National Government: The Executive Branch
Session 1: Organization of the Executive Branch

Materials

• Overhead projector or board
• Handout, Organization of the Executive Branch (Attachment A)

Instructional Activities

1. Ask students to respond in their notebooks to the following question:
   
   What is the function of the executive branch and how would our country be operated differently if the national executive branch did not exist?
   
   Student responses may vary; however, they should center on the executive branch enforcing, executing, or carrying out the law.  Should students have a difficult time thinking of how our country would be different, ask them to think about how the government was operated under the Articles of Confederation.
   
   Explain to students that Article II of the United States Constitution pertains to the executive branch.
   
   
2. Create a class list of the responses. Do not correct the student's responses.
   
   
3. Solicit responses from students to determine the name or the position titles of the head of the executive branch. Remind students to consider the function of the branch when trying to determine who is in charge of it.
   
   
4. Distribute the handout, Organization of the Executive Branch (Attachment A). Discuss the handout with students to ensure they understand what is represented. (Guided Practice)
   
   
5. Have students try to determine what types of matters or issues are performed in each executive office and cabinet department. (Independent Practice)
   
   
6. Recap lesson (Closure Activity)
   
   
7. Homework: Have students identify the qualifications of President and Vice President.