Texas TEKS 5.15.A
The Standard
identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of government
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 and describe each branch’s main job. They connect Congress, the president, and federal courts to the correct branch.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly sort government actions by branch and explain their choices. They state that Congress makes laws, the president carries them out, and courts interpret them.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the president makes laws alone or that courts enforce laws. They may also confuse the three federal branches with federal, state, and local levels of government.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Match Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court to their branches, then write one sentence explaining each branch’s job.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups branch labels and action cards, then have them sort each action under legislative, executive, or judicial.
Ask students to write which branch they would choose to serve in and explain how that branch affects laws.
Play Branch Charades, where students act out making, carrying out, or interpreting a law while classmates identify the branch.
Share a short news article about a federal action, then have students identify the branch involved and its function.
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Printable 5.15.A Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 4.13.B
identify and explain the basic functions of the three branches of government according to the Texas Constitution; and
- 3.7.A
describe the basic structure of government in the local community, state, and nation;
- 7.14.A
describe the structure and functions of government at municipal, county, and state levels; and
- 5.15.B
identify the reasons for and describe the system of checks and balances outlined in the U.S. Constitution; and
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