Florida SS.5.CG.3.5

Social Studies5th GradeStructure and Functions of Government

The Standard

Explain how the U.S. Constitution influenced the Florida Constitution.

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students compare the two constitutions and identify shared features, including three branches, checks and balances, and protected rights. They explain how the federal model shaped Florida's government.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students can match Florida provisions with related federal principles and support each match with evidence. They can also explain that each constitution governs a different level of government.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think Florida copied the federal document word for word. They may confuse state and federal powers or assume the governor and president have the same authority.
How to Assess It: Give students short excerpts from both constitutions. Ask them to name one shared principle and explain how the excerpts show federal influence on Florida government.

Lesson moves

Have groups sort excerpt cards under three branches, checks and balances, individual rights, or state-only features.
Ask students to write: Which federal constitutional idea most clearly appears in Florida government, and what evidence supports your choice?
Run a matching relay where teams pair federal principles with Florida provisions, then explain each match for a point.
Show a Florida constitutional amendment ballot summary, then have students compare its purpose with the federal amendment process.

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