iCivics
Constitution Day
Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17, with an activity that asks class members to identify the responsibilities of the three branches of the U.S. government.
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How government Works
Learners read to understand the process of lawmaking. In this lawmaking lesson plan, students define vocabulary and create an organizer showing the law making process. Learners role play the various people involved in the...
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The Living Constitution
Students investigate why the Constitution is a living document and dissect the document to discover why it has survived while so many other charters have not. Students use James Madison's constitutional admonition concerning checks and...
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Understanding the Significance of the Nationalization of the Bill of Rights
Eleventh graders study the impact of the Nationalization of the Bill of Rights upon criminal law. They analyze opposition to expansionist viewpoints that could possibly create more checks and balances on the state courts and analyze...
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The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)
In this online interactive history worksheet, learners respond to ten short answer and essay questions about the Articles of Confederation. They may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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The Government and Natural Rights
High schoolers are introduced to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the conclusion of the lesson,...
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Emperor or President?
Sixth graders complete a Venn Diagram. In this government comparison instructional activity, 6th graders discuss how rules are similar and different at home, school and in their community. Students learn about the type and structure of...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Defining the Separation of Power
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the separation of powers in the American government and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Formally Amending the Constitution
How easy is it to amend the U.S. Constitution? As your students will learn in this government worksheet, not very. Five true/false questions and five multiple choice questions quiz students on the process of amending the Constitution, as...
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The Spread of Enlightenment Ideas
Looking for a simple and straightforward reference on the Enlightenment for your young historians? Check out this list of key terms and important figures from the period, followed by a traditional assessment where your learners will be...
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The National Legislature: ch 10
Answering comprehension questions during or after reading an informational text can help focus the reader's attention. Here are 5 True/False and 5 multiple choice questions related to the Congress, bicameralism, and basic governmental...
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Federalism and the Prevention of Abuse of Power in the US Federal Government
Fourth graders stud Federalism and identify examples of abuse of power.
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Civilizations: Rise To Power
Students discover details about the rise of civilizations. In this Roman history lesson, students watch "Civilizations: Rise to Power," and read primary sources from different periods of the empire's history. Students write essays that...
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A Dynamic Duo
Students engage in the research of history that surrounded the actions of the federal government during the years from 1907-1937. The focus of the lesson is upon the regulations imposed on business during the time and how it effected the...
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Who Has Power?
Fourth graders discuss abuse of power in government and examine the Constitution for specific powers in each branch. They create a crossword puzzle utilizing terms and information regarding division of government powers and federalism
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George to George
Students use the internet to research the beginnings of the United States government. In groups, they examine the presidency of George Washington while they are guided along a museum tour. They end the instructional activity by...
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Advise And Consent Lesson 1: Limits of Power
Students examine the importance of citizens being involved in their community government for the common good. They look at the importance of limiting government and the concepts of philanthropy.
Museum of Tolerance
The Role of Citizens in a Participatory Democracy
Groups research participatory democracies and compare the role and rights of citizens in ancient history with those in recent U.S. history. Guided by a series of questions, individuals compose a persuasive essay in which they discuss the...
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Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...
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Utah's Judicial Branch
Seventh graders explain that the judicial branch of Utah's government interprets laws and reviews the consitutionality of laws.
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Banking
Students correctly write a check and fill out a bank deposit slip. They understand the concept of balancing a checkbook by balancing a bank statement with a check register. Students play with the stock market to understand it a little...
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Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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The Constitution
Eighth graders watch as their teacher presents information on the Constitution, government and laws through a PowerPoint presentation. In groups, they discuss the importance of government and laws and identify the main ideas in the...
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Whose Business Is It Anyway? McCarthyism and Its Effect on Individual Rights
Students explore the concept of individual rights. In this McCarthyism lesson, students determine how government may affect the rights of individuals as they examine the Constitution, participate in class discussions, and research the...