Alabama Social Studies SS24.4.7a

Social Studies4th GradeAmerican Revolution and Early Republic

The Standard

SS24.4.7: Summarize the key factors leading to the ratification of the Constitution, including the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, Shays’ Rebellion, and the Constitutional Convention with its compromises.

Describe the system of government established by the Constitution, including the three branches of government and their functions.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students name the three branches of the national government set up by the Constitution. They explain that Congress makes laws, the president carries them out, and federal courts interpret them.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a government action, a student names the branch responsible and explains why. They can tell how the jobs differ without mixing them up.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the president makes laws alone or that courts enforce laws. They may also think one branch is in charge of the other two.
How to Assess It: On an exit ticket, ask: Congress votes on a bill, the president signs it, and a federal court hears a challenge to it. Name each branch and write its job.

Lesson moves

Give groups job cards and a three-column chart; have them place each card under Congress, president, or federal courts.
Ask students to write two sentences answering: Why does a court hear a challenge to a law instead of Congress?
Play 'Who does it?' Read aloud 'passes a bill,' 'carries out a law,' and 'rules on a case'; students raise branch cards.
Show a printed headline about a congressional vote; students label the branch and explain its job.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS24.4.7a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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