Tree Branches of Government

Branches of Government Game

Help your students grow an understanding of the U.S. Government with a spring-themed social studies activity for the whole class! We provide the activity template for you, so you don't have to go out on a limb to practice the branches of the U.S. Government with your students! Read on to find out more.

Cultivate social studies knowledge with your students by having them identify the various roles of the branches of government in this fun game that calls for whole-class participation. Print out this handy template and you'll have everything you need to get started. 

Here's how it works: 

Hang up the printable tree trunk and bare branches in an easy-to-display spot in your classroom, such as on your whiteboard. 

Cut out the tree leaves from the other pages of the template and label them with various roles of the Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Try to use short phrases and key words. 

Here are some roles of government to consider:

  • President
  • House of Representatives 
  • Interprets Laws
  • The Senate
  • Approves Laws
  • In Charge of Military
  • Makes Appointments
  • Makes Laws
  • Federal Courts
  • 9 Justices
  • Makes Treaties
  • Declares War
  • Prints Coins and Money
  • Signs or Vetos Laws
  • Supreme Court
  • Vice President
  • Congress
  • Cabinet

Once you've written a variety of roles for each branch of government, distribute a tree leaf to every student in your class. 

Students will take turns bringing their leaves to the U.S. Government tree at the front of the classroom. They will sort their leaves onto the correct branch of the tree: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, or the Judicial Branch. Students can use a small piece of tape or a bit of sticky tack to adhere their leaf to the tree. 

For example, a student who has a leaf with "The Senate" written on it will sort her leaf onto the Legislative Branch. It's that simple!

When all the leaves have been sorted onto the U.S. Government tree, review the roles of the branches of government as a whole class. 

Did you and your students try this activity? Remember to tag @superteacherworksheets on social media! 

What are some of your favorite social studies activities for the whole class? Our community of teachers would love to hear from you, and so would we! Leave your feedback in the comment section below. 

If you are looking for more engaging social studies activities for your students, be sure to browse the Social Studies Index on Super Teacher Worksheets! 

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