Government
Explains how the three branches of state governments work and the different levels and responsibilities of local governments.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Is Power Divided in the United States Government?
Video accompanied by questions for students that looks at how the concept of separation of powers embedded in the Constitution is applied in the United States government. [3:50]
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Other
Texas Transparency: Texas State Government at a Glance
A quick, organized look at the history and organizational structure of the three branches of Texas state government.
Ohio Test Prep
Ohio Test Prep: Module 4: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government
Ohio test preparation module on the structure and functions of the Federal Government with video tutorial, review game and assessment.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Branches of Us Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explains the 3 branches of US government-- Executive, Judicial and Legislative-- and includes some questions for assessment.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Vocabulary
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews important vocabulary regarding the three branches of the United States government.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: United States Government for Kids
Study the United States Government on this webpage. Learn about the balance of powers, the three branches, and the Constitution.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress: Foundational
This resource from Khan Academy provides foundational-level practice questions over the structures, powers, and functions of Congress. These practice questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American...
iCivics
I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]
Students learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson plan. Requires Adobe Reader.
Other
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: Government
The Choctaw Nation's governing structure is set forth in its revised 1984 constitution. Like the U.S. government, there are three branches, executive, legislative and judicial. Read about how the tribal government of this Choctaw Nation...
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Checks and Balances in Action
In this activity, young scholars will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the...
iCivics
I Civics: Constitution Day Lesson Plan
This interactive lesson gives students a quick snapshot of the Constitution, including the purpose of each article, the powers of the three branches, how a bill becomes a law, and the concepts of separation of powers and checks and...
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Introduction to u.s. Government
Explore the ideas and principles of American government including its influences, foundation, and basic tenets (such as checks and balances and federalism).