Lesson Overview
Branch Breakdown!
Overview: In this lesson,
students will create outlines of
the three branches of
government using the U.S.
Constitution. Students will then
use these outlines to create
diagrams/illustrations of the
three branches of government.
Objectives: Students will be
able to…
Recognize the structure of
the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches in the
federal government
Compare the roles and
responsibilities of the three
branches of the federal
government
Identify the general powers
described in Articles I, II,
and III of the U.S.
Constitution
Time Required:
One - two 50 minute class
period
Materials Needed:
Branch Breakdown
Student Handout
Copy of the United States
Constitution
Chart Paper
Markers
Procedures
1. Ask students to recall back to the outline of the United States
Constitution as discussed in section 4 of the curriculum wheel. The U.S.
Constitution consists of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27
amendments.
2. Ask students to recall the function of Articles I, II, and III in the U.S.
Constitution. (Answer: these articles outline the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches)
3. Using the Flocabulary site, show the three branches of government
civics video. http://www.flocabulary.com/3-branches-of-government/
4. Using the Three Branches of Government Game at the link provided
below, have students classify the powers of each branch of government.
http://www.texaslre.org/branches_game/branches_game.html
5. Distribute Branch Breakdown student handout and Constitution copies.
Instruct students to use the Constitution to complete the handout,
identifying the structure, responsibilities and duties, and powers of each
branch (for the legislative branch, they will be asked to name what they
think are the five most important). Students may work independently or
in groups.
6. Depending on the length of time needed to complete the Branches
Breakdown handout, debrief the handout upon completion or during the
next class period (students can complete the handout for homework).
7. Once students have reviewed their responses, divide the class into six
groups. Assign two groups the legislative branch, two groups the
executive branch, and two groups the judicial branch. Each group will
need to diagram/illustrate their assigned branch of government on chart
paper. Allow students 25 minutes to create their diagrams.
8. Post diagrams around the classroom in pairs by branch. Have students
rotate from poster to poster. Students should compare the diagrams and
individually create their own diagram for each branch by copying one
of the group diagrams, combining the two diagrams, or creating their
own after reviewing the group created diagrams.
9. As a final assessment, students will do a comparison of the branches of
government using their Branches Breakdown student handout and their
poster diagrams. Students should cite both the Constitution and their
diagram as DBQ practice.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards:
Illustrate the structure and function (three branches of government established in Articles I, II, and III with
corresponding powers) of government in the United States as established in the Constitution. (SS.7.C.3.3)
Extension Activity
Prepare a Glogster poster to illustrate the three branches of government and separation of
powers.
Sample: http://vitaushistory.edu.glogster.com/three-branches-of-government/
Assessment
Branch Breakdown Worksheet – students will be assessed based on the completion and accuracy of
responses on their Branch Breakdown student handout.
Branch Breakdown Diagram – students will assessed for the completion of their diagram along with
the accuracy of their information, effort put into the project, and creativity. Students will also be
assessed for their ability to follow instructions.
Observation - Assess student participation and cooperation during the Branch Breakdown activity. All
students should be proactively contributing to the group effort. Students should be cooperative,
respectful and participatory when assessing the other group diagrams.
Suggested Scoring Rubric for
Assignment
Branch Breakdown
Worksheet
Branch Breakdown Diagram
Students may be assessed as a
group or individually
depending on the class
dynamics and participation
level of group members
Branch Breakdown
Participation and
Cooperation
Scoring
1 point per blank space (27 blank spaces; 27 points possible)
Students will receive credit for leaving spaces blank when
appropriate.
1 point per category on the table addresses in diagram (8
categories, 8 points possible)
5 points for creativity and following directions
Total
27 points
13 points
10 points for cooperation and participate while rotating
10 points
around the classroom. Students will also receive points in
this category for creating their personal branch diagrams.
Total 50 points
Student Handout
Name: _______________________________ Date:_____________________
Branch Breakdown
Instructions: In your group, complete the worksheet below using the U.S. Constitution. Not all boxes will have
answers.
Legislative Branch
Executive
Branch
Judicial
Branch
Article of the U.S.
Constitution
Structure of the
branch
Number of Members
Elected or Appointed?
If appointed, how are
they approved?
Requirements to Serve
Age
Citizenship
Requirements
Length of Term
Role of Branch of
Government
House of
Senate
Representatives
President
Vice
President
Cabinet
Supreme
Court
Student Handout
Name: _______________________________ Date:_____________________
Branch Breakdown
Instructions: In the space below, write the name of the branch of government you are assigned to. Working as
a group, you will be creating a visual of your assigned branch of government. This diagram should be clear and
include components from all of the information in the table. Be creative!
Once finished, you will be given the opportunity to view other student diagrams and create your own diagram
that best helps you remember the branches.
Assigned branch:________________________________________
Drawing space:
Teacher Handout
Branch Breakdown
Instructions: In your group, complete the worksheet below using the U.S. Constitution.
Legislative Branch
Article of the U.S.
Constitution
Structure of the
branch
Number of Members
Article I
House of
Senate
Representatives
435
Elected or Appointed? Elected
100
Elected
Executive
Branch
Article II
Judicial
Branch
Article III
President
Vice
President
Cabinet
1 President
1 VP
Supreme
Court
Elected
Appointed
If appointed, how are
they approved?
9
Approved by
the Senate
Requirements to
Serve
Age
Citizenship
Requirements
Length of Term
25 years old
U.S. Citizen
for 7 years
35 years old 35 years old
U.S. Citizen Natural born
for 9 years citizen
2 years
6 years
Role of Branch of
Government
Make law
4 years
2 terms
10 year
maximum
Enforce law
Lifetime
appointment
Interpret law