Curriculum Guide
Grade 5 – Social Studies Standard 4.2
Civics.4.2 - The origins, structure, and functions of the United States government.
Related Colorado Department of Education Sample Units:
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As Empires Expand, a Nation is Built - Grade 5 Social Studies - Unit 2 - Concepts: Perspectives, point of view, cause-and-effect relationships,
beliefs and values, liberty, rights and responsibilities, citizenship, cultural interactions, influence, human interaction, migration, immigration,
discovery, exploration, democratic ideals, technology, revolution
The Push and the Pull (1754-1800) - Grade 5 Social Studies - Unit 3 - Concepts: Revolution, political, social, economic, military, diversity,
liberty, perspective, resources, access, cooperation, conflict, division, migration, rights, democracy, principles, foundations, government,
independence, taxation, representation
Money Makes the World Go 'Round... Or Does it? - Grade 5 Social Studies - Unit 4 - Concepts: Interdependence, capitalism, government,
savings, investment, scarcity, resources, benefits, risks, opportunity cost, needs, wants, institutions, civic ideals, responsibility, policy, power,
financial security
Essential Questions - 21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies (District):
What are democratic ideals and practices and their historic origins?
Why were the founding fathers correct in keeping the Constitution open for
flexibility and interpretation?
 How have historical documents defined and distributed power?
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Academic Vocabulary (District):
branches of government
democracy
executive branch
function
government
historical foundation
individual rights
interpretation
judge
judicial branch
law
legislator
legislative branch
Evidence Outcomes (District):
a. Identify political principles of American democracy and how the Constitution and Bill
of Rights reflect and preserve these principles.
b. Explain the historical foundation and the events that led to the formation of the
United States constitutional government, including a discussion of the topics, but
not limited to the colonial experience, the Declaration of Independence, and the
Articles of Confederation.
c. Explain the origins, structure, and functions of the three branches of the United
States government and the relationships among them.
d. Describe how the decisions of the national government affect local and state
government.
Assessment (District):
1. Use a 3-2-1 formative assessment. Students write the 3 branches of government, 2
jobs of each branch, and 1 head of each branch.
2. Assess students using the rubric included in the lesson plan.
3. Observe for accuracy of student responses while matching and identifying terms
during the game.
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Three Branches Lesson
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Three Branches Game
4. Use this online interactive quiz to assess student knowledge of the Articles of
Confederation. Observe students for accuracy of responses.
5. Assess understanding of the concepts by watching the role play activities and
liberties
liberty
local government
origin
personal responsibility
principle
rights
society
state government
structure
reading the written essay responses.
6. Evaluate student understanding of the Constitution by reading their written responses
to the activities and listening to the speaking opportunities explained in this unit.
7. Assess completed Venn diagrams in which students compare/contrast the different
levels of government. Also, grade the attached quiz.
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Government Quiz
8. Grade the completed worksheets and activities included in the lessons.
9. Use the student answers from the Discussion Debrief questions to
assess understanding.
Suggested Activities/Strategies (District):
1. Use this interactive website to teach the three branches of government.
2. Follow this lesson plan to teach the three branches of government. Students
complete a graphic organizer.
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Three Branches Lesson
3. Play this game to reinforce the duties and responsibilities of the branches of
government.
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Three Branches Game
4. Use this site to explain the Articles of Confederation. Show this video during the
lesson.
5. Teach about the Declaration of Independence using the ideas in this lesson
plan. Many activities are included.
6. Follow the ideas in this unit to teach about the Constitution.
7. Use this lesson plan to compare local, state, and federal government by researching
the three, watching a video, completing a Venn diagram, and playing a concentration
game.
8. Follow this unit to teach the three branches of government. Many internet resources
are included. Worksheets, puzzles, and games are attached.
9. Complete the "Larry the Lion" lesson in which a lion is on the loose. Students learn
how the branches of government work together to catch the lion.
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Larry the Lion
Resources/Technology (District):
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Interactive Games
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Online Quiz - Three Branches of Government
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Lessons for Teaching the Articles of Confederation
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Image of the Articles of Confederation
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Constitution Activities and Lesson Plans
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Games about Government
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Three Branches Information
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Rights for Kids
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Flocabulary Song - Three Branches
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Colorado Civics Lessons