Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The legislative branch has the power to collect taxes to pay for government services.
At Grade 5, students learn Congress has the power to collect taxes for the country.
2. Only Congress can declare war on another country.
Grade 5 civics shows declaring war is a power of the legislative branch.
3. The President serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces.
At Grade 5, students learn the President leads the armed forces as commander in chief.
4. Treaties signed by the President must be approved by the Senate.
Grade 5 students learn the Senate approves treaties, checking the President's power.
5. The judicial branch settles disputes between people, states, or the government.
At Grade 5, students learn courts settle legal disagreements between parties.
6. A bill becomes a law after Congress passes it and the President signs it.
Grade 5 civics shows the President signs bills to make them law.
7. If a President refuses to sign and returns a bill, that bill has been vetoed.
At Grade 5, students learn a vetoed bill has been blocked by the President.
8. Supreme Court justices serve for life unless they retire or are removed.
Grade 5 students learn Supreme Court justices have lifetime appointments.
9. Each branch is given separate powers, an idea called separation of powers.
At Grade 5, students learn separation of powers prevents one branch from controlling all.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Legislative branch
→ Makes laws and collects taxes
Approves treaties and confirms judges
Executive branch
→ Enforces laws and leads the military
Decides what laws mean and settles disputes
Judicial branch
→ Decides what laws mean and settles disputes
Makes laws and collects taxes
Senate's special power
→ Approves treaties and confirms judges
Enforces laws and leads the military
Grade 5 students should match each branch and the Senate with their key powers.