Branches of Government Jessica Marrow

Content Area: Social Studies Grade Level: 4th Summary: The purpose of this instructional PowerPoint is for students to gain an understanding of the three branches of government to build a solid foundation for future applications. Learning Objective: Given facts and interactive activities pertaining to the branches of government, students will identify the roles and functions of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches with 100% accuracy. Content Standard: 4.0: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world. Accomplishment:4.4.02e. Identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of state government. State Performance Indicator (SPI): 4.4.spi.1. Identify the 3 branches of federal and state governments.

Videos Watch this BrainPOP about the three branches of government. http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/branchesofgovernment/ You will need to take notes during the video. After the video you will participate in a Think-Pair-Share activity. THINK about the roles of each branch while taking notes PAIR with a partner and collaborate SHARE your thoughts with the class Be prepared to share your conclusions with the class.

The Executive Branch Approves Bills Vetoes Directs Military Makes Foreign Policy Enforces Laws President Vice Cabinet Appoints Federal Judges Elected Every 4 Years Examine the following website to determine the roles of the Executive Branch and who makes up this branch. http://www.congressforkids.net/Executivebranch_president.htm Discuss the individuals or groups that make up this branch. Discuss the roles of this branch. Discuss facts about this branch.

The Legislative Branch Congress Senate 100 Members Creates Bills Overturns Vetoes Impeach President Declares War Has “Power of the Purse” Approve Presidential Appointments House of Representatives 435 Members Reject Examine the following website to determine the roles of the Legislative Branch and who makes up this branch. http://www.congressforkids.net/Legislativebranch_index.htm Discuss the individuals or groups that make up this branch. Discuss the roles of this branch. Discuss facts about this branch.

The Judicial Branch Supreme Court Eight Associate Justices Chief Justice Settles Cases Between States Determines Interprets Laws Decides if Laws are Constitutional Decides if Laws are Unconstitutional Appointed by President Overturn other Judge Rulings. Examine the following website to determine the roles of the Judicial Branch and who makes up this branch. http://www.congressforkids.net/Judicialbranch_supremecourt.htm Discuss the individuals or groups that make up this branch. Discuss the roles of this branch. Discuss facts about this branch.

Whole Group Practice Go to the following website to access the interactive activity. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/usa_game/government/branches_government.htm During this activity you should: Self-assess your knowledge Write your answer on a whiteboard Hold up whiteboard when directed Discuss answers when in disagreement

Independent Practice What branch of government is responsible for deciding if laws are constitutional or unconstitutional? Executive Legislative Judicial

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Independent Practice The Executive Branch is responsible for which of the following tasks? Directing the Military Interpreting the Law Approving Bills Both A and C All of the Above

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Independent Practice The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature. The ________ is made up of 100 members, and the ________ is made up of 435 members. House of Representatives; Senate Supreme Court; House of Representatives Senate; Supreme Court Senate; House of Representatives

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Independent Practice The Judicial Branch is made up of ________ justices? 1 Chief Justice and 10 Associate Justices 2 Chief Justices and 8 Associate Justices 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices 9 Associate Justices

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Incorrect Answer Click Here to Try Again

Team Review Go to the following website to access an interactive jeopardy game. http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/teacher_lessons/3branches/3bgovt.htm Split into 2 teams. Each team will be given 10 seconds to discuss the answer and take turns sending one member to the board to answer each question. Alternate between teams as directed in the activity. After the activity is finished, each of you will write an exit ticket summarizing the roles and members of the 3 branches. Executive Legislative Judicial

Conclusion/Summary In this lesson, students will have gained a solid foundation for understanding the three branches of government. Students will be able to identify and categorize the various roles and responsibilities of the branches, as well as the individuals who make up each branch. Overall, students will have the background knowledge to apply to the following lesson pertaining to the checks and balances system used by our government.

References Brain POP Branch of Government Information http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/branchesofgovernment/ Branch of Government Information http://www.congressforkids.net/Executivebranch_president.htm http://www.congressforkids.net/Legislativebranch_index.htm http://www.congressforkids.net/Judicialbranch_supremecourt.htm Interactive Learning Activities/Games http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/usa_game/government/branches_government.htm http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/teacher_lessons/3branches/3bgovt.htm Pictures from Google Images (http://images.google.com/) Slide 1: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-13166364-patriotic-background.php Slide 2: http://pptgarden.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-4th-celebrate-powerpoint.html Slide 4-6: http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-green-leaves-tree-branch-image9863808 http://etechplace.org/clough/?tag=pages Slide 7: http://pptgeeks.com/images/slidegeeks-ecommerce/560x420x1-media/3/law_and_order_law_powerpoint_template_1110_1.jpg Slides 3-14: http://leightonphotography.photoshelter.com/image/I0000IWs1CfNPgIc Slides 9,11,13,15: http://stjent.pinnaclecart.com/index.php?p=product&id=1182&parent=13&is_print_version=true Slide 18: http://pptgeeks.com/images/slidegeeks-ecommerce/560x420x1-media/3/legal_aid_government_powerpoint_backgrounds_and_templates_1210_1.jpg Standards from the Tennessee Department of Education http://www.tn.gov/education/ci/ss/doc/SS_Grade_4.pdf