Today's Classroom Activities :

How Government Works

U.S. Government at Work
Social Studies Currently one political party has the power of the White House while another major party has the power in Congress. Have students collect newspaper and magazine articles that highlight how the political power struggles influence the work of the country.

Powers of Government
Using a memory/matching game, students learn about the powers of the federal and state governments (Delegated, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers).

Balancing Three Branches at Once: Our System of Checks and Balances
After completing the lessons in this unit, students will be able to name the three branches of our government and give examples of how each branch can check the others.

Congress In The Classroom!
The students will simulate the workings of Congress by bringing the lawmaking process into their own classroom. Students will role-play congressmen and women attempting to pass a bill into a law through the appropriate steps.

Know Your Local Government
The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the local government structure and the people in the various power positions. They will see day to day activities that directly affects their lives, and ways people can influence the actions of these people in power.