Oklahoma Academic Standard 5. The student will describe the structure and responsibilities of the American system of government and the role of the individual citizen.  

Objective 5.5.1   Examine the key principles of government established in the Constitution of the United States including:

A.  separation of powers among three branches of government 

In a Nutshell

This objective requires that students understand a very basic and unique concept of our republican system- separate powers- instituted to provide balance between three branches of government. In an effort to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful, government duties and responsibilities were divided among three groups of elected and appointed officials. It is important for students to understand the framers intent of separated powers was to limit potential abuse by a central government. 

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide students with opportunities to examine key principles of government established by the Constitution by analyzing information from primary sources from the past and present.

• Assist students to explain the challenges people have faced and the strategies used to address local, regional, or national historical problems.  

• Explain how laws are made in a democratic society to protect individual freedoms.

• Explain the structure, responsibilities, and powers exercised by national officials of the branches of the United States government.  

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• principle of separated powers, abuse of power, limited government, "rule of law"

• executive branch, President, Chief Executive, Commander-in-Chief, terms in office, role of Electoral College, cabinet advisors, cabinet departments

• legislative branch, Congress, House of Representatives, Senate, representation in each body, terms in office, expressed powers

• judicial branch, Supreme Court, federal courts, appointment, terms in office, authority 

• Most students assume that powers delegated to three branches are merely to designate a method for sharing authority without realizing the purpose of divided authority was to limit the abuse by one person or one group. 

• Some students may find it difficult to realize the role of the Supreme Court as a guardian of the principles of the Constitution, as opposed to the usual roles of courts and judges on the local and state levels.

Instructional Resources