Checks and Balances: Keeping Government in Check
Students will learn how the three branches of government limit each other's power through the system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
🌍 Why This Lesson Matters
The Founders, wary of tyranny after King George III, designed a system where no single branch could dominate. Cases like Marbury v. Madison (establishing judicial review) and impeachment trials show these checks in action. Understanding this system helps students see how modern conflicts (e.g., executive orders challenged in court) are resolved.
🎓 Learning Goals
Objectives
- Identify the three branches of government and their primary functions.
- Explain at least 5 specific checks and balances.
- Analyze a historical or current event through the lens of checks and balances.
- Debate whether the system effectively prevents tyranny.
Essential Questions
- "Why did the Founders fear concentrated power?"
- "How do the branches "check" each other?"
- "Is the system working today?"
📋 Lesson Procedure
Hook: Power Corrupts?
10 minShare the quote "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Ask students to think of examples from history or fiction.
Three Branches Overview
15 minBrief review of each branch's role. Use graphic organizer to map powers and personnel.
Checks Deep Dive
20 minStudents work in groups to research and present one check (e.g., veto, judicial review, Senate confirmation). Create a class "Checks Web" on the board.
Current Events Connection
10 minAnalyze a recent news story involving checks and balances. Which branches are involved? What check is being applied?
✅ Assessment
Students create a flowchart showing what happens when one branch attempts to overstep, identifying which checks would apply.