About This Lesson
In this 90 minutes lesson, students will develop SEL skill like: decision-making and responsible behaviors in their communities. Students will work cooperatively to examine how powers are separated and distributed among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States government. Students will have the opportunity to role play, as if they were the President, a Supreme Court Justice, or a member of Congress. Through this process, students will make “real life” controversial decisions, try to work their agendas, and analyze their feelings about the process. Students will practice their oratorical skills while presenting their perspectives to the class. The students will conclude with a reflection about checks and balances, the emotions throughout the process, and an assessment about the role of the three branches of government. The lesson includes handouts, rubrics, and answer keys for all activities. This lesson is aligned to the Common Core Standards for History/Social Studies and the Ohio State Standards for American Government.
