Federal Government

Use this section to explore resources about the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances, the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists over whether or not to ratify the U.S. Constitution, how the U.S. Constitution outlines the structure and function of the three branches of the federal government, the amendment process, the processes of the three branches of the federal government, the lawmaking process at all levels of government and the services that government provides its citizens. Click on the links to each of the module pages below to explore that module's content.

Preamble of the U.S. Constitution

Let's Learn About The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution:

SS.7.C.1.6: Interpret the intentions of the Preamble of the Constitution.

Limits on Government Powers

Let's Learn About Limits on Government Powers:

SS.7.C.1.7: Describe how the Constitution limits the powers of government through separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federalists versus Anti-Federalists

Let's Learn About Federalists v. Anti-Federalists

SS.7.C.1.8: Explain the viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists regarding the ratification of the Constitution and inclusion of a bill of rights.

Articles I, II, and III

Let's Learn About Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution

SS.7.C.3.3: Illustrate the structure and function (three branches of government established in Articles I, II, and III with corresponding powers) of government in the United States as established in the Constitution.

The Amendment Process

Let's Learn About The Amendment Process

SS.7.C.3.5: Explain the constitutional amendment process.

Structure, Powers, and Processes of Federal Government

Let's Learn About The Structure, Powers and Processes of the Federal Government

SS.7.C.3.8: Analyze the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

SS.7.C.3.9: Illustrate the lawmaking process at the federal level.

Federal Government Obligations and Services

Let's Learn About The Federal Governments' Obligations & Services

SS.7.C.3.14: Differentiate between local, state, and federal governments’ obligations and services.