Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The federal government is the only government that has three branches in our country.
Corrected: The federal, state, and local governments each have their own three branches in our country.
Federal, state, and local governments all share the same three-branch structure to balance power.
2. Fix the sentence:
A mayor work for the federal government and lead the whole nation.
Corrected: A mayor works for the local government and leads a city or town.
Local government handles cities and towns, while the federal government handles the whole country.
3. Fix the sentence:
State governments only makes laws about national defense and printing money.
Corrected: State governments make laws about schools, highways, and licenses within their state.
States handle local issues like education, while the federal government handles national matters.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The federal government makes laws for the entire United States from Washington, D.C.
The federal government creates laws that apply to every state in America.
2. Each state government, like Texas or Ohio, has its own governor and legislature.
State governments handle issues within their borders, like schools and roads.
3. Cities and towns are run by local governments led by mayors and councils.
Local governments handle community needs like parks, police, and trash collection.
4. Every level of government has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
All three levels follow the same three-branch design to keep power balanced.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name the three levels of American government and give one example of what each level does.
Sample answer: The three levels are federal, state, and local. The federal government defends the country, the state government runs public schools, and the local government provides police and fire services for towns.
Each level handles different jobs, but together they serve every citizen across the country.
2. Explain why every level of government has its own three branches.
Sample answer: Every level has three branches so that no one person or group has too much power. The branches share duties and check each other, which keeps government fair at the federal, state, and local levels.
Splitting power into three branches at each level protects citizens from unfair rule.