Introduction
When the leaders of our country gathered together in the year 1787 to write our Constitution, they envisioned a strong and fair nation. They wanted the government to be strong, but they also wanted to protect individuals' freedoms. This led them to the creation of three branches of government: the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches.
Task
Your task is to learn about the jobs of each branch of the federal government. Explore the structure of each branch and requirements of being a member of each. Think critically about why each branch is organized the way it is and which branch you think may have the most power. You will create a graphic organizer with the information you gather.
Process
You will work individually, using the websites provided to research each branch. All the websites you will need during this WebQuest can be found under the "Credits" section. I suggest that you gather your information onto a word document. You will then present your information in an organizer of your choice using the following website: https://www.gliffy.com/. You will click on "Start Drawing." The website will give you further instructions on how to create your organizer, and it is pretty user-friendly. Your organizer should contain sufficient information to teach someone else all about each branch of the government. You must include information about how each branch is set up and what each one's job includes. You may also include other information you find interesting. Your organizer may be something like a web or a flow chart. Choose whatever design works best for you. When you are finished with the organizer, please print it and turn it in.
Evaluation
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Criteria |
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On Task |
3-The student is on task the entire time, working quietly and effectively without bothering others. |
2-The student is on task the majority of the time, occasionally talking or not working on project. |
1-The student spends most of the time not on task, bothering others and being disruptive. |
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Information |
3-The students presents information about each branch, including the structure and make-up and jobs and powers of each. The student's information displays effective use of critical thinking, going beyond the simple facts. |
2-The student includes information about each branch, but some important details are left out. Evidence of critical thinking is at a minimum, as the student did not venture past the simple facts. |
1-The students left out many important details about one or more branches. No critical thinking is displayed. |
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Organizer |
3-The student effectively created an easily understood diagram using the provided websites. The organizer includes great detail about each branch, including the structure and function of each as well as additional information. The organizer also makes sense to the reader. |
2-The student created an organizer using the provided website, but parts of it are not easily understood. The reader must study the diagram in order to follow the information, and some details have been left out. |
1-The student created something that is not representative of an organizer. Many pieces of information are left out, and the reader cannot learn about the branches of government by reading the product. |
Conclusion
It is very important that we know how our government works. In the future, you will be able to vote. You cannot make an educated vote without knowing how the government is set up. You should now have a better understanding of how our government functions through three branches. Please fill out the rubric in the Evaluation section that I have already printed and given to you, grading yourself based upon how you believe your work fits the criteria. I will then grade you based on how I believe you did.