social studies · Grade 3
Three Branches and Shared Power
Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power.
Find this activity in the Social Studies map
Explore the knowledge outline and its source scope. This unit supports selected ideas.
Learning goals
- Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power.
Before you begin
Understand the words and representations introduced in the Explore activity.
Age and grade do not measure readiness. Adjust reading or adult support to preserve the intended learning goal.
Follow the sequence
Complete practice
Practice previewThree Branches and Shared Power
Practice · Independent · 25 min
Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power. A complete set with exploration, practice and application. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
1. Explore
Practice previewThree Branches and Shared Power: Explore and Explain
Explore · Independent · 10 min
Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power. A focused learn activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
2. Practice
Practice previewThree Branches and Shared Power: Practice Independently
Practice · Independent · 10 min
Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power. A focused practice activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
3. Apply
Practice previewThree Branches and Shared Power: Apply and Create
Apply · Independent · 15 min
Identify broad roles of the U.S. federal branches and explain shared power. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
Download the unit pack
Numbered activities, separate answer keys and a teaching guide in one ZIP. The pack uses the focused sequence; the complete practice sheet above is an alternative.
Teaching and response guide
- Begin with: Which branch includes Congress?
- Connect the response to: Sort the broad roles.
- Ask students to apply the idea: Why have more than one branch?
Watch for: Accepting an answer without checking whether it uses the material and satisfies the requested relationship or criteria.
Check the answer criteria for each task. A supported explanation may have more than one acceptable response. These activities offer evidence to discuss; completing a sheet alone does not establish mastery.
Possible next goals
Choose the next unit when its prerequisites fit your learner.