Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson: Establishing a Federal Republic
This Library of Congress article states that Jefferson, although serving as U.S. minister in France while the U.S. Constitution was being written, still influenced its outcome and wording through correspondence. Read this brief overview...
US National Archives
National Archives and Records Administration: America's Founding Documents
Original founding documents supported by explanations and articles. Includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Constitutional Government
Article outlining the events which ultimately led to the development and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The author explains the components of the Constitution and how those pieces were debated and agreed upon.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Keys to Understanding the Constitution
Article for students will help them to understand the important points of the Constitution. Discussion on the preamble, amendments, amendment process, voting, laws and the powers and limitations of government.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Civil Rights Act (1964)
Find an image of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964. Read a brief description of how this life-changing legislation came to be.
US National Archives
National Archives: Understanding Federalism
This comprehensive lesson plan will introduce learners to Federalism and its role in civic life. There are five themes of Federalism each with a separate activity. Worksheets, answer keys, discussion questions, and optional activities...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Federal System
Outline of the principles embedded in a Federal System of government attempting to balance states' rights with the need for a central government.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Checks and Balances
Overview of the principle of checks and balances proposed in the Federalist Papers.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Three Branches of Government
Learning adventure guide on the three branches of government. Students read about the functions of the Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches and then play the learning game.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
Students will visualize how the Constitution organized our 3 branches of government and the role each plays in our government. This infographic breaks down the powers of each branch and shows how they perform checks on the other...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Branches of Government
Beginning page of a Learning Adventure examines what parts of the Constitution give the branches of the Federal Government their specific powers. Those three parts are Article I, Article II, and Article III.
iCivics
I Civics: Three Branches: Laws in Action
Embark on his WebQuest to follow the path an idea takes to eventually become a law. Read a short description regarding the role of each branch of government and then answer a follow-up question using the link provided.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Exclusive Powers of the National Government and State Governments
Presents a chart contrasting the powers of the National government to the powers of a State government. The powers shared by both levels of government are listed below the chart.