Activity Overview
Students can think of the structure of the United States government like a three-legged stool. Each leg supports the government as a whole. Without one of the legs, the stool would tip over! The Three Branches of the U.S. Government (or legs of the stool) are the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. In this worksheet, students will identify the responsibilities, members, and powers of each branch.
Clicking "Use This Assignment" will copy the worksheet into your teacher account. While you can choose to assign this to students on Storyboard That, the worksheet is also made to be printed out! Feel free to edit any of it as desired to ask additional questions or provide different instructions. Once you've finished, save and print!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Complete the legs of the stool by filling in each branch's main responsibility, members, and key powers.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Students can think of the structure of the United States government like a three-legged stool. Each leg supports the government as a whole. Without one of the legs, the stool would tip over! The Three Branches of the U.S. Government (or legs of the stool) are the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. In this worksheet, students will identify the responsibilities, members, and powers of each branch.
Clicking "Use This Assignment" will copy the worksheet into your teacher account. While you can choose to assign this to students on Storyboard That, the worksheet is also made to be printed out! Feel free to edit any of it as desired to ask additional questions or provide different instructions. Once you've finished, save and print!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Complete the legs of the stool by filling in each branch's main responsibility, members, and key powers.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about U.S. Branches of Government
Organize a classroom role-play to demonstrate the three branches of government
Assign students to act as members of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. This interactive method helps students experience how each branch functions and interacts with the others.
Prepare simple scripts for each branch's responsibilities
Write clear, age-appropriate scripts that outline what each branch does. This keeps students focused and ensures that key concepts are covered during the activity.
Guide students to create props or signs for their roles
Encourage creativity by having students design badges, signs, or simple props representing their branch. This makes the simulation memorable and visually engaging.
Facilitate the role-play and prompt interactions between branches
Lead the activity by introducing scenarios where branches must interact (e.g., passing a law). This reinforces the concept of checks and balances and helps students see the branches in action.
Debrief and reflect on what students learned
Hold a class discussion to share experiences and clarify misunderstandings. This reflection helps students internalize the importance of each branch and how they work together.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Branches of Government
What are the three branches of the U.S. government and their main responsibilities?
The three branches of the U.S. government are the Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws). Each branch has unique powers and members to ensure a balance of power.
How can I teach students about the branches of government using a worksheet?
Use an interactive worksheet where students fill in the responsibilities, members, and key powers of each branch. Visual aids like the three-legged stool analogy help students understand how each branch supports the government.
What is the purpose of the three-legged stool analogy for the U.S. government?
The three-legged stool analogy helps students visualize how the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches work together. If one branch is missing, the government loses balance, just like a stool would tip over.
Can I print or edit the branches of government worksheet for my class?
Yes, you can print and edit the worksheet to fit your lesson needs. Personalize the questions, add instructions, or adapt for different grade levels before sharing with students.
Why is it important for students to learn about the separation of powers?
Understanding the separation of powers helps students see how checks and balances prevent any one branch from gaining too much control, which is vital for democracy and good citizenship.
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