Separation of Powers Between the Three
Branches of Government
Submitted by: Tim Brennan
School or Affiliation Weiser High School, ID
Endorsed by: These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have
attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher
from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural,
western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC
uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the
participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met
at the Workshops.
Date: May 1994
Grade Level: 10-12
Overview: In studying the development of the Constitution
students have a difficulty understanding the checks and balances between the three
branches of government.
Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to help students
understand the concept of the three branches of government. By understanding the
development of the these branches the students will better understand the decision making
process by which our government lives.
Objectives:
- Students will list the specific powers of the three branches of government.
- Students will give current examples of the system of checks and balances in the national
government.
Resources/Materials Needed:
Textbook and instructor to help groups develop their list.
Activities and Procedures
- Divide the class into three teams each representing one of the executive, judicial and
legislative branches of government.
- Each teach shall develop a list of powers for their branch of government.
- Record the powers of each branch on the board from the list the students have developed.
- Then start with any of their branch's powers.
Tying It All Together: Discuss current examples of how
the governmental branches have used their checks on each other.
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