Capitol Crew Worksheet
Grade 3 Civics • Our Government
Capitol Hill Crew
Name:
Date:
Mission: Read about how lawmakers in our government work together to make rules for the United States. Then, show what you know!
Part 1
What is the Legislative Branch?
Our country has three branches of government, just like a tree has big, sturdy branches. The branch that makes our laws is called the legislative branch. In the United States, this group of lawmakers is called Congress. They work inside a famous white building with a giant round dome in Washington, D.C., called the U.S. Capitol. Congress is made up of two separate teams that work together: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate (Equal Team)
The Senate believes every state should have an equal say! Every state gets 2 Senators, whether the state is tiny like Rhode Island or giant like Alaska.
- 100 Senators in total (50 states × 2)
- Senators serve for 6 years
The House (Population Team)
The House of Representatives bases its numbers on population (how many people live in a state). States with more people get more Representatives!
- 435 Representatives in total
- Representatives serve for 2 years
Word Detectives • Match the Clues
Draw a line from each vocabulary word on the left to its matching meaning on the right.
1. Congress
A rule made by leaders to keep people safe and fair.
2. Law
The total number of people who live in an area.
3. Capitol
The lawmaking team made of the Senate and House.
4. Population
The domed building in Washington, D.C. where laws are made.
Turn the page to test your knowledge! Page 1 of 2
Capitol Crew • Comprehension & Practice
Grade 3 Civics
A Fact Check • Bubble the Best Answer
1. What is the main job of the legislative branch?
To enforce laws and run the army
To write and vote on new laws
To choose the national bird
2. How many Senators does each state have?
Exactly 2 Senators
50 Senators
It changes every year
B Which Room? Write S for Senate or H for House
Read each clue carefully. Decide which part of Congress it describes!
Has 100 members in total
Has 435 members in total
Every state gets an equal number (2)
Larger population means more members
Members serve a 6-year term
Members serve a 2-year term
C How a Bill Becomes a Law • Number 1, 2, 3
Put the steps of lawmaking in the correct order by writing 1, 2, and 3 in the boxes.
The President signs the bill, and it officially becomes a law for everyone!
A citizen or lawmaker has an idea for a rule and writes it down as a bill.
Both the House and Senate debate the bill and vote "Yes" to pass it.
D You Be the Lawmaker!
Imagine you were elected to Congress! What is one law you would propose to help kids or your community? Why?
Terrific job! You understand how Congress works. Page 2 of 2
Congress Organizer Chart
Civics Graphic Organizer
The Congress Map
Name:
Date:
Directions: Fill in the organizer boxes using clues from your reading and the Word Bank!
Word Bank: 100 • 435 • 2 Years • 6 Years • Laws • Capitol
The Legislative Branch
U.S. CONGRESS
What is their main job?
To write, debate, and vote on ____________________ for the nation.
Where do they meet?
The U.S. ____________________ Building in Washington, D.C.
Chamber 1
THE SENATE
"Equal Voice for Every State"
Total Members:
There are Senators in total.
How Many Per State?
Each state gets Senators (always equal!).
Term Length:
Senators serve for per election.
Chamber 2
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
"Voice Based on Population"
Total Members:
There are Representatives in total.
How is it decided?
Based on state (number of people).
Term Length:
Representatives serve for per election.
Both sides must work together and agree on a bill before it can become a law!
The 3-Step Lawmaking Flow
STEP 1
An Idea is Born
A citizen or lawmaker writes down an idea to solve a problem. This written idea is called a bill.
STEP 2
Congress Votes
Both the Senate and the House discuss the bill, suggest changes, and vote "YES".
STEP 3
President Signs
The bill goes to the President. Once signed, it officially becomes a LAW for the whole country!
Remember: Congress = Senate + House of Representatives Capitol Hill Crew • Study Guide
Capitol Crew Answer Key
Teacher Resource Grade 3 Civics
Capitol Hill Crew • Answer Key & Teaching Guide
Reference Key Classroom Edition
Common Grade 3 Misconceptions to Address:
- Building Confusion: Kids often mix up the White House (where the President lives) and the Capitol (where Congress meets). Point out the Capitol's big round dome!
- Lawmakers vs. Judges: Remind students that Congress makes laws, while judges and police make sure people follow them.
Worksheet Page 1: Word Detectives
- 1. Congress: The lawmaking team made of the Senate and House.
- 2. Law: A rule made by leaders to keep people safe and fair.
- 3. Capitol: The domed building in Washington, D.C. where laws are made.
- 4. Population: The total number of people who live in an area.
Part A: Fact Check Bubbles
1. Main job of legislative branch:
✔ To write and vote on new laws
2. How many Senators does each state have:
✔ Exactly 2 Senators
Part B: Which Room? (S or H)
• 100 members: S (Senate)
• 435 members: H (House)
• Equal per state (2): S
• Based on people: H
• 6-year terms: S
• 2-year terms: H
Part C: Lawmaking Order (1, 2, 3)
- Step 1: An idea is written down as a bill.
- Step 2: House & Senate debate and vote "Yes".
- Step 3: The President signs the bill into law.
Part D: Sample Creative Answers
Accept any reasonable rule focused on safety, kindness, school, or community welfare!
Example: "Every school should have 15 minutes of quiet reading and free art supplies so every child can learn and create."
Organizer Chart Fill-Ins
- • Main job: To write, debate, and vote on laws.
- • Meeting place: The U.S. Capitol Building.
- • Senate: 100 total, 2 per state, 6 Years.
- • House: total, based on , .
