State government

State Legislatures

Students research a real committee in their own state legislature, find a bill it is considering, and argue for or against it in front of the class.

Grades 3–5~40 minNonpartisan

Word document — open it in Word, Pages, or Google Docs and adapt it for your class.

Teach children about the power of state legislative bodies and their power and responsibilities.

01 Warm-up 5 min

Warm Up:

  • Summary slideshow: Benjamin H. Grimaldi -- Youth Civics Network Lesson, State Legislatures
02 Lecture 10 min

Lecture (first 4 slides)

  • Activity 1, slide 5:
  • Each student will research a committee in their state legislature (either chamber, website for state legislature varies by state), and research a bill that the committee is or was considering.
  • Activity 2, slide 5:
    • The student will propose their bill and their stance on it (favorable or unfavorable) to all of the other students, and they will all vote either in favor of their stance or against it.
  • Review Questions, slide 6.