Legislation

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is dedicated to elucidating the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Legislative Branch within the broader checks and balances system. Centered around a graphic, the sheet prompts students to list the primary functions of the Legislative Branch under “What It Does” and delineate how this branch checks the powers of both the Executive and Judicial branches. The visual representation offers a clear focus on the interconnectedness of the branches and the oversight mechanisms in place. The arrows pointing from the Legislative Branch to the Executive and Judicial branches emphasize the directionality of the checks exerted by the Legislative arm.

The worksheet seeks to provide students with a structured and clear framework to understand the pivotal role of the Legislative Branch in the U.S. government’s checks and balances system. By prompting students to fill in the specific checks the Legislative Branch holds over the other two branches, the worksheet fosters a deep understanding of the mechanisms that prevent the concentration of unchecked power. It aims to engage students actively by having them recall and list these functions, promoting retention and comprehension. Through this exercise, students will be better equipped to appreciate the forethought and wisdom of the Founding Fathers in designing a government with inherent safeguards against potential abuses of power.