The system of checks and balances is integral to the functionality of the United States government. Learn more about the ways the three branches of the government work together—and about the limitations of their power—with an informative packet focused on the Constitution.

Concepts

the united states constitution, voting rights, women's suffrage, the three branches of government, the executive branch, the judicial branch, the legislative branch, bicameral representation, united states presidents, the commander-in-chief

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign the activities for homework over a long weekend or holiday vacation
• Use the reference pages to guide your instruction or as an independent study guide for students
• Include in a unit about voting rights, due process of law, or other rights allotted by the Constitution and its amendments
• Have learners look up their own Congressional districts for evidence of gerrymandering

Classroom Considerations

• Peruse the packet for activities and instructional strategies that you can use, as most of it contains informational reading passages
• Focuses on elections in 2014, but applicable to any year

Pros

• Provides several ideas for instructional activities
• Works as a solid study guide for an American government class

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.4 RH.9-10.4 RH.11-12.4