Curated OER
Simplified United States Constitution and Bill of Rights
A good handout is a great find. Print this resource and hand out a simplified version of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights to your US government or US history class. The powers of the president, Congress, and the Senate are...
Curated OER
Powers of Congress
Have your class fill out this comprehension sheet while reading about the powers of Congress. There are ten multiple choice questions focused on the rights, powers, and limitations of Congressional law.
Curated OER
Congress, The Implied Powers: Ch 11
Congress has both implied and expressed powers. Quiz your kids on which powers are expressed, which are implied, and examples of both. Included are 5 true/false and 5 multiple choice questions.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The Reach of Congressional Power
Read about the privileges and powers exercised by Congress from a constitutional law perspective. Includes examples of many cases which have tested the limits of Congressional power in the history of the United States. Many links to...
US National Archives
National Archives: Representing Congress: Clifford Berryman's Political Cartoons
Political cartoons have informed the public and sparked debate throughout history. This ebook contains political cartoons pertaining to Congress. Students will understand the powers and responsibilities of Congress by analyzing these...
US National Archives
National Archives: What Congress Does and Why It Matters
Learners will analyze primary sources related to Congress to learn the specific powers of the Legislative Branch. Included is a chart to download and print, worksheets, materials, and an answer key. Primary sources to be examined are...
Other
Dirksen Center: Resource: How to Communicate Effectively With Congress
Resource provides expert tips for reaching your Congress person. Describes the role of Congressmen and women and what they can and can't do for citizens. Site for students and others to better understand Congress.
US National Archives
National Archives: The National Security Council
This National Archives and Records Administration site lists information about the National Security Council. Students can access information about speeches, staff, documents, and more.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This instructional activity explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Other
Center for Strategic & International Studies
"The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact." Site gives student information and research on topics of national and international security.
Other
U.s. House of Representatives
The official site for the U.S. House of Representatives. Includes everything you want to know about it! Examples: the schedule of the House for the week, current events, committee hearings, roll call votes. Find your Representative.
US Senate
The United States Senate
The official site of the United States Senate. Offers many resources for study of current and historical legislation. Also provides forms to contact your senator.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Iv: Development of the Modern Rule
This resource provides information about Article IV of the United States Constitution.
Other
Foreign Policy Association
The FPA is an "organization founded in 1918 to educate Americans about significant world issues that have an important impact on their lives." Gives students an opportunity to take part in activities through the Great Decisions program.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives: Advanced
This resource from Khan Academy provides questions about the Senate and the House of Representatives. This lesson is intended for students taking a high school or college level American Government and Civics courses, including the AP...
Other
The Henry L. Stimson Center: Homepage
"The Henry L. Stimson Center is an independent, nonprofit, public policy institute committed to finding and promoting innovative solutions to the security challenges confronting the United States and other nations in the twenty-first...
University of Oklahoma
Major Congressional Investigations of the Presidency: Fin D'siecle Problems
This excellent and in-depth essay develops the historical framework of congressional investigation. It is an excellent overview and provides links to specific investigations such as Watergate and Iran-Contra. Possible improvements and a...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Proposed Changes in the Way the Federal Government Operates
Examine amendments made to aid the government in balancing the budget and income tax as well as the debate over term limits.
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.
Central Intelligence Agency
Cia: Sharing Secrets With Lawmakers
The Center for the Study of Intelligence at the CIA offers a detailed report on CIA intelligence sharing with Congress. Content addresses what "Intelligence sharing" is, how it works, its impact, and more.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Supreme Court: Landmark Cases: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
PBS features a summary of the landmark Supreme Court case of Gibbons v. Ogden which dealt with congressional powers through the Commerce Clause of Article I, Section 8. Decision written by Chief Justice John Marshall.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Annotation 3: Article I
This resource provides the annotation of Article 1 of the Constitution and the powers held by Congress. Focuses are on the implied, enumerated, inherent, and resulting powers of Congress. At the bottom of the page footnotes are provided.
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Anti Railroad Propaganda Poster
From the National Archives and Records Administration site, this lesson, focusing on a poster circulated in Philadelphia in 1839 to discourage the coming of the railroad, relates to the struggle to define the powers of the national and...