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Telemarketers Rights and Yours
Learners research the controversy of whether or not the National Do Not Call Registry is constitutional, and then hold a class debate. Students research the National Do Not Call Registry, the FTC, the FCC, and the most current status of...
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Create a New Amendment
Learners review and discuss the important points of the amendments to the Constitution. They discuss the guidelines for adding a new amendment to the Constitution. Students brainstorm ideas for the new amendment.
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Citizenship
Fifth graders read the preamble of the U.S. and Florida Constitutions. They discuss vocabulary definitions surrounding the concept of citizenship. They discuss and write about the rights and responsibilities of citizens and apply their...
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"Whispering Wires": Public Law vs. Individual Civil Liberties
High school student love discussing controversial issues like those brought up in this fourth amendment case study. They examine the 1928 Olmstead vs. U.S. prohibition court case, applying the fourth amendment to determine whether or not...
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Free To Speak And Free To Post?
Learners research online and in books city statutes regarding posting signs on utility poles, interview appropriate officials about ordinances and how completely it is enforced, explore what has happened elsewhere when citizens decided...
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Writing a Newspaper Article
The perfect resource for a beginning journalism teacher or someone designing a journalism unit, this activity prompts students to write a newspaper article. It covers all aspects of the writing process, such as a guided warm-up...
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The False Parliamentarism of 1791 (3rd Canadian constitution)
Pupils gain an understanding of the concept of false parliamentarism after the Constitutional Act. They, in groups, represent different members of government as they draft, debate and try to pass a bill into law.
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Government by the People
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning activity, students examine primary documents regarding the founding of the United States. Students analyze section of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of...
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The 1808 Slave Trade Abolition Deadline
Students study the trans-Atlantic Slave trade. In this slave trade activity, students study the Constitutional Convention Notes and the impact on United States slavery. Students research the slave trade database and other primary sources...
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We the People…in the News
Students use the newspaper to explore the world around us, our past and our government. In this civics unit, students complete 40 different lessons in civic education using that day's newspaper to reinforce the concept being taught.
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Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Lesson: Immigration
Many of your class members will have heard of Executive Order 9066 and the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Some may even recognize the terms “Issei” and “Nisei,” but few will have heard of Enemy Alien Hearing Boards, of the...
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Political Cartoons: Introduction to Symbols
Students make a list of every day symbols they know of and write down what each symbol stands for. Then they are asked to help their knowledge further by considering all the meanings various symbols might have.
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Participating in Democracy
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson plan, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well...
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Independent - To Be or Not Top Be - Day 2, Lesson C: Freedom of Speech
Fifth graders explore the following questions: What is it? What is it like? What is an example?
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Across The Centuries
Students analyze the American Bill of Rights, compare it to the English Bill of Rights and note the differences in an essay. They access websites imbedded in this plan to do their research, then present their findings to the class.
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Branches of Government
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
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The Bill of Rights
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this philanthropy and citizenship lesson, students identify and explain how each of the first ten amendments protects the rights of citizens. Students select one amendment to illustrate, and write...
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Just Say It
Students explore the initial Supreme Court decision to regulate commercial speech, and then analyze the legal precedents and principles underlying a recent case contesting this regulation.
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I Am a Book
Third graders discuss books that have been banned and the things that they have in common. They explore the concept of freedom of speech and write poems based on their discussion.
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A Photo of Philanthropy
Students identify a key idea in literature that is reflected in every day life. They define philanthropy. They recognize philanthropic deeds within self and others. They identify nonprofit organizations as important parts of the giving...
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Dr. Fix-It Subjects: Health, Government
Help your students undertand the critical problems around healthcare. By focusing on the political and private process of healthcare, students will watch a video, analyze issues, and write an essay on their findings. Additionally, they...
Time Warp Trio
My Big Fat Greek Olympics
The Olympic Games are indeed a significant and far-reaching cultural component in our international community today, but from where do they originate? Where do our traditions stem from, and how do we choose the sports that constitute...
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The First Day
Students explore the inauguration of George W. Bush, examine historical precedents, and devise inaugural proceedings for a person of their own choosing.
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Fear, Civil Rights and Personal Freedoms
Students write and perform a one-act play. They present constitutional, personal and cultural issues of the internment camps of the 1940's. They research and present a historical examine internernment camps.