Lesson
The Constitutional System of Government
Guiding question
How do the three branches of government interact to create a system of checks and balances?
Founding Principles
Virtues
Guiding Questions
- How do the three branches of government interact to create a system of checks and balances?
- How does this system ensure the effective functioning of representative government?
Objectives
- Students will evaluate their own knowledge of the branches of government, checks and balances, and separation of powers.
- Students will identify gaps in their knowledge and read to learn more about the constitutional structures of government and how the system works to ensure effective government.
Materials
Student Resources:
- The Constitutional System of Government Essay
- The Constitutional System of Government Graphic Organizer
- Internet capable device
Teacher Resources:
Lesson Components
ActivityThe Constitutional System of Government Middle School Graphic Organizer
Students will evaluate their own knowledge of the branches of government, checks and balances, and separation of powers.
ActivityI Have, Who Has Branches of Government Middle School Game
A self-checking formative assessment to gauge student understanding of The Constitutional System of Government Lesson.
EssayThe Constitutional System of Government Middle School Essay
How does this system ensure the effective functioning of representative government?
Lesson plan
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More Information
Facilitation Notes
- Many students will have learned very basic information about the three branches of government and checks and balances in elementary school. This lesson plan helps students assess their prior knowledge, fill gaps, and build more detailed knowledge of the branches of government, separation of powers, and checks and balances. It functions as a jumping off point to build additional knowledge of constitutional government structures and civil society for other lessons.