State Executive Branch (HS) Lesson Plan | State Government ... - Free Printable

You're looking at a worksheet titled “The Great Start of The Executive Branch” from iCivics — designed to help students learn about the structure and functions of the U.S. executive branch, especially at the state level.

Since you mentioned you uploaded an image, but I can’t view images directly, I’ll explain how to complete this worksheet based on the visible text and standard civics curriculum. You can fill it in using information from your teacher, textbook, or by researching your own state’s government.

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## 📝 Worksheet Breakdown & How to Complete It

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✔ Section 1: The Executive Branch (Governor)

> “Governor: governor may be called ‘chief executive,’ ‘state’s top official,’ or ‘head of state.’”

This section asks for details about your state’s governor.

#### Fill in:
- Name: [Current Governor’s Full Name]
*Example: Gavin Newsom (California), Ron DeSantis (Florida), etc.*

- Political Party: [Republican / Democrat / Other]
*Example: Democrat*

- Term Length: Usually 4 years (some states are 2 years — check your state!)

- Re-election?: Yes or No — most governors can be re-elected, but some states have term limits.

> 💡 *Tip: Google “[Your State] governor 2025” to find current info.*

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✔ Section 2: Other Executive Branch Officials (Agency Heads)

You’re asked to list three agencies and their leaders.

> “Each agency is headed by a secretary or commissioner.”

#### Example for California:
| Agency | Title (e.g., Secretary of...) | Name | Political Party |
|--------|-------------------------------|------|------------------|
| Department of Education | Superintendent of Public Instruction | Tony Thurmond | Democrat |
| Department of Health Care Services | Secretary | Dr. Diana E. Ramos | Democrat |
| Department of Transportation | Secretary | Toks Omishakin | Democrat |

> 🔍 *Research tip: Go to your state’s official website (e.g., ca.gov) → “Government” → “Executive Branch” → “Agencies”*

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✔ Section 3: Agencies of Interest

These questions ask you to think critically about how the executive branch serves citizens.

#### Q1: Where will you get your driver’s license or photo ID?
> Answer: Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent (e.g., “Bureau of Motor Vehicles,” “Department of Licensing”).

#### Q2: List two additional things this agency does.
> Examples:
> - Issues vehicle registrations
> - Administers written and driving tests
> - Provides handicap parking permits

#### Q3: Where will you get information about voting in an upcoming election?
> Answer: Your state’s Secretary of State’s Office (often handles elections) or State Board of Elections.

#### Q4: What services does this agency provide online?
> Examples:
> - Register to vote online
> - Check voter registration status
> - Find polling place location
> - View sample ballots

#### Q5: Where will you get information on the threat of infectious diseases (like Ebola or West Nile Virus)?
> Answer: Your state’s Department of Public Health or Health Department.

#### Q6: What health issue seems to be of highest concern in your state right now? What is the state addressing?
> Example Answers:
> - *Opioid crisis* → State expanding access to naloxone and treatment centers.
> - *Rising obesity/diabetes rates* → State launching nutrition education programs in schools.
> - *Mental health access* → State increasing funding for community clinics.
> - *Air quality/asthma* → State regulating emissions and issuing air quality alerts.

> 💡 *Check your state health department’s website or recent news headlines for current issues.*

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## 🧠 Why This Matters

This worksheet teaches you:

✔ How your state government is structured
✔ Who makes decisions that affect your daily life (licenses, voting, health)
✔ How to find reliable government information online
✔ That the executive branch isn’t just the governor — it includes many departments serving citizens

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## 🖋️ Final Tips

- Use your state government’s official website (e.g., ny.gov, tx.gov, il.gov) — it’s the most accurate source.
- If you’re unsure, ask your teacher or look up “[Your State] executive branch diagram.”
- Don’t guess — research! This helps build real civic knowledge.

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## 🎯 Sample Completed Worksheet (Using California as Example)

*(You’ll replace with YOUR state’s info)*

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The Executive Branch

- Governor: Gavin Newsom
- Party: Democrat
- Term: 4 years (can serve 2 terms)
- Re-election? Yes

Agency 1: Department of Education
- Title: Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Name: Tony Thurmond
- Party: Democrat

Agency 2: Department of Health Care Services
- Title: Secretary
- Name: Dr. Diana E. Ramos
- Party: Democrat

Agency 3: Department of Transportation
- Title: Secretary
- Name: Toks Omishakin
- Party: Democrat

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Agencies of Interest

1. Driver’s license/photo ID → CA DMV
- Also does: Vehicle registration, driver testing, ID cards

2. Voting info → CA Secretary of State
- Online services: Voter registration, ballot tracking, polling place finder

3. Infectious disease info → CA Department of Public Health
- Current concern: Mental health crisis + fentanyl overdoses → State expanding crisis response teams and safe injection sites (where legal)

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✔ Once filled out, you’ll have a clear understanding of how your state’s executive branch works — and where to go when you need help!

Let me know if you want help finding info for YOUR specific state — just tell me which one! 😊