American Government Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Related Standards: RI.6-8.1 & RH.6-8.8

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

After the largest war in American history the Unites States government was created which not only put a strain on the people, but each individual state on its own. The framers of the United States constitution knew that the nature of man needed to be kept in check, so the creation of the government was designed to have plenty of watchdogs. The federal government is made up of three unique arms or branches of the government. These worksheets will explore the structure and function of the American Government.

American Government Worksheets To Print:

Roles of the U.S. Congress - What is the role of Congress per the Constitution? Legislative means that the Congress has the power to legislate, that is, make laws for the country.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

The U.S. Senate - The law making arm of the government. There are two Senators from each state. In the early days of the country Senators were appointed by the state legislature and they serve for six year terms. Now Senators are elected by the voters of their state.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

The U.S. House of Representatives - The arm in charge of passing federal laws that some States are at odds with. Representatives are supposed to stay in close touch with the people in their districts. Representatives serve only a two-year term.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

The Role of the U.S. President - What Presidents do for a living? It's not just shaking hands and kissing babies. The President is allowed to negotiate treaties with other countries but all treaties must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

How Laws Are Made in Congress - This lesson is about the procedures within Congress for enacting a law. Once the proposed law is written it is introduced into the Senate or House of Representatives and given a number code that begins with S or H.R.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

Social Security - . Social Security was designed to make sure that elderly people who could no longer work, widows and fatherless children would have money to live on. Will it be around when you retire? Most likely, but you'll have to wait a bit longer.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

Medicare - Medicare is a federal program that helps senior citizens over the age of 65 with medical costs. This is how we stay healthy when were older? .
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

Why Citizens Pay Taxes - If you want roads, bridges, or community helpers you will need to pay these. History also tells us that the ancient Egyptians, Aztecs and Romans also paid taxes.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

U.S. Citizenship - Citizenship refers to the country a person belongs to. A person who wants to travel to another country must be able to show papers that prove where they have their citizenship. Citizenship is important because citizens of a country have rights under the laws of that country.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

Historic Documents of the American Government - The government of the United States is based upon written documents that were approved by delegates of the citizens of each colony or state. Focuses on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Reading Passage
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions

The Branches Of The American Government

According to the constitution of the United States, the federal government is divided into three branches. This division is to make sure that nobody gets too much power. These three branches are

- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
- Legislative


The legislative branch is meant to create laws. It will also provide the confirmation or rejection of presidential nominations for the Supreme Court, federal judges, and federal agencies. This branch also has the power to declare war. Congress and the special agencies are the two essential parts of this branch. The congress includes the senate and house of representative. The citizens of America have the right to vote for representatives and senators through free of cost and confidential ballots.


Executive

The purpose of the executive branch is to carry out the law. The main elements of the executive branch are president, vice president, executive departments, commissions, cabinet, independent agencies, and committees. The citizens of America can vote for the president and vice president.


President is the one who leads the country. His or her duty is to head the state. The president can serve for four years. Vice president is the one who supports the president. In times of need, the vice president can also act as the president. The cabinet has members who advise the president.


Judicial

The judicial branch is known to interpret the meaning of the law. This branch applies the law to individuals. The main elements of the judicial branch are the Supreme Court and other federal courts.


The highest court of the United States is the Supreme Court. The president is the one who nominates the justices of the Supreme Court. They are approved by the senate. Supreme Court is made up of nine members. There is one chief justice and he has eight associates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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