Constitutional Rights Foundation
How the First State Constitutions Helped Build the U.S. Constitution
Did you know that the United States Constitution was adopted after many state constitutions were already in place? Young scholars examine facts about the influence of states through an informative and interesting resource. Groups then...
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What Is the Role of the President in the American Constitutional Government?
Young scholars read about the role of the president. In this US government lesson, students read about the role of the president as stated in the US Constitution. Young scholars examine issues of presidential power and identify various...
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3 Branches of Governement
Sixth graders use the "Making the Grade" books, citizenship packets, and the "Ben's Guide" website to create a poster and a report on their assigned government branch. They then present their poster and report to their classmates.
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Participation in Local and State Government
Students investigate the state and local levels of government. They demonstrate an examineing of government at these levels. The identification of officials and resources can be used for assessment.
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What price Freedom! Civil War and Reconstruction
Fifth graders become familiar with the events of Reconstruction and the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. In this reconstruction lesson plan, 5th graders work in pairs where each student creates a building with blocks and draws it....
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Clear and Present Danger
Students assume identities of lawmakers, judges, writers, and protestors during times in American history when freedoms of speech and press were limited because country was on the brink of war or fighting one. Students use primary source...
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Understanding History By How America Felt
Learners explore public opinion of presidential decisions. In this history lesson plan, students examine various graphs that depict overall American approval of U.S. Presidents and government decisions then answer questions about...
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Attention! Salute! Pledge!
Third graders recognize the American flag as a symbol. In this symbols lesson, 3rd graders review the video "U.S. Flag: Proper Use" and identify what the stars and stripes represent. Students view an online clip of how to fold the...
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Is FEMA a Natural Disaster?
Young scholars develop an understanding of FEMA and reflect about the consequences of a natural disaster. In this natural disaster instructional activity, students are asked specific questions after reading several stories. ...
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Understanding Reconstruction in South Carolina
Eighth graders interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this Reconstruction lesson, 8th graders research the role of Reconstruction in South Carolina by simulating the environment of East Bay Street...
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Looking at Constitutions
Students work in groups to research and examine Constitutions from various countries. In this government and public interests lesson, students analyze primary and secondary documents to make a comparison between constitutional documents...
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Money in Elections:What is it Doing to America?
Students investigate the role of money in American elections. In this current events instructional activity, students read and discuss articles that address money and political campaigns. Students may conduct further research on the...
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Influences of the Enlightenment on the American Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders participate in a instructional activity that focuses on the study of the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms outlined in the document are discussed. Students make connections between philosophy and the writing of the...
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The Mayflower Compact
Twelfth graders discover the ideas of our government by reading the Mayflower Compact. In this U.S. Government lesson, 12th graders identify the main ideas of the Mayflower Compact, how it came to be and who was affected the most...
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Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?
Young scholars study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
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The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Students analyze the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Alien Act and the Sedition Acts. Students examine Supreme Court...
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European Union Governance
Pupils explore the government functions of the European Union and how legislation is passed. As a class, students define the European Union and their interests in economic, political and social issues. Using the internet, pupils...
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The Whiskey Rebellion and the New American Republic
Students examine the implications of the passage of the Whiskey Tax of 1791. In this Whiskey Rebellion lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the rebellion. Students respond to discussion...
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World War Ii - Japanese American Internment
Ninth graders determine that nationality is not defined by race, especially in the United States. They group into teacher created dyads with eight pictures. Four pictures are of American citizens (multiracial representations), and...
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Stitching Truth Lesson One: What is Civil Society?
Ninth graders create a working definition of civil society. In this US History instructional activity, 9th graders create a list of terms that help make up the term civil society. Students examine the case study of life in...
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West Virginia State Museum Lesson Plan: West Virginia Music
Students compare and contrast music about West Virginia. In this West Virginia history lesson, students analyze popular music so that they may gain an understanding of the relationships between songs and history. Students then create...
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Economics Lesson: The Real McCoy
Students research the origination of the expression "The Real McCoy." In this economics research lesson, students read the book The Real McCoy. Students examine Elijah McCoy and his invention of the oil cup and how it relates to the...
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Veterans Day Lesson Plans
We can take a moment to recognize the soldiers who served and protected our country with Veterans Day lesson plans.
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The Importance of Representative Democracy
High schoolers examine the general concept of representative democracy, and compare/contrast the American representative democracy to the monarchical system. They research the role of legislative bodies in serving the government,...