Go back See all

    Checks and Balances

    from

    Subject: Civics, Social Studies

    Lesson Length: 45 - 60 mins

    Topic: How the U.S. Government Works

    Grade Level: 5

    Standards / Framework:

    Brief Description: Students will learn how each branch of government plays a role in making sure another branch does not become too powerful using a system of checks and balances.

    Know Before You Start: It helps for students to have an understanding of the function of each of the threee branches of government. Terms to know: democracy, constitution, founders, legislative, executive, judicial.

    Hook:

    • Discuss power and authority in daily life.

      • What happens when someone in your family, like a cousin or sibling, tries to tell you what to do?

      • Do you like it when your brother or sister act like your parents?

      • How do you feel when a classmate tries to dictate the rules to you?

    • Read and discuss the sample comic pertaining to the three branches of government. Explain how a system of “checks and balances” is in place so that one branch of government doesn’t get too powerful.

    Activity:

    • Have students select two of the three branches of government.
    • Using the sample comic as a guide, have them illustrate how the two branches selected use a system of checks and balances to ensure that one branch doesn’t become too powerful.
    • The comic should include at least two panels.

    Closure:

    • Have students pair up with a partner to discuss their comics. 

    • Comics may also be shared with the class.

    Differentiation:

    • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
    • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
    • Provide visuals and definitions for key words, e.g., democracy, constitution, founders, legislative, executive, and judicial.

    Resources:

    • Comic to print or display

    Suggested Content Packs:

    Related Ideas