Project Based Learning
The Three Branches of Government Simile Poster Project
Guidelines for 3 Branches Simile Project
For this project you will create a simile poster that completes this comparison: “The three branches of government under the Constitution are like a….”
You will also design and create an illustration for your simile, complete with a brief written explanation of why the simile is accurate.
1. An accurate simile. The major challenge of the group is to choose a simile you think most accurately completes the statement, “The three branches of government under the Constitution are like a…” You may choose from the following list of ideas, or come up with one of your own:
A three ring circus
A football team
A musical band
A tricycle
A three part machine
2. Use of proper materials. One 24” x 28” piece of poster board, markers, crayons, or colored pencils; creative minds.
3. Title. At the top fo your poster you must have a title, written clearly and in large letters, that reads, “The three branches of government under the Constitution are like a ______. “
4. Visual Image. Create a central image for your simile. Your image should be bold and artistic. It can involve drawing, cut-out magazine pictures, or both. For each of the ten required items and five optional items, create a visual or part of a visual that represents each item. Be sure they are labeled and they fit in with the theme of the simile.
5. Labels. Your simile must make direct comparisons between the three branches of government and the simile. In doing so, you must label on your simile the 10 required items listed below plus at least 5 of the others.
They include: Required: Constitution, The people, Executive branch, Legislative branch, Judicial branch, President, Congress, The Supreme Court, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers Choice of at least Five: Constitutional Convention, James Madison, Articles of Confederation, Great Compromise, George Washington, Shays’ Rebellion, John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Thomas Hobbes, Iroquois Confederacy, Senate, House of Representatives For example, if you chose the simile of a three-ring circus, you might label each of the three rings the legislative, executive, or judicial branch. Or, if you chose the simile of a football team, you might label the quarterback as the president.
6. Explanation. Alongside or below your image, write the word “because” followed by a list of the three most important similarities between the thing you illustrated and the three branches of government.
7. Differences. On the back of your poster, write the two most important ways in which the think in your simile is different from the three branches of government. 8. Extras. Your simile should be neat, colorful and creative.