Explain the six core constitutional principles — federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, popular sovereignty, limited government, judicial review — with concrete examples for each, via iCivics 'Branches of Power' simulation
Exercise
Difficulty 4
~15 min
hist.g5.s.ex_14
Branches Of Power Simulation
Prompt
In small groups, run the iCivics Branches of Power simulation through ONE mock bill. Document each branch's checks-and-balances action.
How it's presented
mode
simulation with role
Answer criteria
type
simulation log
required actions
- House passage vote
- Senate passage vote
- President sign or veto
- Supreme Court constitutional review (if applicable)
Hints
- Each child plays one role
- Track action on scoreboard
Misconceptions to watch
- Skipping the Supreme Court review step
- Confusing the override threshold (2/3 not 1/2)
Used in lessons