Branches of the State and National Government

The Tennessee Blue Book can be used as a main resource to teach students about the structure of Tennessee government. Although the text is complex, young students, with teacher support, can access information via charts and graphs provided. This lesson is created for second grade students, but can be easily adapted to teach third or fourth grade students.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Recognize the three branches of our national and state governments.
  • Understand the main roles/purposes of each branch.
  • Know the “head” of each branch.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Tennessee branches of government by creating a graphic organizer.
  • Write a compare/contrast essay explaining similarities and differences between the structure of the national and state governments.
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • How is the structure of Tennessee’s government similar/different to the structure of our national government?
  • What roles do each branch of government serve?

Activity/Task Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • Tennessee Blue Book (PDF provided)
    • pgs. viii-ix, graphic organizer of state government
  • Projector (optional)
  • Map of the United States
  • Copies of graphic organizer worksheet (attached)
  • Paper and pencil