Structure of Our Government, The

Social Studies Review, Fall 2004 by Porter, Priscilla H

One challenge elementary teachers face is to figure how to fit social studies into the class schedule. But, can we afford to leave it out? Geography, economics, political science, history; these key subject areas, along with the other social sciences, play a crucial role in our everyday lives. With this in mind, how can we address the frequent complaint, "I don't have time to teach social studies."

With this being a presidential election year, one technique that some busy teachers have adopted is to focus their students' attention during the election/inauguration season on the related civic education standards and the goals of democratic understanding and civic values. These goals include national identity, constitutional heritage, and civic values, rights, and responsibilities. In fact, some schools are encouraging all of their classrooms to focus on these topics during the key "political" time period of November and the inauguration in January. Patriotic assemblies, classroom elections, and the development of class constitutions are but a few of the events that can be planned. Following are some classroom activities geared to address the content standards related to our government.

Structure of the United States Government: Explain to students that the government of the United States is organized into separate branches. Reproduce the graphic organizer, Branches of the United States Government, using the chalkboard, an overhead transparency, or chart paper. Have students copy the organizer on to notebook paper. As you discuss each branch of government, have students write in the information. Leave room at the bottom of the page to list additional notes as the lesson is developed. Explain that each branch of the U.S. government has separate jobs and responsibilities (known as separation of powers). Each branch has some control over the other two (known as a system of checks and balances). One branch of the government makes the laws (Legislative Branch), one enforces the laws (Executive Branch), and one decides if the laws are fair (Judicial Branch).

Cut and Sort Activity: For each pair of students, duplicate a copy of Vocabulary Words to Cut and Sort (Handout 1). Cut apart the word cards. Mix each set of word cards into an envelope. Have each pair work to match each word card with its correct Branch of the United States government. Let students compare their results, first with other pairs and afterward with a copy of the chart. This same activity can be used again at the end of the lesson as an individual assessment.

The Executive Branch: Review the "Executive" branch of the United States Government. Explain that the president is elected by the citizens of the United States through the Electoral College. Ask a variety of questions about the presidency to determine the student's prior knowledge. Examples include:

* How does a person become President?

* What does a president do?

Qualifications of the President of the United States: The president is elected every four years. He is allowed to serve only two four-year terms. Ask students, "What types of qualifications do you think the president must have?" Explain that to be elected a president must meet the following qualifications:

* at least 35 years old

* a natural born citizen of the United States

* a resident within the United States for at least fourteen years

Have older elementary students carefully examine the executive office as set forth in the Article II of the U. S. Constitution. Discuss with students the duties of the President. In a class discussion evaluate the criteria established in the Constitution. Use questions such as, "What are the qualifications for President established by the Constitution? Why do you think the Framers of the Constitution included these qualifications? What checks does the president have over the legislative and judicial branches of government? What checks do other branches have over the executive?

Responsibilities of the President of the United States

* From time to time give Congress information on the state of the union

* Faithfully execute the laws of the United States

* Recommend to Congress measures considered necessary and submit annual budgets

* Call both houses of Congress into special session on extraordinary occasions

* Receive foreign ambassadors

Removal from Office: The President and Vice President can be removed from office for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The President may be "impeached" or charged with improper misconduct in office, by the House of Representatives by a simple majority vote. After impeachment by the House, the President must stand trial by the Senate with the Chief Justice acting as the presiding officer. If convicted by a two-thirds vote of the Senate, the President is removed from office.

Elect a Class President: Review the qualifications to become a President of the United States. Ask students what qualifications they think a president of their class should have. Sample qualifications are: