Create three columns at the top of a poster board to demonstrate the three main levels of government: federal, state and local. Under each column, glue small envelopes so that notecards can be placed inside them. On the index cards, write the responsibilities of each level of government, listing only one responsibility per card. Shuffle and organize them in a stack. Then students can read over the cards at home and place them under the proper level or quiz other students in the classroom on where to place them.
Make a tree with three branches, each one signifying one of the branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial. You can use real twigs or branches and tie them together with twine or wire. Take green construction paper and cut out leaf shapes, writing the names, responsibilities and members of each branch on the leaves. Then glue or tape them to the corresponding branches.
Assign a specific state to each student or let him or her decide which state to learn about. Many states have specific websites aimed toward teaching kids the ways in which the government oversees the state. The students should choose a specific area of interest, such as state parks or educational funding, and make a presentation to go along with it. They should also be able to explain what the state government can control and what happens if a conflict occurs regarding the rules and regulations of the state and the federal government.
Take a trip to the local county offices or courthouse and ask for a tour of the building. Design a project around the trip, such as researching and presenting on a local current affair, where each student is required to talk to a local government official. These individuals are usually more than willing to set aside time to meet with students. The class can then make presentations on the different people who work for the government and describe how each job fits into the bigger picture. For a group project, divide the students into smaller groups and assign a random city elsewhere in the country. Their job should be to research the local government and community and create a sample brochure about what the government branches are in the city and how they function in the community.