📖

Three Branches: Sharing Power

A New Government: The Constitution

Day 72of 180
Week 15of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the three branches of government

2

Learn how power is shared in government

3

Recognize the importance of balanced leadership

📖 Scripture Connection

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.”

— Romans 13:1 (WEB)

God establishes authorities and wants order in human systems

📦 Materials Needed

  • Three branches diagram
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Glue sticks
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show the three branches diagram. Ask what they know about how the government works.

💭 Review Question: What do you think leaders do to help people?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain the three branches of government using simple language and child-friendly examples.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Executive Branch: The President leads and makes sure laws are followed
  • Legislative Branch: Congress makes new laws
  • Judicial Branch: Supreme Court decides if laws are fair
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why is it important to share power?
  • How can leaders help people?
3Activity: Three Branches Paper Craft (7 min)
hands-on

Create a colorful diagram showing the three branches of government

📝 Instructions:
  1. Fold paper into three sections
  2. Draw and color each branch
  3. Write one simple fact about each branch
  4. Decorate with American flag colors
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw sections for younger students

Challenge: Add more detailed descriptions of each branch

4Closing (3 min)

Review what we learned about government branches

📝 Review Questions:
  • What are the three branches?
  • Why is sharing power important?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us leaders who can help take care of people. Help us to be good citizens and respect those in authority. Amen.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the Bill of Rights and how the Constitution protects our freedoms!

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 21:1

“The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires.”

— Proverbs 21:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hand Motion Memory Game

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Understanding government structure helps children appreciate civic responsibility

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use simple, concrete examples
  • Relate government roles to family leadership
  • Encourage respectful discussions
🤔 Common Struggles:

Abstract concepts of government can be challenging for young learners

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's ability to explain basic government roles

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Watch age-appropriate government educational video
  • Play 'Government Roles' dress-up game
  • Create a family 'house rules' document to demonstrate shared leadership

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 73 →Back to History & Social Studies