Problems & Laws Activity, Civics & Government for Kids (1st–3rd Grade)

Help students understand why governments create laws with this Problems & Laws Matching Activity! Kids read real-life examples of community and national problems—like littering, unsafe driving, lack of education, and unfair voting rules—and then match them to the laws that were created to solve them. Students cut and paste the pairs, making the abstract idea of law-making concrete and age-appropriate.

This interactive civics activity builds critical thinking, teaches how laws impact daily life, and introduces key historical examples like compulsory schooling, seatbelt laws, and voting rights. Perfect for homeschool civics lessons, classroom government units, or Constitution Day activities.

Standards Covered:

1st Grade:
• 1.1.2 – Understand rules and responsibilities in family, school, and community.
• 1.4.2 – Recognize the role of leaders and why rules are needed in communities.

2nd Grade:
• 2.3.1 – Learn about government institutions and the importance of rules and laws.
• 2.5.2 – Recognize how community decisions solve problems and keep people safe.

3rd Grade:
• 3.1 – Explain how laws are created and enforced in the U.S. government system.
• 3.4 – Understand the importance of rights, responsibilities, and voting in a democracy.

Why Teachers Love It:
✔ Hands-on cut-and-paste matching activity
✔ Connects real-world problems to historical laws
✔ Builds civic awareness and critical thinking
✔ Great for small groups, centers, or independent work