Texas TEKS 4.13.B
The Standard
identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of government according to the Texas Constitution
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students name the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government. They explain that each branch has a different job and give an example of its work.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly match the legislature with making laws, the governor and agencies with carrying out laws, and state courts with interpreting laws. They can explain how the jobs differ.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may confuse Texas government with the federal government or say the governor makes laws alone. They may also think courts enforce laws rather than interpret laws and settle legal disputes.
How to Assess It
- Give students three cards labeled proposed law, state agency action, and court ruling. Ask them to name the branch responsible for each and explain why.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups branch cards and job cards, then have them sort each government job under legislative, executive, or judicial.
Ask students to write which branch should act when Texas needs a new school safety law and explain their reasoning.
Play a three-corners game where students move to the branch named by each Texas government scenario.
Use a recent Texas bill to trace how lawmakers, the governor, state agencies, and courts may each become involved.
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Printable 4.13.B Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 7.14
Government. The student understands the structure and functions of government created by the Texas Constitution. The student is expected to:
- 7.13.A
identify how the Texas Constitution reflects the principles of limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular...
- 4.13.A
identify the purposes and explain the importance of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution;
- 5.15.A
identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of government;
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