Does anyone have a good open response question about the three branches of our national government?

“Back in 18__, the first branch of our national government, _______ was created for the reason of __________.

I am not sure at what point in the lesson you would be starting, so I am assuming that you are introducing the three branches of our national government. I would start with a personal question to get the kids connected to the idea of three branches that check each others power.

A sample question might be: How would you create a rule, try to get everyone involved in making the rule, and see if the rule follows the ideas of the U.S. Constitution?

If students have been introduced to the three branches of government then an open response question might be: How do the three branches of government work with each other when creating a law?

There are great websites with lesson plans for 5th graders found at the New York Times Learning Network, PBS.org, and, for primary resources, the National Archives at www.nara.gov. Below is a list of other websites to follow to help you with lesson plan ideas. Good luck!