Government Branches Matching Worksheet
Civics & Government • Grade 4-8 Constitutional Foundations
Three Branches Power Match
Explore how the U.S. Constitution divides power so no single branch becomes too powerful.
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1
Part 1: The Core Jobs (Match the Branch to its Main Job)
Write the letter of the correct primary duty in the blank next to each branch.
Legislative Branch
Congress: Senate & House of Reps
Executive Branch
President, Vice President & Cabinet
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court & Federal Courts
A.
Enforces and carries out laws; leads the armed forces, signs or vetoes bills, and conducts foreign policy.
B.
Interprets and evaluates laws; decides if laws follow the Constitution in legal disputes.
C.
Makes and drafts federal laws; introduces bills, collects taxes, and votes on approving national budgets.
2
Part 2: Who Holds the Power? (Scenario Match)
Read each constitutional duty below. Write L for Legislative, E for Executive, or J for Judicial.
1. Declares war on another country and prints money.
2. Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the military.
3. Decides if a law violates the U.S. Constitution (judicial review).
4. Appoints federal judges, ambassadors, and cabinet heads.
5. Holds confirmation hearings to approve or reject judges.
6. Can veto (reject) a bill passed by Congress.
7. Can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote.
8. Resolves legal conflicts between two different states.
3
Part 3: Checks & Balances Analysis
Answer the following short reflection questions using complete sentences.
A. Why did the Framers of the Constitution divide government power into three separate branches rather than giving all authority to one person or group?
B. Give one example of how one branch can "check" (limit) the power of another branch:
L: Legislative (Congress) • E: Executive (President) • J: Judicial (Supreme Court)
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