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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: The Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended for early elementary students, ReadWorks provides an information text about the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: President's Legislative Powers

For Students 9th - 10th
An easy-to-understand discussion on the actual legislative powers of the president and the veto. Includes related links.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: History of Bills

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
For any legislative actions enacted upon a specific bill, the specific type of action is recorded in the History of Bills section of the Government Printing Office website. This information comes straight from the Congressional Record,...
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Website
US House of Representatives

Office of the Clerk: The Role of the House

For Students 6th - 8th
Why did the founding fathers create two separate chambers in Congress - the House of Representatives and Senate? Find out the reasons for the dual chamber and the responsibilities of each one. Included is a glossary and printable puzzles...
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Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson. Requires Adobe Reader.
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Website
US Senate

Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control

For Students 9th - 10th
The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control provides information on drug policy actions by the caucus and the issues that are highlighted by the members of the Caucus.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: State Constitutions

For Students 5th - 8th
The new states did a great deal of experimentation within the bounds of the new republican ideals. Read about three very different takes on how a state should be organized governmentally.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Thailand: Government

For Students 9th - 10th
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy , but the king has little power. Find out how the government works in this current article based on information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Handout
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Classroom: The Great Compromise

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief synopsis with graphic explaining The Great Compromise.
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Website
Other

House Armed Services Committee

For Students 9th - 10th
Delve into the latest news of the House Armed Services Committee with this site. Hear more from the Chairman, Duncan Hunter, about the purpose of this committee. Read up on recent press releases, too.
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Interactive
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branch O Mania

For Students Pre-K - 1st Standards
Learning game for ages 4 and above the U.S. Government in which players use the information they have gained from Learning Adventures and help Ben Franklin catch the icons that are unique to each branch of government.
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Interactive
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branch O Mania

For Students 3rd - 7th Standards
Learn about the duties of each branch of government with this learning game. Help Ben Franklin catch the items that are unique jobs for each particular branch of government. Level up with your knowledge!
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Activity
US Senate

The U. S. Senate: Senators of the 108th Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the United States Senate provides a current list of the Senators of the 108th Congress. You can sort by state, name or party, view biographical and contact information and much more.
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Branching Out

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about three branches of government and their system of checks and balances. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: American Government the Branches of Government

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the three branches of government in the United States. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies...
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: American Government Branches of Government: A Closer Look

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage gives explanation about the branches of the government. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
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Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
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Website
Other

Committee on Resources u.s. House of Representatives

For Students 9th - 10th
Homepage of the Committee on Resources for the U.S. House of Representatives gives a detailed look at the daily workings of this committee.
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Unit Plan
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
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Activity
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: What Is a Law?

For Students 3rd - 5th
Find out what a law is and who makes them. Learn the step by step process of how laws are made on the national level.
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Activity
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Senate

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Information about the qualifications and duties of the United States Senate.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.