In this Grade 4 lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students learn the key principles of U.S. government, including representative government, the federal system, separation of powers, and checks and balances. The lesson also explores the rights and civic responsibilities of U.S. citizens, from freedom of expression to the right to a fair trial. Students examine how the three branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial — work together and limit one another's power.
Section 1
Three Branches of U.S. Government
The U.S. government is divided into three equal branches: legislative (Congress) passes laws, executive (President) enforces laws, and judicial (Supreme Court) interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents any branch from becoming too powerful through a system of checks and balances.
Section 2
Rights of U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens have rights to life, liberty, and happiness; freedom of expression; freedom of religion; fair trial by jury; voting; and serving in public office. These rights allow citizens to participate in democracy and have a voice in their government.
Section 3
Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
Citizens must obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries when called, and defend the nation. They also have responsibilities to stay informed about issues, vote in elections, respect others' rights and views, and participate in their communities.
Section 4
Global Citizenship
Being a global citizen means understanding worldwide issues like environmental threats and economic connections between countries. It involves caring for the environment, learning about other cultures, and working together to solve international problems while still fulfilling duties as a U.S. citizen.
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Section 1
Three Branches of U.S. Government
The U.S. government is divided into three equal branches: legislative (Congress) passes laws, executive (President) enforces laws, and judicial (Supreme Court) interprets laws. This separation of powers prevents any branch from becoming too powerful through a system of checks and balances.
Section 2
Rights of U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens have rights to life, liberty, and happiness; freedom of expression; freedom of religion; fair trial by jury; voting; and serving in public office. These rights allow citizens to participate in democracy and have a voice in their government.
Section 3
Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
Citizens must obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries when called, and defend the nation. They also have responsibilities to stay informed about issues, vote in elections, respect others' rights and views, and participate in their communities.
Section 4
Global Citizenship
Being a global citizen means understanding worldwide issues like environmental threats and economic connections between countries. It involves caring for the environment, learning about other cultures, and working together to solve international problems while still fulfilling duties as a U.S. citizen.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter