Curated OER
Ohio Statehouse History
Fourth graders examine the history of the Ohio Statehouse and order the major historical events in its development. The lesson traces the development from the time of Ohio's vast wilderness to the house's completion in 1861.
Curated OER
Vote on Election Day
Students explore the rights and the responsibilities of voting. Knowing about the candidates, the election process, and the monitoring of the running of the system is the focus of this lesson plan.
Curated OER
Stepping Inside the Flowchart: How Does a Bill Become a Law?
Learners explore the steps a bill must pass through to become a law and create a flow chart that maps the complexities of the process. They research the committees that are involved in a bill that relates to energy policy and the...
Curated OER
Science Under Control
Learners investigate and assess scientific issues for which government regulation has been or might be enacted. Using their research, students write letters to lawmakers supporting or contesting related legislative efforts.
Curated OER
I 695 (The 30$ License Tabs Initiative)
Students research the bill I 695 issue. They discuss the topic before they research the issue of I 695. Students discuss how new laws are always being created and the differences in opinion about these laws. They see how this initiative...
Curated OER
Mock Legislative Body
Students form into a mock legislative body based on their self-defined political profiles and discuss what things they would like to change in their classroom, school, and/or community. They will also propose simple laws and vote on them.
Curated OER
Legislative Debate: The Importance and Role of Debate within the Legislative Process
Young scholars learn the legislative process as they debate real-life issues that affect students within their age group. To prepare for the debate, young scholars consult newspapers, selected articles, case studies, and other media...
Curated OER
Statehood
Fourth graders examine issues and events that led to Arkansas' becoming a state. They study the relation of demographics (population statistics) to Arkansas history through the use of left and right brain illustrations.
Curated OER
Arkansas Black Pioneers: A History of African-American Colonies in Arkansas
Students identify various regions of early Arkansas as these regions relate to African American colonies that settled in Arkansas after the Civil War.
University of Texas at Austin
Tarlton Law Library: Constitution of the State of Texas (1876)
This primary source transcript of the Constitution of the State of Texas, written in 1876, is reprinted for modern study.
Other
The Dirksen Congressional Center
An effective site that provides non-partisan information concerning Congress and its leaders. The website includes CongressLink, up-to-date information on the US Congress; Congress for Kids, an excellent resource for younger students on...
Other
Eurosur.org: Poder Legislativo
Description of the Legislative Body of Venezuela before the new Constitution came into effect. It describes the former bicameral legislature.
Other
Usa.gov
This site has links to all federal government agencies, federal branches, and state governments.
Other
The Maine House of Representatives
The official site for the Maine House of Representatives provides information on House activities, bills, and its history. Links to House leadership as well as each representative are also provided.
Other
Stennis Center for Public Service
For students with an interest in Public Service, this provides program information. There are links to other government sites and a biography on Senator John C. Stennis.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
US Department of State
America.gov: Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen
A chapter taken from the U.S. State Department's "Outline of U.S. Government," that focuses on the foundation of American representative democracy. Provides comparison with other democracies, along with the essential role of the U.S....
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Lesson Plans
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Congressional Record
The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. Successful navigation of the site take knowledge of the GPO's navigation code. An important hint for when looking up a specific...
Other
U.s. House of Representatives: The Legislative Process
Learn about the House of Representatives and how it carries out its responsibilities and duties according to the U.S. Constitution.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
Other
California State Parks: Your Voice in Government
The California State Parks present an excellent unit to better understand how the United States government works. Through up to five lessons and a videoconference students will take a closer look into how our state representivies...
Other
Government of Switzerland: Democracy: The Swiss Political System
This site provides short of voters' political rights for Swiss citizens and how the voting system works.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress
This well-written and well-organized site from The Legislative Branch provides a thorough overview of congressional powers, inherent checks and balances, as well as links to related information.