The Departments in Tennessee’s Executive Branch

The departments of the executive branch help the governor of Tennessee implement the laws passed by the General Assembly. In this lesson, students examine the mission, history, and basic services provided by the departments in the executive branch of Tennessee government. They will draw conclusions about which services are most important to the citizens of Tennessee. 

Weblink address (URL): 
The Departments in Tennessee’s Executive Branch
Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Analyze one department in the executive branch of Tennessee government.
  • Summarize main points about the department in a written format to share with other students.
  • Draw conclusions about why certain executive departments were created.
  • Become familiar with the departments in Tennessee’s executive branch.
  • Create an argument for the continuance of a particular department.
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What are the departments in the executive branch of the state of Tennessee and what do they do?
  • Why are the departments in the executive branch important to the people of the state? How do they help citizens?
  • What conclusions can one draw about Tennessee’s history and priorities from the dates that the departments developed?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Option for extension: Invite state legislators or local elected officials to come speak to the classroom about their role in government.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • Tennessee Blue Book (PDFs provided)
    • pgs. 204 - 205, graphic organizer of executive branch and introduction
    • pgs. 237 - 422, information about executive departments
  • Copies of “Additional Information about the Executive Departments”
  • Copies of the note taking outline or worksheet (both attached)
  • Copies of the template for the department poster (attached) OR internet access to the Printing Press Interactive
  • Optional: the Persuasion Map Interactive
  • Optional: rubrics for assessment (attached)