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Primary
Other

Janet Reno vs. American Civil Liberties Union

For Students 9th - 10th
A complete transcript outlining the court case between Janet Reno, U.S. Attorney General, and the American Civil Liberties Union, in which the Communications Decency Act was declared unconstitutional.
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Article
Other

Bloomberg.com: Fed Commits $800 Billion More to Unfreeze Lending

For Students 9th - 10th
The Federal Reserve announced that it is committing up to $800 billion to help unfreeze credit for homebuyers, consumers and small businesses. Specific details are included within the article.
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Website
The White House

The White House: Welcome to the White House

For Students 9th - 10th
The official site for The White House and the Executive Branch of government. The site offers current as well as historical events, speeches, documents, and more. Includes up to date information about the Obama administration, current...
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Handout
Central Intelligence Agency

Cia: World Factbook: United States

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from the CIA World Factbook provides a detailed fact sheet of United States. The content covers the country's geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. It...
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
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.
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Unit Plan
Other

California State Parks: Your Voice in Government

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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...
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Handout
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Article Iii: Categories of Contempt

For Students 9th - 10th
An in-depth look at the different types of contempt of court, in the United States legal system.
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Website
Other

First Gov: Official Portal of the u.s. Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A launching point for information about the U.S. government and its resources. One can search FirstGov by keyword or phrase, by browsing a topics list, or by selecting a federal branch (executive, legislative, or judicial). State and...
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
Collection of primary resources having to do with the constitution throughout American history.
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Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids

For Students 3rd - 5th
Take a tour of the federal government with Uncle Sam and learn the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches of government, and elections. Along the way learn how laws are made, about the Bill of...
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Website
Other

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

For Students 9th - 10th
Investigate how this subcommittee works within the House of Representatives. "The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs reviews veteran's programs, examines current laws, and reports bills and amendments to strengthen existing laws...
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Website
Other

Basic Readings in u.s. Democracy: Henry David Thoreau

For Students 9th - 10th
This website provides historical background to the political events of the time Thoreau wrote "Civil Disobedience." It also includes background information about Thoreau and the text of Thoreau's essay.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
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Lesson Plan
National Institutes of Health

Nidcd Health Information: Resources for Educators

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers classroom activities and other resources for students and teachers.
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Website
US Senate

Us Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This Senate committee oversees the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government.
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Website
National Institute on Drug Abuse

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Back to School

For Students 9th - 10th
The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers teacher information, student information, and shared resources for drug education.
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Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Ratifying the Constitution

For Students 3rd - 8th
The process for ratifying the United States Constitution is explained in simple terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links, and some activities are included. The rest of the site has lots more information on the U. S....
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Unit Plan
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
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Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
The system of checks and balances in place for maintaining the power relationships within the United States government is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links and some activities are...
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Handout
Other

Encyclopedia.com: Social Security

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives a description of the term social security and sites specific examples in different countries, including the U.S. Covers four sections: introduction, in other countries, in the United States, bibliography.
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eBook
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: United States Government

For Students 9th - 10th
El Paso Independent School District in El Paso, Texas created this US Government text for its high school course using OER, CC, and public domain content from a variety of sources curated by educators in the district. The course is...
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Activity
Other

Supreme Court Rules in Exclusionary Rule Case

For Students 9th - 10th
Description of a 1995 court case, Arizona v. Evans, in which the ruling was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court and how the case applies to the Exclusionary Rule.
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Handout
Other

The Role of Government: Higher Education

For Students 9th - 10th
The results of a 1998 poll by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education reveals what the the proper role of government in higher education should be.
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Government Vocabulary

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews important vocabulary regarding the three branches of the United States government.