3rd Grade S.S. Claim/Evidence Branches of Government

Which statement is a claim about why the three branches of government were created?

• The government has three separate branches

• Each branch has different jobs to complete

• The branches were created to share and balance power

• The government includes leaders and officials

Which evidence best supports the claim that each branch has a different responsibility?

• The government includes many leaders and workers

• Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and courts interpret them

• Citizens vote for leaders in national elections

• Government buildings are located in Washington, D.C.

Two students explain the purpose of the branches of government. Student A: The branches were created to make the government stronger. Student B: The branches were created to prevent any one branch from having too much power. How do these viewpoints differ?

• They describe the same purpose of government

• They focus on different reasons for the system

• Only one student explains the idea clearly

• They disagree that the branches exist

How are the three branches of government similar?

• All branches make laws for the country

• All branches have the same responsibilities

• All branches work together to run the government

• All branches are located in different countries

What is one responsibility of the legislative branch?

• Enforcing laws across the entire country

• Interpreting laws in courts and cases

• Making laws for the nation and its people

• Leading the military during times of war

What is one effect of having three branches of government?

• One branch controls all government decisions

• Power is shared and limited among branches

• Laws are created without any review

• Citizens no longer vote for leaders

A student claims that the president has all the power in government. Which statement is a counterclaim?

• The president leads the executive branch

• The president signs laws passed by Congress

• The legislative and judicial branches also limit power

• The president works in the White House

Which sentence best shows clear reasoning?

• The government has three branches

• The president is an important leader

• The branches limit power so no one branch becomes too strong

• Congress meets to discuss important issues

Which piece of evidence best supports the claim that the judicial branch interprets laws?

• Judges review laws and decide if they follow the Constitution

• Congress writes laws for the country

• The president signs laws into action

• Citizens vote for government leaders

A government leader says the three branches work together to keep the country running.

Another person says the branches mainly limit each other’s power.

What do these viewpoints show?

• Both people agree about how the system works

• Different people describe the system in different ways

• One person is correct and the other is incorrect

• The branches do not have clear responsibilities