Teaching Types of Government & Federalism- 10 Activities Your Students Will Love!

Are you passionate about empowering the next generation with a deep understanding of the world they live in? Do you believe in the importance of fostering informed and engaged citizens? 

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, knowledge about different types of government and the federal system of government is indispensable. By teaching about these to our students, we equip young minds with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the political world and actively participate in shaping their societies.

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Why Teach Types of Government & Federalism?

Cultivate Civic Awareness: Education on different government systems empowers students to become informed citizens who actively participate in their communities, advocate for their rights, and contribute to the democratic process.

Foster Critical Thinking: Understanding systems of governance promotes critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze and compare systems, consider pros and cons, and evaluate their impact on society.

Encourage Global Perspective: By studying diverse forms of governance, students develop a broader worldview, appreciate cultural differences, and gain insights into international relations.

Enhance Social Studies Education: Introducing types of government provides a solid foundation for students’ understanding of history, politics, economics, and social dynamics.

How do you teach government in a fun way?

I don’t know about you but learning about the government in school was rarely fun… So how do you teach government in a fun way? 

Keep reading to find a list of engaging government activities to help your kids learn about both types of government and federalism!

What activities can you use to teach types of government in a fun way?

Types of government flipbook

Have your student make a flipbook about the types of government. You will need four half pieces of paper. You’ll have your students line them up with a space at the end to write the name of the government system,  then fold them in half and staple them. 

Students will then research a little bit about each government system and write a short description on each flap. I also like to have students draw a picture that helps them remember that form of government. 

The Art of Learning has great instructions and visuals for a types of government flipbook! 

Compare & Contrast Venn Diagram

Assign your students two types of government, or have them choose! Then have students compare and contrast the two different systems of government using a Venn diagram.

I love to mix and match the systems of government so that there is a lot of variety in their comparisons. It’s so fun seeing what the kids come up with! 

Check out our Glorious Government Unit in both print & digital formats that include a monarchy & republic Venn diagram and other activities all ready for you!

Pass Along Picture Notes

Give each student a blank piece of paper. Have them divide the paper into 7 sections, and label each section with the name of one type of government. And very importantly, make sure they write their name on the paper.

Teach about the first type of government, and have students draw a picture of that government system. Then have students pass their paper to their neighbor, and repeat. When you finish, give the paper back to the original student. 

Forms of Government Gallery Walk

I love gallery walks as a way of getting students up and out of their seats. Plus, gallery walks can include so many different things, pictures, artifacts, and reading passages. Have fun with them! 

For a forms of government gallery walk, I would include short reading passages about each different type of government. Then I would add images of government leaders from around the world and throughout history.

If you use the gummy bear analogy to teach about types of government from above, you could set up your own gummy bear government scenes around your classroom! You can grab gummy bears to demonstrate on this Amazon list.

Government Matching Game

After learning about the different types of government, play a class matching game where students have to match the characteristics of each government with its name. 

Make it a bigger challenge by having students match the government system to the country where it exists today! 

Types of Government Sorting Race

To set up this sorting race, get small boxes or clear plastic tubs and put labels with the types of government on the outside. Make cards with characteristics of each type of government (obviously, some characteristics apply to multiple forms of government). Make several sets of cards and color code them so that each team can have their own color.

Divide your class into teams, and give each team one set of characteristic cards. Then have a sorting race to see which team can correctly sort the characteristics the fastest! 

How to teach about Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which responsibilities and power are divided between city/county, state, and national levels. It is essential to learn about the federal system of government because we interact with each level every day. 

Federalism can be a confusing topic for kids. Why are there so many levels of government? What is the job of each level of government? Which government positions exist at each level? 

When teaching federalism, it is helpful to use a lot of visuals, such as charts and pictures, to help keep everything organized.

What Federalism activities can you use with your class?

Research Community Needs

Included in our Glorious Government Unit, is a community needs and government activity in which students conduct research to answer the questions. They learn about the different levels of government and which level is best suited to solve community needs.

This community needs research activity also includes a fun government flipbook to go with it!

Federalism Chart Activity

Create a chart with the names of the levels of government in the first column. Then add three additional columns and title them Definition, Picture, and Name of Where I Live. Ask students to complete the chart.

The National Archives has great lesson plans for upper elementary about Federalism, including an already-made chart with answer keys, for you! 

Who is in charge? Sort Activity

After learning about the roles and responsibilities of the different government levels, create cards that include those roles and responsibilities. Get boxes or bins and put the names of the levels of government (city/county, state, federal) on the outside.

Divide the cards among your class, either as teams or as individual students. Then have your students sort the roles and responsibilities into the proper level of government. 

Government Officials Diagram

Ask students to find out who the local, state, and federal government officials that represent them are for all three branches of government. Have them find out their name, position, years of service, and a picture. For even more of a challenge, if they are in the legislative branch, you could have them find out any committees that they serve on. 

Then have them create a government officials diagram. This is where they get creative as to what the diagram looks like but the local officials should be the lowest, then state, and federal at the top. 

Mock Election

During an election year, hold a mock election in your classroom. Take time to research which positions are up for election and what the candidates’ platforms are. 

Then, on election day, have your students vote, using a Google Form, and compare your class or school results to the official results!

Students love this activity because they have the opportunity to voice their opinions!

Together, let’s ignite curiosity and passion for understanding the diverse forms of government that shape our world. By equipping students with this knowledge, we are nurturing a generation of responsible, informed, and active global citizens.

For access to all of our resources, including fun government worksheets & activities, check out Wife Teacher Mommy Club!