Government Basics — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Our country's government has three branches.
The three branches are the lawmaking branch, the enforcing branch, and the court branch.
2. The branch that makes the laws is called Congress.
Congress writes and votes on new laws for the whole country.
3. The President leads the branch that makes sure laws are followed.
The President leads the executive branch, which carries out and enforces the laws.
4. A judge decides if a law was broken or if a law is fair.
Judges work in courts and decide cases using the laws Congress has made.
5. Judges and courts make up the judicial branch of government.
The judicial branch has judges and courts that decide if laws are fair and who broke them.
6. Congress meets in a building called the Capitol.
The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. is where Congress meets to make laws.
7. Members of Congress come from every state.
Each state sends leaders to Congress so every part of the country has a voice in making laws.
8. A rule that everyone in the country must follow is a law.
Laws keep people safe and fair. Everyone must follow them, even leaders.
9. The President can sign a bill to make it a law.
Congress writes bills. When the President signs a bill, it turns into a law that people must follow.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
President
→ Leads the country and signs new laws
Leads the country and signs new laws
Congress
→ Group of leaders who write laws
Group of leaders who write laws
Judge
→ Decides cases in a courtroom
Decides cases in a courtroom
Flag
→ Symbol with stars and stripes
Symbol with stars and stripes
The President signs laws, Congress writes laws, a judge decides cases, and the flag is a symbol of our country.