Creative Ideas for a 3rd Grade Poster on the 3 Branches of State Government

Pupils can create posters to learn about the branches of state governments.

The branches of government can be a difficult concept for pupils to understand. They also may find it difficult to discern the differences and similarities between the state and federal governments. Pupils can create posters to help them develop a strong understanding of the three branches of state governments. You can display these posters in the hallway to motivate the pupils.

People Poster

Have pupils create a poster that displays pictures of current office holders in the three branches of the state government. These can be photos printed from the computer, newspaper clippings or pictures drawn by hand. Provide a variety of resources as the pupils work to find out more about the branches of government. As pupils research the positions and who currently holds the offices, they will begin to understand the roles of some important people who work for the state.

Tree Branches

Pupils can learn visually about the three branches of state government with a poster activity. Begin by explaining that the three branches of state government are modeled after the federal government system. Ask pupils to use blue poster board or paint white poster board blue to represent the sky. Give them brown and green construction paper to use and have them create a tree trunk with three branches, labeled in bold marker. Each branch should have multiple leaves hanging from it, and each leaf should list one of the responsibilities of the branch from which it hangs.

Checks and Balances

Pupils need to understand the system of checks and balances in government. Explain that this system helps limit the powers given to each branch. Have pupils create posters demonstrating various ways that one branch can check another, such as the judicial branch's power to declare a law unconstitutional. Have pupils construct their posters like a flow chart while listing the ways that the powers are balanced.

Political Posters

Show students how to campaign with the use of political posters.

Motivate pupils to create eye-catching posters to earn a vote for office. Give each pupil a specific political position for which to run. They should create posters explaining specific changes they would make while in office. Tell pupils that these must be legitimate ways in which that particular office could change things. Pupils will have to research the roles of each branch of government. At the end of this project, pupils should present their campaign posters in front of the class. Through the presentation, pupils will learn about the many offices of state government.

References

• White House: State and Local Government
• Congress for Kids: Constitution