Assign students to make a diagram of the three branches of government: executive, judicial and legislative. Students should give an example of something that happens in each branch and explain how checks and balances work.
Ask students to make a presentation using visual aids on how a bill becomes a law. Students can pick any bill they would like, and explain to the class how the bill makes its way through Congress to become a law. Classmates can pretend to be Congress and can pass or veto the bill.
Hand out blank maps of the U.S. and ask students to fill in the name and capital for each state. For extra credit, students can write down the names of any House members and senators from their home state or district.
Allow students to run for a seat in the Senate or House by holding a debate on current issues in your state or school. Students can cast their ballots in private on Election Day in the classroom and experience the election process.
Schedule a field trip to your state or national capital, which has special tours designed to teach elementary students about state and federal government. Students can compile a report about what they learned on the field trip or give a speech about their favorite part of the field trip to the class.