Activity
PBS

Reading Adventure Pack: Government

For Parents 2nd - 3rd
A reading adventure pack looks closely at government with the help of two books—one fiction, one nonfiction, and a series of activities. Learners craft a mobile to visualize a balanced government, participate in a scavenger hunt around...
Activity
iCivics

The Executive Command

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Take on the role of president of the United States with this interactive online game, which will acquaint your learners with the various responsibilities of the executive branch of government. While not an in-depth or complex resource,...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
In a fun and informative simulation, your learners will act in groups as lead chefs, menu writers, and nutrition inspectors in deciding a new school lunch menu. They will then compare and contrast their experience to the interaction...
Activity
Administrative Office of the US Courts

US v. Alvarez

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the...
Unit Plan
Federal Reserve Bank

Piggy Bank Primer: 25 Cents Worth of History

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
It's all about money. Here's a resource that introduces kids to the Federal Reserve System, different coins produced by the mints, and fun facts about state coins.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: The Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended for early elementary students, ReadWorks provides an information text about the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Activity
iCivics

I Civics: Three Branches: Laws in Action

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
Embark on his WebQuest to follow the path an idea takes to eventually become a law. Read a short description regarding the role of each branch of government and then answer a follow-up question using the link provided.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: American Government the Branches of Government

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the three branches of government in the United States. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Branching Out

For Students 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Constitution Week and the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Branching Out

For Teachers 4th
[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.
Activity
Schools of California Online Resources for Education

Score: The u.s. Constitution Power Grab Game

For Students 9th - 10th
Politicians like power, but who actually gets to use their powers in different situations? Take this quiz to sort out the checks and balances that are used on the various power plays.