Social Studies - United States Government & Citizenship
Lesson Plans

U.S. GOV Strand 3: DISTRIBUTION OF POWER

The Constitution distributes authority between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Additionally, power embedded in the federalist system, or compound constitutional republic, is distributed between the federal, state, and local governments. American Indian tribal governments maintain a unique relationship with other levels and branches of government, adding yet another dimension for consideration. Finally, individuals and groups use a range of strategies and methods for wielding their own political power.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• How is political power distributed? How can it be attained?
• What political power do individuals possess?
• What are issues that cause friction between local, state, sovereign tribal, and/or the federal government, and how can these tensions be resolved?
• What functions do political parties serve?
• How do people determine their affiliations with political parties, special interest groups, or other causes or movements?
• What role do lobbyists and special interest groups play in political processes?

U.S. GOV Standard 3.1:

Students will explain the distribution of power among national, state, tribal, and local governments in order to identify how needs are met by governance systems.

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