+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constitutional Convention

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate Constitutional Convention debates. In this early American history lesson, 8th graders analyze speeches delivered by Benjamin Franklin at the convention and then research Franklin's life. Students also define...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Constitution and The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students explore the Constitution, the convention and the Bill of Rights with a wide variety of on-line activities including the framers, primary sources, court cases and games.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We the People Level 2

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore U.S. history by participating in a government activity. In this Constitution lesson, students identify the role government plays in our society and the differences the British colonies had in the early 18th century....
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does My Hair Disrupt Your Learning

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students research the laws and policies for school dress codes in their school and others in their state or area and explore what others say about these policies. After research is complete, students divide into two teams to develop...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hiibel vs. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Did Hiibel's arrest and conviction for not telling a police officer his name violate his rights? Have your learners read a short description of the case and answer the comprehension questions that follow. Resource links and extension...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supreme court Decisions on Freedom of Religion

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze the limits and bounds of religious freedom issues in the United States through several Supreme Court case decisions.
+
Lesson Plan
Heritage Foundation

The House of Representatives

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
The House of Representatives has a lot of responsibility  in the United States government. But how did it all begin, and why is it the way it is now? A comprehensive instructional activity answers all of these questions about the US...
+
Lesson Plan
National Constitution Center

The Development and Application of the First Amendment

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
What are the limits on freedom of speech? While a cherished right in the Constitution, it is not unbridled. Budding historians consider what checks should exist on this liberty using news stories, court cases, and College Board prompts.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Limits of Power

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the importance of limiting power in governments. In this government lesson, students investigate the importance of placing limits on government by looking at the US Constitution. They look at ways that being an active...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students debate the constitutional principles of the United States. In this U.S. government lesson, students examine the meaning of the text of the U.S. Constitution and analyze other primary documents of the era. Students prepare for...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
National Endowment for the Humanities

James Madison: Madison Was There

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Madison was there! Scholars go on a journey to discover the person behind the founding father label as they explore James Madison's role in the formation of the United States government. The culmination is a writing assignment and...
+
Lesson Plan
Deliberating in a Democracy

Cyberbullying—Alternate Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Should schools be permitted to punish young scholars for off-campus cyberbullying? After reading a passage that details statistics about cyberbullying and Supreme Court rulings about schools' ability to limit student speech, class...
+
Lesson Plan
iCivics

The “Supreme” in Supreme Court

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Does a public school have the right to restrict what t-shirts students wear? Discover what happened when this question was brought to the Supreme Court, and review other major cases in United States history involving judicial review....
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government Reform - Term Limits

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners consider the need for term limits. In this U.S. government lesson, students read selected articles about the pros and cons of term limits. Learners then survey their class regarding their opinion of term limits. Students...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners 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.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

School Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study the Bill of Rights. As a class, they create a "School Bill of Rights," with amendments. Students discuss the difference between rights and responsibilities and examine Supreme Court decisions dealing with the first...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Nation's Voice

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Constitution and the War Powers Act in order to determine what the powers of the government are in times of conflict. They answer a series of questions then write a legal brief either supporting or condemning the...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
University of Arkansas

Promises Denied

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
"Promises Denied," the second instructional activity in a unit that asks learners to consider the responsibilities individuals have to uphold human rights, looks at documents that illustrate the difficulty the US has had trying to live...
+
Lesson Plan
1
1
School Improvement in Maryland

Are These Human Right Violations?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Using the Declaration of Human Rights and the United States Constitution as reference tools, class members examine 14 scenarios to decide if the situation represents a violation of human rights, and if these same rights are protected by...
+
Lesson Plan
National Constitution Center

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore how the Constitution provides for separation of power and limited government, as evidenced by the three branches of government. They participate in role-playing situations, group discussions, and complete worksheets to...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Term Limits: When is Enough?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the issue of term limits in the executive and legislative branches. They research the issue and create a pros and cons chart with the various opinions on Congressional term limits. In addition, they explore the 22nd...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Last Abortion Clinic: Key Constitutional Issues of the Abortion Debate

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars 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...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

U. S. Constitution - Elections and Terms in Office

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore American elections and terms in office. In this U.S. government lesson, students respond to questions about voting rights. Students  then write position papers on the existence of the Electoral College.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the Constitution (Enumerated Powers)

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students continue their examination of the United States Constitution. Using the text, they discover where the power for the government came from and why it was needed. They are introduced to the concept of Federalism and discuss the...