5.7 – Think and Apply Activity 2
Before beginning this activity, review this brief summary of the reading text for Module 5: Branches and Powers of Government.
The United States Constitution is the highest law and outlines the structure of the federal government. The government is divided into three equal branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Each branch has specific powers and can check the others to maintain balance, a system known as checks and balances. The Executive branch, led by the president, makes sure the government functions smoothly. The Legislative branch makes the laws while the Judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets the laws. Government power ultimately comes from the people, who can influence change through voting and civic participation.
Federalism Sorting Activity
We have been talking a lot about the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the federal, or national, government–but the states also have powers and responsibilities.
Look at the Federalism Sorting Activity handout and read the “shared power” paragraph at the top:
| Shared power: The sharing of power is a very important idea in U.S. government. In our text, we read about how power is shared between the three branches, and then we did an activity to determine which branch was responsible for what important duty.
Power is also shared between the national and state governments. The United States has a federal system of government where the national government has some responsibilities, the states have some responsibilities, and some responsibilities are shared. |
|---|
Can you name:
– one responsibility of the national government;
– one responsibility of the state government; and
– a responsibility that is shared by both the national and state governments?
Go over the directions on the handout as a class. Complete this activity individually or in pairs/small groups, and review your answers as a class using the answer key below.
Were you surprised by any of the answers?
Answer Key:
| National Government Responsibility ONLY | State Government Responsibility ONLY | Responsibility Shared by BOTH the National and State Governments |
|---|---|---|
| Print Money | Issue Licenses (driver, hunting etc.) | Create & Collect Taxes |
| Declare War | Conduct Elections | Build Highways |
| Establish Post Offices | Approve Changes to the U.S. Constitution | Make & Enforce Laws |
