Central Dauphin School District

Curriculum Unit Map

Subject: Social Studies / Grade Level: 6th Grade / Topic: Branches of United States Government
Priority PA Core Standards:
PA Academic Standards (if applicable):
5.3.6.A:Describe the responsibilities and powers of the three branches ofgovernment.
5.3.6.B:Define and compare the role and structure of local,state, and nationalgovernments.
5.3.6.D:Identify leadership positions and their primary duties at the local,state, and national levels.
5.3.6.F:Explain how courts resolve conflicts.
KEY LEARNING: The structure, organization, and operations of the three branches of the United States Government. / UNIT ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
What are the powers of the three branches of United States government and how are they organized in order to carry out their responsibilities? / Texts/Resources/Materials:
Harcourt Horizons Textbook, Internet, Teacher Made Resources.
CONCEPT: Legislative Branch / CONCEPT: Executive Branch / CONCEPT: Judicial Branch / CONCEPT:
Lesson Essential Questions:
How would you describe the structure and roles of the Legislative Branch?
·  Describe the responsibilities and the powers of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government
·  Define the structure of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government
-Congress
-House of Representatives
-Senate
·  Identify the leadership positions in Legislative Branch
-Speaker of the House
-Senate Majority Leader
-Senate Minority Leader / Lesson Essential Questions:
How would you describe the structure and roles of the Executive Branch?
·  Describe the responsibilities and powers of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government
·  Define the structure of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government
-President
-Vice-President
-Cabinet / Lesson Essential Questions:
How would you describe the structure and roles of the Judicial Branch?
·  Describe the responsibilities and powers of the Judicial Branch of the Federal Government?
·  Define the structure of the Judicial Branch of the Federal Government
-Supreme Court
-Chief Justice of Supreme Court
- Supreme Court Justices
·  Describe the process used to appoint members to the Supreme Court / Lesson Essential Questions:
Vocabulary
Academic Specific:
(examples: analyze, trace, identify) / Domain (Content) Specific:
(examples: drama, characterization, theme)
Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, Senate, Congress, House of Representatives, Cabinet, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances,
Unit Assessment Plan
Common Summative Activities/Performance Tasks/Assessments (from assessment bank):