US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
Students will visualize how the Constitution organized our 3 branches of government and the role each plays in our government. This infographic breaks down the powers of each branch and shows how they perform checks on the other...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
Ben's Guide is a fun way to present US laws to students grades K-12. This site presents a brief history of the branches of Government. Links to related sites are available.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (3 5)
Describes the job and duties of the President of the United States as head of the executive branch. Also discusses how the President is elected and the length of terms of office.
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).
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Branches of Government
Beginning page of a Learning Adventure examines what parts of the Constitution give the branches of the Federal Government their specific powers. Those three parts are Article I, Article II, and Article III.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branch O Mania
Learn about the duties of each branch of government with this learning game. Help Ben Franklin catch the items that are unique jobs for each particular branch of government. Level up with your knowledge!
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Supreme Court
This site has a simple explanation of the Supreme Court for kid's to read. You can also access the Official Supreme Court Web site from here.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Government Buildings: The Supreme Court
Offers a brief history and detailed description of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President's Cabinet
This is a fun way to teach elementary students about the Presidential Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, 14 secretaries from executive departments and the Attorney General of the United States. Learn about this group's role in...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: What Is a Law?
Find out what a law is and who makes them. Learn the step by step process of how laws are made on the national level.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Senate
Information about the qualifications and duties of the United States Senate.
Other
Usa Gov: Three Branches of Government
Lesson plans for students to learn about the three branches of government. They can find information about the origins of the Constitution, separation of powers, and details about each of the three branches.
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...
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.
iCivics
I Civics: Separation of Powers: What's for Lunch?
Students find out how the three branches of government interact with each other and how decisions about laws are made by several parts of the U.S. government.
iCivics
I Civics: The Constitutional Convention Mini Lesson
Students explore how the U.S. government was created in the years following the Articles of Confederation.
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...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids
Take a tour of the federal government with Uncle Sam and learn the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches of government, and elections. Along the way learn how laws are made, about the Bill of...
Read Works
Read Works: Branching Out
[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.
US National Archives
National Archives: The Constitution in Action: Article Ii
This activity can be used during a unit on the U.S. Constitution. Young scholars will analyze the Senate Journal of the First Congress and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article II of the Constitution in...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Tough Issues
Read about the change of plans when delegates to the Philadelphia convention decided to write a new constitution to replace the Articles of Convention. See the ideas delegates had to address concerns of large and small states.
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.
iCivics
I Civics: Curriculum Units
A large collection of Social Studies units, WebQuests, and games that focuses on teaching students how government works and the importance of being responsible, informed American citizens. Units are linked to state standards. A teacher...