Curated OER
Introduction to Age of Absolutism
Who were the absolute monarchs of Europe and what effect did they have on their countries? Young historians begin by naming qualities they believe are important for a monarch to possess. They then take notes on four key factors leading...
Curated OER
The Congress of Vienna
Here is a very brief look at the five great powers of Europe. The Congress of Vienna is not explained very well, but key players are introduced, as are their actions, goals, and legacy.
Curated OER
The Last Abortion Clinic: Key Constitutional Issues of the Abortion Debate
Students discuss the Constitution of the United States and its amendments, then apply this discussion by creating a "Who should Decide What?" list, based upon their ideas about whether controversial issues such as abortion and medical...
Curated OER
Government Lesson Plan: Lesson 1
Students identify the powers of national and state governments. They evaluate the balance of national versus state power. They utilize worksheets imbedded in this plan to gain a deeper perspective of how the government powers are separated.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Government
Interactive teaching unit for Grades 5-8 that helps to explain the three branches of government and the the balance of power. Topics covered include balance of government, how a bill becomes a law, the amendment process, the Legislative...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Executive Branch: A Hero Betrayed: The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Lesson with activity on the Executive Branch, distribution of power, scandal and the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. Includes questions for discussion and class activity. Links to supplemental material.
C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers: Inquiries: Federalism
A learning module on federalism. It includes several supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Topics covered include how state and federal powers are defined in...
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Amendment X: Rights Reserved for States or People
Provides text to the Tenth Amendment with further interpretation about rights reserved for the states or the people.
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
Digital History
Digital History: America Goes to War [Pdf]
President Woodrow Wilson tried to maintain American neutrality in World War I. Find out why he decided that the U.S. needed to join the war and read a portion of his message to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany....
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Balancing Power Between State and Federal Governments
In this lesson plan, students will consider "The Federalist Debates: Balancing Power Between State and Federal Governments." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: James Madison: From Father of the Constitution to President
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "James Madison: From Father of the Constitution to President" in 4 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Other
Map: Imperialism and the Balance of Power
World maps of the Colonial Empires of 1914 as well as their revenues during that time period. There are also maps depicting urban growth, type of government, wars and atrocities, and living conditions of the world in 1900.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Explore the issues surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court case related to medical marijuana use. Make conclusions on how the proposed law could jeopardize all federal drug laws and whether this should be a federal or state issue.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Making the Constitution Terms
Read about Checks and Balances, Balance of Power, the Electoral College, and much more in this informative lesson about the making of the Constitution.