Systems of Government Matching Activity for Civics & American Government

This Systems of Government Matching and Quotation Activity challenges students to match cut-and-paste definitions and examples to the systems of government (including unitary, confederal, federal, presidential, and parliamentary). Students will then illustrate each system of government to demonstrate their comprehension! A second worksheet provides five historic quotes students can match to each system of government. This is a fun, hands-on way to get students thinking critically and demonstrate their understanding of some tricky vocabulary words! Perfect for middle school Civics or Government students!

This resource is compatible with the Florida State Standards for Middle School Civics, Standard 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government. It easily works with other states’ standards, as well! 

This Systems of Government Matching Activity for Civics and American Government includes:

✯ The 2-page Systems of Government Matching Activity worksheet, in which students will demonstrate their understanding of five major systems of government by matching cut-and-paste definitions and examples, as well as illustrating, each system of government.

The systems of government include:

• Unitary 
• Confederal
• Federal
• Presidential
• Parliamentary

Sample Definitions include:

• In this system, the state and national governments share power and responsibilities. (Federal)
• This system of government is run by an Executive Branch, whose head Executive is elected by the citizens. (Presidential)

Sample Examples include:

• In Great Britain, the Parliament serves as the legislative body, making laws for the country. They elect one of their members to be the nation’s Prime Minister. (Parliamentary)
• The Articles of Confederation, America’s first governing document, called for the states to hold most of the power. (Confederal)

✯ A one-page Systems of Government Quotations Matching Activity, in which students connect primary quotations from historic figures and documents to each of the five systems of government. Students are challenged to think critically about each quote to connect it to a system of government!

Sample quotations include:

• “This House is not only a machine for legislation; perhaps it is not even mainly a machine for legislation. It is a great forum of debate.” Winston Churchill (Parliamentary System)
• “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence…” John Dickinson (Confederal System)

This resource can make a great addition to your Types & Systems of Government unit. Pair with my Types of Government Matching Activity for the ultimate unit review! 

This resource comes as a non-editable, printable PDF and includes an Answer Key.

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