Structure of Our Government, The

Social Studies Review, Fall 2004 by Porter, Priscilla H

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

Election of Class Representatives: Explain that the class is going to elect representatives who will introduce "bills" and make the laws of the classroom. (Note: It is best to keep the laws focused on the classroom because you will have control over enforcement of the laws. Avoid laws for the playground and lunchroom. If you have established classroom rules that you do not wish to change, you may select one specific topic for the new laws. Examples include use of the classroom library; completion of class assignments and homework; use of the class computer or centers in the classroom, housekeeping rules, etc.)

Arrange the students into cooperative learning groups of four. Each group will elect a representative to the Class Congress. Determine the qualifications a member of the Class Congress should have in order to "run for office." Create a list of the duties of a member of the Class Congress.

Brainstorm a list of qualities of a member of the Class Congress based upon the duties they will have to perform. Note: Check your report card for qualities that might be included.) These may include:

* fair

* responsible

* follows classroom rules

Nominations and Selection of the Members of the Class Congress: Because the members of Congress are not elected by all the citizens of the country, each cooperative learning group will elect their own representative. For simplicity, members of both the Senate and the House are not being selected, only members of Congress. If desired, the teacher may develop a more elaborate system. Rather than having a full election process, it is recommended students work in their groups to determine who would like to be a representative of their group and then to make the selection of one person.

Student as Researcher: As a home study project, encourage students to conduct interviews to find out the names and political party affiliation of members of the House of Representatives that represent their district and the names of the two Senators from California. They may also wish to discuss political party affiliation.

The Judicial Branch of Government: Refer back to the graphic organizer for the Branches of the United States Government. Introduce the Judicial Branch. Explain that the laws of the United States are "upheld" by the Supreme Court of the United States. It is the "justices" of the Supreme Court who decide (issue an opinion) whether to "uphold" a law or "strike down" a law as "unconstitutional."