Curated OER
Government and Politics
Challenge your students' knowledge of the American government with this activity, which prompts them to fill in missing key terms (no word bank is provided, allowing students to come up with answers on their own) and complete short...
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: James Madison to George Washington
The original text of a letter from James Madison to George Washington discussing his ideas for a new national government that were to soon be presented to the Constitutional Convention as the Virginia Plan.
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.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Plan of Charles Pinckney (South Carolina)
The original text of a plan presented by Charles Pinckney to The Second Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: Contrasting Procedures of the Senate and House
Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.
Library of Congress
Loc: The u.s. Congress: Resources a to Z
Start your research of the U.S. Congress here! Superb links to any information you may need on history, current profile of Congress, and many other sites.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: South Africa: Government
A look at the current governmental system in South Africa in the post-apartheid period. You can see how the election process works and find a list of the current governmental officials. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background...
iCivics
I Civics: The Constitutional Convention Mini Lesson
Students explore how the U.S. government was created in the years following the Articles of Confederation.
iCivics
I Civics: Why Do We Have a House and Senate, Anyway?
Students learn why there are two houses of Congress and discover how a bicameral legislature ensures that all states have a voice in bills.
Digital History
Digital History: Drafting the Constitution
Those writing the Constitution had many issues to deal with in forming a document to govern the country. One thorny issue was the status of the states in regard to representation in the federal legislature. Read about the Virginia Plan...
Quia
Quia: Building of the Constitution
Quiz yourself on how well you know the events leading up to writing the United States Constitution.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Lesotho: Government
Learn about the government of Lesotho in this article from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes. Find a list of the current government officials and read about the political parties.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Madagascar: Government
Read about the development of the current government of Madagascar and the recent political climate. You can find a list of the current governmental officials. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Morocco: Government
Ruled by a king, Morocco still has a relatively free government. Find out about the recent reforms and goals of the government. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Namibia: Government
Read about the government of Namibia from its independence in 1990 until the current time. You can find a list of the current government officials. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Constitutional Convention
Travel back to 1787 and become a delegate to the convention in Philadelphia. As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states' conflicting...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Swaziland: Government
Read about the interesting way Swaziland's government works. Find out about how the government structure runs parallel to the traditional chiefdom system. You will also find a list of the current governmental officials. Information is...
Other
History of the Usa: Colonial Life: Colonial Government
Find out the similarities and differences between the governments of the English colonies in this detailed account of early colonial government from the 1904 text written by Henry William Elson, History of the United States of America.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Ethiopia: Government
A look at the branches of government in Ethiopia and a brief discussion of the current government officials. Information is from the CIA World Fact Book.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Liberia: Government
A brief look at the governmental system of Liberia. Included is a list of the current governmental officials. Information is from the CIA World Fact Book.