Branch Balance

This worksheet helps students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 strengthen their understanding of the structure of government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and civic reasoning through a focused categorization activity. By labeling each responsibility as belonging to the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branch, learners apply their knowledge of how government functions and reinforce connections to judicial review and Marbury v. Madison.

Skills Reinforced

• Structure of Government (Grades 5-7) – Identify the roles and responsibilities of the three branches
• Checks and Balances – Understand how powers are divided and shared to limit authority
• Civic Reasoning – Analyze government actions such as appointing judges, approving treaties, and interpreting laws
• Judicial Review Connections – Apply knowledge from Marbury v. Madison to clarify branch authority

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary and middle school civics standards
• Clear Labeling Format – Simple E, L, or J responses reinforce quick recall and accuracy
• Quick Tip Support – Helps students remember branch functions using familiar examples
• Flexible Use – Ideal for classwork, review, assessment prep, or homeschool instruction
• Builds Foundational Civics Skills – Prepares students for deeper study of government processes

This Branch Balance worksheet helps students confidently distinguish between the powers of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. By categorizing real government responsibilities and connecting them to judicial review, learners strengthen civic understanding, critical thinking, and knowledge of how checks and balances protect democracy. It’s a no-prep, effective resource for classroom and homeschool settings focused on core civics foundations.

This worksheet is part of our Marbury v. Madison Worksheets collection.