Activity Overview
There are three parts to the federal government, which is a constitutional monarchy. It consists of an executive branch, a legislative branch (known as Parliament), and a judicial branch. The executive branch makes the decisions and implements the laws, and consists of the Monarch, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. The legislative branch makes the laws, and consists of the Monarch, the Senate, and The House of Commons. Finally, the judicial branch handles interpreting the laws. For this activity, students will create a chart that describes and illustrates the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a chart that depicts the 3 branches of the federal government.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start assignment”.
- Write the branch names in the headings.
- In the cells under each heading, illustrate and describe the different sections and responsibilities that each branch has.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The descriptions are detailed and accurately describe the branches of government, clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The descriptions are somewhat detailed and describe the branches of government. | The descriptions are incomplete or unclear. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are three parts to the federal government, which is a constitutional monarchy. It consists of an executive branch, a legislative branch (known as Parliament), and a judicial branch. The executive branch makes the decisions and implements the laws, and consists of the Monarch, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. The legislative branch makes the laws, and consists of the Monarch, the Senate, and The House of Commons. Finally, the judicial branch handles interpreting the laws. For this activity, students will create a chart that describes and illustrates the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a chart that depicts the 3 branches of the federal government.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start assignment”.
- Write the branch names in the headings.
- In the cells under each heading, illustrate and describe the different sections and responsibilities that each branch has.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The descriptions are detailed and accurately describe the branches of government, clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The descriptions are somewhat detailed and describe the branches of government. | The descriptions are incomplete or unclear. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Branches of the Canadian Federal Government
How to Connect the Branches of Government to Real-World Scenarios
Help students see the relevance of government by relating each branch's roles to news stories, school rules, or community decisions. This makes abstract concepts concrete and sparks thoughtful classroom discussions.
Choose a current event or issue relevant to your students
Pick an example like a recent school policy change, environmental issue, or news headline. Connecting lessons to real life increases student interest and understanding.
Guide students to identify which branch is involved in the scenario
Ask students to decide if the executive, legislative, or judicial branch would act in the chosen situation. Encourage group discussion to deepen critical thinking.
Have students explain the branch’s action or decision
Let students describe how that branch would respond—make a law, enforce a rule, or interpret a decision. Use drawings or role-play for added engagement.
Discuss how the branches might work together
Facilitate a conversation about how two or more branches could be involved in resolving the issue. This shows checks and balances and the collaborative nature of government.
Frequently Asked Questions about Branches of the Canadian Federal Government
What are the three branches of the Canadian federal government?
The three branches of the Canadian federal government are the executive branch (Monarch, Prime Minister, Cabinet), the legislative branch (Monarch, Senate, House of Commons), and the judicial branch (courts). Each branch has its own roles and responsibilities.
How do the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Canada differ?
The executive branch makes decisions and implements laws, the legislative branch creates laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws. Each branch serves a unique function in Canada's government system.
What is an easy activity to help students learn about Canada's government branches?
A simple activity is to have students create a chart with headings for each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—then describe and illustrate each one's roles and responsibilities. This visual approach helps students understand government structure.
Who is included in the executive branch of Canada?
The executive branch includes the Monarch, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet. They are responsible for making decisions and carrying out the laws in Canada.
What is the role of Parliament in the Canadian government?
Parliament is part of the legislative branch and consists of the Monarch, Senate, and House of Commons. Its main role is to make laws for Canada.
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