Digital History
Digital History: u.s. Constitution and Organization of the National Government
Read about the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the thoughts of the framers behind the formation of each branch.
US National Archives
Nara: Charters of Freedom: The Power of the Courts: Marbury vs. Madison, 1803
Website with primary source material on the making of the U.S. government and Constitution explains how Marbury vs. Madison brought the power of Judicial Review to the Supreme Court.
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.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Ap u.s. Government and Politics: The Federal Judiciary
Tom Richey's AP U.S. Government class component on the Federal Judiciary teaches about Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in this module. Includes downloadable unit materials, lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations.
Other
New Talk: What Is the Role of the Courts in Making Social Policy?
New Talk provides an online forum where non partisan experts in their field can discuss relevant domestic issues of today. This discussion focuses on the role of courts in setting social policy and how judges should be selected.
Other
Touro Law Center: William Marbury vs. James Madison
Transcript of the landmark court case that established the constitutional principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the concept that the federal judiciary has final power as to whether an act of the Congress or the Executive...
The White House
The White House: State & Local Government
Explains how the three branches of state governments work and the different levels and responsibilities of local governments.
Read Works
Read Works: The Three Branches of Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended for early elementary students, ReadWorks provides an information text about the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Supreme Court
This site has a simple explanation of the Supreme Court for kid's to read. You can also access the Official Supreme Court Web site from here.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Government Buildings: The Supreme Court
Offers a brief history and detailed description of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
iCivics
I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]
Students learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson. Requires Adobe Reader.
State Library of North Carolina
N Cpedia: State Government: Judicial Branch
Explains how the Judicial Branch of North Carolina's state government is organized.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branch O Mania
Learning game for ages 4 and above the U.S. Government in which players use the information they have gained from Learning Adventures and help Ben Franklin catch the icons that are unique to each branch of government.
Other
Understanding the Federal Courts
A ten part publication which describes the federal court system, its structure and organization, what types of cases they hear and much more. You can also download a PDF version of the document.
Read Works
Read Works: Branching Out
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about three branches of government and their system of checks and balances. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Read Works
Read Works: American Government the Branches of Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the three branches of government in the United States. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government Branches of Government: A Closer Look
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage gives explanation about the branches of the government. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government Take It to the Courts
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational passage discusses the judicial branch of the government. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and establishes...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government Jury Duty
[Free Registration/Login Required] This first person account explains the topic of jury duty. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and establishes scaffolding for...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Other
Constitutional Court or Spain: Tribunal Constitucional
The Constitutional Tribunal is a part of the Judicial Branch of the government. This Tribunal oversees that the political leaders and the laws uphold the Constitution of Bolivia. The website provides brief information about the number of...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (6 8)
This site from Ben's Guide to U.S. Government provides a brief overview of the judicial branch of the federal government. Discusses the origin of the judicial branch, the concept of judicial review, and functions of the judicial branch....