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The Three Branches of Government — Reading Comprehension

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D2.CIV.1.3-5
D2.CIV.4.3-5RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.4.4

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This engaging history reading passage introduces students to the three branches of government in the United States: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. Students will learn how each branch has a special job and how they work together to keep the country strong and fair. The passage explains the system of checks and balances, important leaders like the President and Congress, and why this system was created. Aligned with the C3 Framework for Social Studies and Common Core ELA standards, this resource includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, a timeline of events, and activities for comprehension and writing. This passage is perfect for building an understanding of American government, civic responsibility, and the importance of teamwork in leading a nation. Audio read aloud and full Spanish translation make it accessible for all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Diagram showing the US government's three branches: Legislative, Executive, Judicial. — The Constitution created three branches of US government: checks and balances.

The United States government has three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial branches. Each branch has special powers. The founders of the United States wanted to make sure no single person or group could have too much power. This idea is called separation of powers. It means the government’s jobs are split into different parts.

The first branch is the legislative branch. It is called Congress. Congress makes laws for the country. It has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of Congress are elected by the people. They talk about problems and vote to make new laws.

The second branch is the executive branch. The President leads this branch. The President’s job is to carry out the laws made by Congress. The President also leads the military and works with other countries. The President can say no to a law by using something called a veto. But, if enough members of Congress agree, they can pass the law anyway.

The third branch is the judicial branch. This branch is made up of courts. The highest court is the Supreme Court. Judges in these courts decide what laws mean. They make sure laws follow the Constitution, which is the country’s most important set of rules.

This system is called checks and balances. Each branch can check, or stop, some of the actions of the others. For example, the President can veto a law, but Congress can override the veto. The Supreme Court can tell Congress or the President if something they do is not allowed by the Constitution. This way, no branch becomes too powerful.

The founders created this plan because they wanted a strong but fair government. They had seen kings and leaders in other countries abuse their power. By dividing the government, they protected the people’s freedom. Today, these three branches still work together to keep the United States a democracy.

Interesting Fact: The idea of three branches of government comes from a French thinker named Montesquieu, who wrote about it in 1748.

Which branch makes laws?

LegislativeExecutiveJudicialMilitary

Who leads the executive branch?

The PresidentThe SenateThe Supreme CourtThe House

What is the highest court?

Supreme CourtFederal CourtCity CourtCongress

What does 'checks and balances' mean?

Each branch can stop othersOnly Congress has powerPresident is in chargeCourts make laws

Why did the founders split the government?

To stop too much powerTo make laws fasterFor more electionsTo help other countries

What can the President do to a law?