5th Grade Civics & Government — The Three Branches — How Our Government Works
Students will understand why the Founders divided the government into three branches and how this idea was inspired by Biblical principles.
When America's Founding Fathers created our government, they faced a big question: How do you build a government that is strong enough to protect the people but not so powerful that it takes away their freedom?
The Founders studied the Bible and found an answer in Isaiah 33:22, which describes God as judge, lawgiver, and king. These three roles inspired the idea of dividing government into three separate branches — each with a different job.
The Founders also believed that because all people are sinners (Romans 3:23), no single person or group should have too much power. Dividing power among three branches helps prevent anyone from becoming a tyrant.
The three branches are: the Legislative Branch (Congress) that makes the laws, the Executive Branch (the President) that enforces the laws, and the Judicial Branch (the courts) that interprets the laws.
This system of separated powers has kept America free for over 200 years. It is one of the greatest ideas in the history of government, and it was built on the wisdom found in God's Word.
Draw a tree with three large branches. Label each branch with one of the three branches of government and write its main job underneath.