US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branch O Mania
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!
South Carolina Educational Television
Know It All: Government Simulation
Fourth graders will complete a government simulation where they learn about the different responsibilities of each branch of government by becoming the different branches.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Is Power Divided in the United States Government?
Video accompanied by questions for students that looks at how the concept of separation of powers embedded in the Constitution is applied in the United States government. [3:50]
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Branches of Government
This article contains a useful guide to the functions of the three US Branches of Government that make, enforce, or interprets laws.
Ohio Test Prep
Ohio Test Prep: Module 4: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government
Ohio test preparation module on the structure and functions of the Federal Government with video tutorial, review game and assessment.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Branches of Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explains the 3 branches of government-- legislative, judicial and executive and helps students understand the 3 levels of government-- national, state and local.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Branches of Us Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explains the 3 branches of US government-- Executive, Judicial and Legislative-- and includes some questions for assessment.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress: Foundational
This resource from Khan Academy provides foundational-level practice questions over the structures, powers, and functions of Congress. These practice questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American...
Quia
Quia: The 3 Branches of Government
Complete the paragraph by filling in the missing terms. Collect coins by completing each exercise correctly.
iCivics
I Civics: Curriculum Units
A large collection of Social Studies units, WebQuests, and games that focuses on teaching students how government works and the importance of being responsible, informed American citizens. Units are linked to state standards. A teacher...
US National Archives
Nara: Charters of Freedom: Constitution of the United States
Comprehensive overview of the U.S. Constitution. Places the Constitution in context with two other founding charters of American democracy and government, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Includes access to digital...
iCivics
I Civics: The Constitutional Convention Mini Lesson
Students explore how the U.S. government was created in the years following the Articles of Confederation.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Debate and Compromise
The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Branches
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart teaches the branches and levels of government.
iCivics
I Civics: Anatomy of the Constitution
This instructional activity gives an article-by-article overview of the structure and function of the U.S. Constitution. Students learn about the duties and powers of the three branches, the amendment process, and the role of the...
iCivics
I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]
Students 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.
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Separation of Powers or Shared Powers
In this activity, students will analyze documents that illustrate the relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Using the scale in Weighing the Evidence, students will decide whether the United States...
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Checks and Balances in Action
In this activity, students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation
Using primary texts and prior study of Colonial America and the Revolution, students examine "what type of government would best represent the ideals of the American Revolution." Worksheets, discussions, and role-playing within this...
Digital History
Digital History: Republicanism
The framers of the Constitution had a great distaste for the monarchial society of Great Britain. See how this was reflected in the checks and balances they wrote into the Constitution in an effort to create a working republic.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Iii: Organizations of Court, Tenure, & Compensation
This resource covers Article III, Section 1, which focuses on the judicial branch of the United States government.
Library of Congress
Loc: Constitution Day Resources
A selection of online resources from THOMAS that have to do with the US Constitution.