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Learning Objectives
- Simulate the way separation of powers and checks and balances limit government
- Analyze the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
- Illustrate the law making process at the local, state, and federal levels
Overview
Do your students like running things? Branches of Power allows them to do something that no one else can: control all three branches of the U.S. government.
Each branch plays a specific role in turning an idea into a law. In Branches of Power, your students will practice their decision-making skills as they take on the roles and responsibilities of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches and turn as many bills into laws as possible. Through the game, players will introduce a presidential agenda, communicate with the public, write legislation, sign or veto bills, and even judge passed laws.
In Branches of Power your students will:
- Create a presidential agenda and learn about the executive branch powers
- Introduce bills and pass laws out of Congress
- Apply judicial review to passed laws
For English Language Learners: Use the support tool, Spanish translation, voiceover and glossary.
Teacher Tips
The Branches of Power Extension Pack includes activities and a mini quiz that give the game context and reinforce and assess its concepts. Extension Packs include a downloadable teacher lesson plan, assignable student handout, and instructive Google Slides.
Multilingual and English learners (ELs/MLs) and Spanish-speaking students: This game offers a decision-support tool, an English voiceover, a contextualized glossary, and a Spanish-language version.
Our games integrate seamlessly into your curriculum and classroom! Learn more about how to teach with games.
Tags
Pedagogy Tags
Assessment
Vocabulary
Spanish
Tech Options
Tablet/iPad App
Web browser
Partners
Made with support from the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics of the Annenberg Public Policy Center
