Objective (TEKS 8.15D):

Students will collaborate to identify and differentiate between federal and state powers as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, reinforcing their understanding of federalism.

Included:

1. Reading titled "Understanding Federalism" that has a primary source, political cartoon, and summary.

2. Venn Diagram over the federal powers, state powers, and shared powers of government.

3. Exit Ticket to review content and check for understanding.

4. Card Sort over federal powers, state powers, and shared powers.

For the Teacher:

• This activity should take about 15 minutes to complete.
• Students can work with partners or independently to complete the activity. 
• Students will analyze the tenth amendment primary source from the Constitution, analyze a political cartoon over federalism, and then read the summary to apply federalism to real world examples. Spiral review the next day with a hands-on card sort!

How to utilize the reading “Understanding Federalism”:

1. Sheet protector/laminate the reading for a class set!
2. Sheet protector/laminate the reading for a station!

How to utilize the “Federalism” Venn diagram:

1. Punch holes and students keep in their binders for notes!
2. Students can cut out and paste into their composition notebooks!
3. Students can turn in for a daily grade!
4. Add illustrations and color to create an infographic poster!

How to utilize the “Exit Ticket Reflection”:

1. Students can work together or independently to answer the reflection question.
2. To prepare for standardized testing like STAAR, have students use complete sentences or use  strategies like RACE or ACE!

How to utilize the “Check for Understanding” Card Sort (5-10 minutes)

1. Laminate, cut, and put card sort into bags (make as many as you need)!
2. Bellringer- the next day at the beginning of class spiral review to see how much they remember!
3. Class discussion over the real world examples in the card sort!