• Why does our country need a constitution? Click on Ben's Guide to the Constitution to find out.

Ben's Guide to the Constitution

After reading about the Constitution, create a brainstorming web in Inspiration that highlights the main points.

• What do you have the right to do? Explore Ben's Guide to the Bill of Rights below.

Ben's Guide to the Bill of Rights

Now, respond to the" Freedom and Rights" post on your classroom blog.

• Why is our government divided into three branches? Use the brainstorming guide to explore each branch of government on Ben's Guide to the Three Branches of Government.

3 Branches Brainstorming Guide
Ben's Guide to the Three Branches of Government

• Use the voting ballot to select a branch that you would like to be an expert in.

3 Branch Voting Ballot

Step 2: Choose your Branch

Your teacher has placed you in a group according to your preference. Each member of your group will become an expert in the branch you chose. You must research and understand who is in your branch, what they do, and how do they help make decisions regarding laws in Missouri? You will combine your knowledge with your group members to write the best bill. Explore the links below your field of expertise and complete your government research.

Web style- government research guide
Question style-government research guide

Legislative	Executive	Judicial
Missouri Legislature Missouri Senate Missouri House of Representatives Ben's Guide to the Legislative Branch	Missouri Governor Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State Auditor Treasurer Attorney General	Missouri Judicial Branch Ben's Guide to the Judicial Branch Missouri Judges

Step 3: How a bill becomes a law

Meet with your group and take turns sharing your expert knowledge about your branch. Read throught the, "Tips to sharing expert knowledge" before starting.

Now that you understand the roles of each branch, watch the Brainpop on "How a Bill Becomes a Law" and take the quiz.

"How a Bill Becomes a Law"

Together, with your teacher, you will brainstorm a bill that you want to become a law. Your teacher will break your class into the three branches and you will learn how each branch plays a part in the decision making process.

Step 4: Why do we need laws?

How do laws protect our freedoms as Missouri citizens?

• In your group you need to brainstorm what you want your bill to address. Here are some questions to think about.

How does our bill affect us?
How will our bill protect a Missouri citizen's rights?
What about our bill would make it appealing to the future governor and other members of the three branches of government?

After discussing all three questions you need to write the copy of your bill that the governor candidates will read while they review your presentation of the bill. Use the build-a-bill link below.

Build a Bill

Step 5 Bill Presentation

You have written your bill and now you are ready to create how you will present your bill to the governor candidates. Don't forget to check the evaluation page to see what your teacher will be looking for in your presentation. Check the chart below to get a few ideas, but be creative and don't be afraid to come up with your own way of presenting. How can kids make a difference in government?