Washington, DC TourEach branch of our federal government has its own special place in Washington, DC. Take a special tour of these historic buildings.
Directions: On loose-leaf, write each building that you visit and the answers to each question.
The White House
The President, head of the Executive Branch, lives and works in the White House. As you visit the White House, look for the answers to these questions.
1) What is the street address of the White House?
2) Who picked the site for the White House?
3) Who was the first president to live in the White House?
4) If you add the number of floors, rooms, bathrooms, windows, doors, chimneys, elevators, and staircases in the White House together, what is the sum?
5) What are some of the names the White House was called before its present name?
6) Where is the Christmas tree placed?
7) What did President Theodore Roosevelt hang above the fireplace in the State Dining Room?
8) What is the largest room in the White House?
9) Where does the President conduct the country's business?
The Capitol Building
Congress works in the Capitol Building. Look for the answers to these questions as you tour these interesting links to the Capitol. Be sure you look at the Real Life Cam that shows you pictures of events that are happening right now!
3) What is the current gavel made of? Who presented it to the United States?
4) Although Samuel Morse painted watercolors of the Old House Chamber, he was unable to sell them. He decided to work on Science, instead. What is he famous for inventing?
5) Each state was asked to pick two people to be represented in the National Statuary Hall. What two people represent our state?
Complete one or more of the following for extra credit.
We say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. It is our promise to be loyal to the United States and its government. Can you write the words? Let's see if you understand what you are saying! Write the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, go to this site to see if you were right! Compare what you wrote to what the real words are. Also, do a little research to find the answers to these questions.
Who wrote the pledge?
When was it written?
Why was it written?
When did Congress officially make it the pledge for our country?
The creation of Great Seal of the United States of America began on the day our country was created. It includes many symbols that represent our country. Find the answers to these questions.
1.) How many stars are on the Great Seal? What do they stand for?
2) How many arrows is the eagle holding? What do they represent?
3) What language is "E pluribus unum" written in? What does it mean?
The Bald Eagle is one of our most recognized symbols. Find the answers to these questions.
1) In what year was the bald eagle placed on the Great Seal?
2) List three other places the bald eagle appears as a symbol of our country.
3) What animal did Benjamin Franklin want chosen as the country's symbol?
Table of Contents
Directions: On loose-leaf, write each building that you visit and the answers to each question.
The White House
1) What is the street address of the White House?
2) Who picked the site for the White House?
3) Who was the first president to live in the White House?
4) If you add the number of floors, rooms, bathrooms, windows, doors, chimneys, elevators, and staircases in the White House together, what is the sum?
5) What are some of the names the White House was called before its present name?
6) Where is the Christmas tree placed?
7) What did President Theodore Roosevelt hang above the fireplace in the State Dining Room?
8) What is the largest room in the White House?
9) Where does the President conduct the country's business?
The Capitol Building
1) How was the
Old Senate Chamber heated?
2) Who serves as
President of the Senate? Where does he sit?
3) What is the
current gavel made of? Who presented it to the United States?
4) Although
Samuel Morse painted watercolors of the Old House Chamber, he was unable to sell them. He decided to work on Science, instead. What is he famous for inventing?
5) Each state was asked to pick two people to be represented in the
National Statuary Hall. What two people represent our state?
6) Who is said to be the
most prominent Speaker of the House? How is the Speaker elected? Who is the Speaker of the House today?
7) When the
Senate and House have to meet together, where do they meet?
The Supreme Court Building
List the names of the nine
Justices of the Supreme Court.
Extension Activities
Complete one or more of the following for extra credit.The creation of
Great Seal of the United States of America began on the day our country was created. It includes many symbols that represent our country. Find the answers to these questions.
1.) How many stars are on the Great Seal? What do they stand for?
2) How many arrows is the eagle holding? What do they represent?
3) What language is "E pluribus unum" written in? What does it mean?
1) In what year was the bald eagle placed on the Great Seal?
2) List three other places the bald eagle appears as a symbol of our country.
3) What animal did Benjamin Franklin want chosen as the country's symbol?