6th Grade Civics Thematic Unit Plans

SS.7.C.1.1 Recognize how Enlightenment ideas including Montesquieu's view of separation of power and John Locke's theories related to natural law and how Locke's social contract influenced the Founding Fathers. SS.7.C.1.2 Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, and Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" had on colonists' views of government. This unit has interactive notebook pieces, assessments, and tons of paper based and technology based items. There are 30 items in this file that hits every part of the standards listed above. It includes a variety of lessons which meet multiple intelligences and different leveled learners. This has a variety of Document Based Questioning activities as well as EOC Prep activities where students measure their knowledge. There is no extra work needed. Just pick and chose, print and go! File items included, but not limited to: -Learning Goal Chart with standards and "I can" statements -Assessments with standards & levels of questions attached -Input/ Processing activities -Output/ Formative Check items -Close Reading -Bellwork -EOC Practice Items -ETC! ETC! ETC!

Benchmark Resources Description SS.7.C.2.1 Define the term "citizen," and identify legal means of becoming a United States citizen. SS.7.C.2.2 Evaluate the obligations citizens have to obey laws, pay taxes, defend the nation, and serve on juries. Also Assesses: SS.7.C.2.3—Experience the responsibilities of citizens at the local, state, or federal levels. Also Assesses: SS.7.C.2.14—Conduct a service project to further the public good. This unit has interactive notebook pieces, assessments, and tons of paper based and technology based items. There are 21 items in this file that hits every part of the standards listed above. It includes a variety of lessons which meet multiple intelligences and different leveled learners. There is no extra work needed. Just pick and chose, print and go!

Looking for an exciting, student-friendly way to teach the 3 branches of government and how a bill becomes a law? This 3 branches of government activity packet is exactly what you need! Combining reading comprehension with interactive, hands-on activities, this resource brings civics to life while keeping students actively engaged.

Whether you’re covering the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches or guiding your students through the steps of the law-making process, this how a bill becomes a law activity makes learning meaningful and fun. Perfect for teachers looking to supplement their curriculum with high-quality, ready-to-use material

What’s Included:

• Branches of Federal Government Organizer – 3-column format (Blank & Filled)
• Levels and Officials of Government Pyramid Organizer (Blank & Filled)
• How a Bill Becomes a Law Organizer – Sequence of Events (Blank & Filled)
• 3-page Reading Passage on How a Bill Becomes a Law with a 10-question comprehension quiz
• 2-page Reading Passage on the Branches of Government with a 10-question comprehension quiz
• Foldable Nameplates for Role-Playing Activity (President, House of Representatives, Senate, Committee, Sub-Committee)
• House of Representatives Bill Proposal (Sample & Blank)
• Senate Bill Proposal (Blank)
• 2-page Bill Summary Templates (for both House and Senate)

Why You’ll Love It:

• Engages students with interactive activities: This resource provides a hands-on 3 branches of government activity and a dynamic how a bill becomes a law activity that immerses students in the legislative process.
• Reading and Activity Combined: Students build knowledge through engaging reading comprehension passages and then reinforce it by participating in real-world activities.
• No-Prep for Teachers: All graphic organizers, reading passages, assessments, and materials are ready to print and use—saving you time and effort.
• Interactive Role-Playing: Students step into the roles of lawmakers and officials, making abstract concepts easier to understand.
• Perfect for Multiple Learning Styles: Combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning with reading, graphic organizers, and hands-on role-play.

Ways to Use This Resource:

• Civics and Social Studies Units: Incorporate the 3 branches of government activity into your lessons on federal government.
• Interactive Government Simulations: Use the how a bill becomes a law activity to create a classroom simulation where students follow the legislative process from start to finish.
• Assessments and Reinforcement: Utilize the quizzes and graphic organizers to assess student understanding and reinforce key concepts.

This packet isn’t just about learning—it’s about making civics memorable! Your students will love exploring the 3 branches of government and following a bill’s journey to becoming a law through hands-on activities they won’t forget.

Check out the PREVIEW for a closer look at everything included!

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