Powers of State Government

Help your third graders learn what their state government does! In this one-page worksheet, students read a short passage about the powers of state government, write S or N to show whether each power belongs to the state or the national government, then circle True or False for four sentences.

The passage explains that each of the 50 states has its own government led by a governor. It shares the key idea that powers not given to the national government belong to the states and the people. Students learn that states run public schools, set up local governments for cities and towns, give driver's licenses, take care of state roads and parks, and run elections. The passage also introduces federalism, the sharing of power between the national government and the state governments. The S or N activity mixes state powers with national powers like printing money, so students practice comparing the two levels. The true or false sentences check common mix-ups, like who leads a state. Everything students need to answer is right on the page.

What's inside:

• A short passage with key words in bold
• 5 state or national powers with a letter box for each
• 4 true or false sentences
• A visual answer key with every answer marked in red

How teachers use it:

• As a quick check after a civics lesson
• For morning work, centers, or an exit ticket
• As homework or sub plans, with no prep needed

It takes about 5 to 10 minutes and prints clearly in black and white. This worksheet is part of our Reading in Civics series for grade 3, covering government, rules and laws, voting, and citizenship. Each sheet in the series uses a different mix of activities, so the set stays fresh from the first page to the last.