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Grade Five:
Government
Essential
characteristics
of American
democracy
Responsibilities
of each of the
three branches
of government
Examples of
documents that
specify structure
of state and
national
governments
Significance of
Declaration of
Independence and
U.S. Constitution
People are the
source of the
government's
authority
All citizens have
right and responsibility
to vote and influence
decisions of
government
Government is
run directly by
the people or
through elected
representatives
Powers of
government are
limited by
law
Basic rights of
individuals are
guaranteed by
the Constitution
Legislative
Branch passes
laws; headed
by Congress
Executive
Branch
carries out
and enforces laws
made by Congress;
headed by
President
Judicial Branch
interprets and
applies laws;
headed by
Supreme Court