Branches of Government Chain
This activity will help students organize and understand the three branches of government and their functions.

Materials

Colored paper, scissors, stapler or glue sticks, markers, and yarn or string

What to Do

First, have students cut the colored paper into long strips to make a paper chain. Instruct them to use different colors for each of the three branches. After connecting the sections, tell students to write down the duties of the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court on separate pieces of paper. Then have them attach each job to the branch of government that performs it. The color coding should help students to recall the role of each branch in the operation of our government.

Teacher Tip: This activity can also be used to help students understand such forms of government as monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy.

Hanger Mobile — Branches of Government
This activity is yet another way to help students better understand the organization of our system of government.

Materials

Clothes hangers, paper, scissors, glue sticks or stapler, pencils, crayons or markers, and pieces of yarn or string.

What to Do

Students should label paper with the three branches of government and glue or staple them to the bottom of a clothes hanger. On separate pieces of paper, have the children list the powers of each branch and attach them with yarn or string to the correct heading. As in the previous activity, color-coding each branch will help students gain a better understanding of the American system of government.

Teacher Tip: This project can also be used with such different forms of government as monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy. You might want to display the completed hangers in the classroom or in the hallway.