SS.7.CG.3.4

In this lesson plan, students will learn that each level of government can tax. Students will then analyze the functions of government and explain how those taxes can support the continuation of those functions. Teachers will help guide students in researching how taxes work at each level of government - federal, state and local. While the research for all students will remain the same for federal and state, it is the local (county) government taxes where they may need some additional support in conducting research.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will define and identify examples of enumerated, concurrent, and reserved powers set forth by the U.S. Constitution. Each student will be provided a blank chart and a set of cards they will use to complete their charts. Each card contains either a definition or example of an enumerated, concurrent, or reserved power of government. In pairs or small groups, students will go through each card and discuss if they believe the power is held by the national government, state governments, or shared between the two. This lesson requires one chart per student, a set of cards to complete the chart, and approximately 30 minutes of class time. A PowerPoint lesson is included along with a completed chart for reference.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will review the 10th Amendent and Article IV of the U.S. Constitution in order to determine how and why federalism is an important feature of the U.S. government.  The teacher will present an interactive PowerPoint that includes a graphic organizer, discussion opportunities, and a formative assessment.  After students complete the PowerPoint, they will have the opportunity to test their skills visually through a game of Pictionary.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this interactive tutorial, explore the impact of federal, state, and local governments on your daily life.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In this interactive tutorial, explore the state government of Florida and learn how its three branches are modeled after those in the federal government.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In this interactive tutorial, explore the similarities and differences between the federal Constitution of the United States and the state Constitution of Florida.  You'll also learn about our system of federalism and how it is expressed in these Constitutions.  

Type: Original Student Tutorial

In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how and why American citizens are governed by TWO governments which share power: the federal government of the United States and the government of the state in which they live.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

This Grade 7 Civics Family Guide provides some ideas and activities to support civics education when at home, out and about, and in the community. The activities provided align to the civics learning benchmarks within Standard 3 at this grade level.

Type: Teaching Idea