Inauguration Day

The 3 Branches of Government

Read about how our government works:

1. USA.gov
2. USA Government for Kids
3. BrainPop
4. Mr. Donn
5. Fact Monster

Three Branches of Government Extra Information Post -- Civics PBL

How is our government outlined in the Constitution?  How was our government designed to protect the rights of ordinary citizens?



Watch the informational video above and the fun song below as a supplement to what we are studying in our Civics PBL unit.

Three Branches of Government Project -- Civics PBL

How is our government outlined in the Constitution?  How was our government designed to protect the rights of ordinary citizens?

Watch this slideshow as part of our PBL unit on Civics.
Please post a comment stating the main idea of the the slideshow.

Follow this link to begin the webquest that goes with this project.
The link above also has information outlining what you will be expected to do for your slideshow.

Find your group here.

Articles of Confederation -- Civics PBL Introduction

How is our government outlined in the Constitution?  How was our government designed to protect the rights of ordinary citizens?  

This will be the driving question for our Civics PBL unit.  As an introduction to this unit, please watch the following video and read at least two of the links below about the Articles of Confederation.  This was the government that existed before the Constitution was written.  The Articles of Confederation failed.  Why?  Please answer this question on Kidblog.  



Articles of Confederation -- Mr. D
Articles of Confederation -- Ducksters
Articles of Confederation -- Social Studies for Kids
Articles of Confederation -- Mr. N

The Constitution and the Three Branches of Government

Bill of Rights

Once you have watched the video above, read the actual language in the Bill of Rights. (Please read this whole article carefully.)

Scholastic News -- Bill of Rights
History for Kids -- Bill of Rights

Once you have completed all of the reading, please write a paragraph on Kidblog explaining which right is the most important right, in your opinion.

The Constitution -- Schoolhouse Rock -- Civics PBL

These two videos serve as an amusing introduction to our Civics project.  Schoolhouse Rock is old, but a fun way to learn.

Three Branches of Government Project

Check out a few videos on the three branches of government as a supplement to your research:

1. http://www.teachertube.com/video/the-three-branches-of-government-117875
2. http://www.teachertube.com/video/three-branches-of-government-115192
3. http://mrnussbaum.com/presidents/georgewashington
4. http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/james-madison/videos/america-gets-a-constitution

Make sure you complete your project on time.  (Follow the directions posted here.)

Three Branches of Government Project & Webquest

Watch the slideshow above as an introduction to our Webquests and PBL unit on the United States government.
Follow this link to begin your project and webquests.
Don't forget that you can use your power cards and social studies book as references during this unit.

Find your group here.

The Constitution -- 3 Branches of Government

Learn about the three branches of the government of the United States.
Read more at Congress for Kids.
Read about how a bill becomes a law.

Update -- Jury Duty

Hello Class,

I was not selected to be on the jury.  Therefore, I will return to class on Friday, as I still have training at the district office for two more days.  Please work hard for the sub and I will see you when I return.

Some of you are probably still wondering what jury duty is.  Read about it on Wikipedia and the state bar website.

The right to a trial by jury is guaranteed in the 6th amendment to our Constitution.

Three Branches of Government -- Webquest

Use these resources to figure out how the branches of government are different and how they each limit the powers of the others.  Remember to stay on task and work as a group.

Webquest 3 branches of government.

(Use this link the most.)

Slideshow #1 -- 3 branches

Slideshow #2 -- American government

Slideshow #3 -- Checks and Balances

The United States Government

Our government is based on the US Constitution.  Check out this teacher's page on it.
Our constitution also includes amendments (changes).  The Bill of Rights is what the first 10 amendments are called.

Read about all three branches of government, the constitution and more on Congress for Kids.
Check out this short Brain Pop video about the government.
Kids.gov has an easy to read graphic about the three branches of government.
Fact Monster has a great page describing the government.
Finally, read more on Ben's Guide to the US government.

School House Rock is old, but fun.

Declaration of Independence -- 5th Grade History

The Declaration of Independence for kids.
Declaration of Independence -- Congress for Kids.

The Declaration of Independence -- (primary source)

Quiz yourself.
Just for fun, check out the Schoolhouse Rock video below.

Civics video: How laws get made. -- "I'm Just a Bill" -- Schoolhouse Rock

I'm trying out a youtube video to see how easy it is.  This is an amusing little civics video.  Enjoy!