Civics Standard One - Grades 4-5

Sample Activities

Students could create a diagram which explains the structure of the Federal government under the U.S. Constitution. Then the class would break up into four groups 9one each for the executive, senate, house, and judiciary) and define the powers of that branch or sub-branch.

This activity could easily be tied to a history activity if the students were required to determine differences in these offices when the Constitution was written and now (e.g., how the President and Vice President are elected or the number of congressmen in the House of Representatives).

Students could be asked to identify the purposes of the United States government as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, and then gives examples of how each might be accomplished by the government 9e.g., establish justice though the courts; provide for the common defense though the armed forces, etc.) [Government].

Using the State Constitution and other sources as a guide, students could research current members of the three branches of government in order to develop job descriptions for a Delaware governor, Supreme Court justice, senator, or representative. They might then visit the state government complex in Dover and identify the seats of the executive, judicial, or legislative branches in Delaware government. Finally, each student could select one member of the state government, interview that person, and explain how he/she contributes to life in the state [Government].

to Civics Standard One.