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British Columbia Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy

Lesson Plan

Printable Version Printable Version (PDF)

Title

Branches of Government

Audience

Social Studies 11, Civics 11

Overview

Understanding of the three branches of government through case studies

Objectives

Students will be able to describe the different branches of government and their individual responsibilities

Activities and Method

  1. Discuss and define the three branches of government and their functions
  2. Distribute chart with definitions
  3. Commence discussion regarding which branch of government the students would prefer to work in, if they had their choice. Have students work in groups of three, where each student has to represent one of the different branches of government (judicial, executive, legislative) and name their hypothetical position within that branch.
    1. Example: I would choose the judicial branch, so that I could be a judge and put people in jail.
  4. Distribute the handout entitled ‘School Examples’. Students will work in partners to determine which branch of government would address each example. The teacher will then review answers and have students orally defend their choices.
  5. Distribute the handout entitled ‘Government Examples’. Students will work in partners to determine which branch of government would address each example. The teacher will then review answers and have students orally defend their choices.
  6. Case Study Assignment. In groups, students are going to create the judicial, legislative and executive roles for a specific topic. Suggested topics are: cell phone use in schools, school dress code, attendance policy, legalizing marijuana, driving restrictions, noise violations, etc… After discussing, the students will present the laws (that they created), how the executive will carry out the law, and how the judiciary will enforce it. This can be open to class discussion and debate, and if necessary, can be submitted for assessment.
  7. Conclude by asking students if there are any further questions they might have. Transition into next lesson (the levels of government, and how they coordinate).

Preparation (by teacher and by student)

Teacher needs to photocopy the hand outs, and use the textbook/online resources to inform students about the three branches of government.

Further activities online at www.leg.bc.ca under Public Education & Visitor Info, Educational Resources

Duration of Activity

Flexible. 30 - 75 minutes

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the legal responsibilities and rights of individuals, groups, and organizations in Canadian society (Civics 11)
  • Describe the Canadian Legal System including legal processes, and the enforcement and administration of laws (Civics 11)
  • Explain how federal and provincial governments are formed in Canada (Socials 11)

Materials & Resources

  • Attached handouts. Teacher needs to supply own information source regarding the three branches of government.

Evaluation of Activity

Students can use self-assessment, peer assessment, informal assessment through discussion, participation, or formal assessment of worksheets and handing in of case studies.

Submitted By:

William Clapton, Correlieu Senior Secondary School, School District #28 (Quesnel)
Julie Gagnon, Ecole Virtuelle, School District #93 (Conseil scolaire francophone)
Emily Grant, Aldergrove Secondary School, School District #35 (Langley)
Brooke Leary, Aldergrove Secondary School, School District #35 (Langley)
Bud Lindquist, Penticton Secondary School, School District #67(Okanagan Skaha)
James Miles, West Vancouver Secondary School, School District #45 (West Vancouver)

NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity.

 

Appendix – Handouts

 


School Examples

 

  1. A child is found wearing inappropriate clothing, and is sent home to remove it
  2. The principal announces that no hats are to be worn in the school
  3. The student council announces that the school dance will be formal
  4. A child is tardy, and receives a detention
  5. A teacher delivers a message from the principal that students who do not complete their homework will be forced to attend Saturday school
  6. Girls are instructed that they can have no promiscuous photos of males in their lockers
  7. School busses will only run at 3:00 pm, even though school disperses at noon
  8. A child’s skateboard is confiscated for using it in the hallways
  9. Electronics are not allowed in the classrooms
  10. Two teachers are caught lap dancing at school and are forced to resign

 

 


School Examples Answer Key

 

  1. A child is found wearing inappropriate clothing, and is sent home to remove it – Judical
  2. The principal announces that no hats are to be worn in the school – Legislative
  3. The student council announces that the school dance will be formal – Executive
  4. A child is tardy, and receives a detention – Judicial
  5. A teacher delivers a message from the principal that students who do not complete their homework will be forced to attend Saturday school – Legislative
  6. Girls are instructed that they can have no promiscuous photos of males in their lockers – Executive
  7. School busses will only run at 3:00 pm, even though school disperses at noon – Legislative
  8. A child’s skateboard is confiscated for using it in the hallways – Judicial
  9. Electronics are not allowed in the classrooms – Legislative
  10. Two teachers are caught lap dancing at school and are forced to resign – Judicial

 

 

 

 


Government Examples

 

  1. The government cuts the budget for education
  2. Government determines that cell phone use while driving is illegal
  3. A police officer gives a ticket to a young biker not wearing a helmet
  4. The judge determined that the baptised Sikh was allowed to wear a turban instead of a helmet while bike riding
  5. A student’s license was revoked for driving with too many passengers in her car while only possessing an “N”
  6. The RCMP, at the instruction of the city council, closes down the teen dance at 11:00 pm
  7. A city bylaw officer instructs a citizen that his fence is too close to the property line, and it has to be moved
  8. A citizen is fined for not picking up dog poop when walking his dog
  9. The government decides to decriminalize marijuana
  10. A family steals from Future Shop by placing DVDs in a baby’s stroller and is fined $1,000

 

 


Government Examples Answer Key

 

  1. The government cuts the budget for education – Legislative
  2. Government determines that cell phone use while driving is illegal – Legislative
  3. A police officer gives a ticket to a young biker not wearing a helmet – Executive
  4. The judge determined that the baptised Sikh was allowed to wear a turban instead of a helmet while bike riding – Judical
  5. A student’s license was revoked for driving with too many passengers in her car while only possessing an “N” – Judical
  6. The RCMP, at the instruction of the city council, closes down the teen dance at 11:00 pm – Executive
  7. A city bylaw officer instructs a citizen that his fence is too close to the property line, and it has to be moved – Executive
  8. A citizen is fined for not picking up dog poop when walking his dog – Judical
  9. The government decides to decriminalize marijuana – Legislative
  10. A family steals from Future Shop by placing DVDs in a baby’s stroller and is fined $1,000 – Judical

 

 

 
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