Standard 3: Structure and Functions of Government

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General Information
Number: SS.5.C.3
Title: Structure and Functions of Government
Type: Standard
Subject: Social Studies
Grade: 5
Strand: Civics and Government

Related Benchmarks

This cluster includes the following benchmarks.

Related Access Points

This cluster includes the following access points.

Independent

SS.5.C.3.In.0
Recognize that the three branches of the United States government have separate powers.
SS.5.C.3.In.1
Identify that the United States Constitution is based on the principle of the separation of powers.
SS.5.C.3.In.2
Describe a power of the federal government—such as coining money, and a power of the state—such as creating public schools.
SS.5.C.3.In.3
Recognize that a change to the Constitution (amendment) is created by following specific steps.
SS.5.C.3.In.4
Identify rights granted in the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
SS.5.C.3.In.5
Identify the role of the courts in the American legal system in settling conflicts.

Supported

SS.5.C.3.Su.0
Recognize the three branches of the United States government.
SS.5.C.3.Su.1
Recognize that the United States Constitution specifies the powers of the branches of government.
SS.5.C.3.Su.2
Identify a power of the federal government—such as coining money, and a power of the state—such as creating public schools.
SS.5.C.3.Su.3
Recognize that a change to the law is an amendment.
SS.5.C.3.Su.4
Recognize a right granted in the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech or religion.
SS.5.C.3.Su.5
Recognize that a court settles conflicts between people.

Participatory

SS.5.C.3.Pa.0
Recognize the United States has a government.
SS.5.C.3.Pa.1
Recognize the United States has a government.
SS.5.C.3.Pa.2
Recognize that government provides services, such as coining money or creating schools.
SS.5.C.3.Pa.3
Recognize that a law can be changed.
SS.5.C.3.Pa.4
Recognize that citizens have rights.
SS.5.C.3.Pa.5
Recognize that conflicts can be settled.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.

Lesson Plan

Bill of Rights Billboard:

This MEA will deepen students' knowledge of the Bill of Rights through collaborative problem solving. Students are required to analyze data in order to recommend three Amendments to celebrate during a community festival.  They will perform operations with fractions and mixed numbers to recommend advertising options for the festival within a budget.

Type: Lesson Plan

Teaching Idea

Importance of Rules and the Bill of Rights:

This web resource provides students with support in understanding the importance of having rules (laws) in society, learning how they are addressed in the U.S Constitution, and gaining an understanding of the Bill of Rights.

Type: Teaching Idea

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this topic.

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this topic.