Curated OER
The Judicial Branch
In this social studies instructional activity, students investigate the job of Sandra Day O'Connor in the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Students answer 25 questions, completing sentences with words from the word bank. This page...
School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.
Curated OER
The 3 Levels of Government through Scrapbooking
Eighth graders explore Parliamentary democracy and governance.
Curated OER
The Birth of a City
Third graders understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives. They research the basic structure of the United States government. They participate in a simulated City Council meeting.
Curated OER
U.S. Constitution - Checks and Balances
Students examine the separation of powers of the branches of the U.S. federal government. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students listen to a SMART Board supported lecture on checks and balances of the Judicial, Legislative, and...
Curated OER
Montana Tribal Governments
Students engage in a research lesson to find out more information about tribal governments. The lesson includes guiding questions to help in the research process. They complete a chart of comparisons and contrasts of several indian...
Heritage Foundation
Congress's Territorial Powers, Implied Powers, Citizenship, and the Bureaucracy
An informative resource gives scholars a look into why the US Constitution placed certain federal powers over that of the state. A variety of activities about constitutional clauses helps to create meaningful learning.
Curated OER
The Structure of Virginia Local Government
Students explain origins of Virginia's unique local government organization,
define numerous terms essential to understanding local government, and
evaluate impact of Dillon's Rule on local government in Virginia through debate.
Curated OER
U.S. Government & Indian Nations
Students explain the Constitutional basis of the Federal Indian relationship; summarize the Constitutional references to American Indians; and, evaluate the importance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
Curated OER
Organization of Fairfax County Government
Students identify Fairfax County government as council-manager government, describe term of office held by members of Board of Supervisors and districts they represent, how Chairman of Board of Supervisors is elected and term and...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Students describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
Stanford University
Reconstruction Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)
Young scholars debate whether African Americans were free during Reconstruction. In this debate instructional activity, students use primary documents to support their argument as to whether African American were free during the...
Curated OER
Discovering Aristotle's Three Forms
Students, working in small groups, role play different kinds of governments--oligarchy, monarchy, dictatorship, and democratic republic. They portray their form of government in a skit, while other groups guess which kind of government...
Curated OER
Politics: From Royalty to Democracy
Students explore forms of government in the Middle East. In this government systems lesson plan, students watch videos, listen to lectures, and explore websites regarding the forms of government in the Middle East
Heritage Foundation
Courts and Judges
If the Supreme Court is so supreme, why do all cases not just start there? High schoolers learn why every case does not start at the Supreme Court as well as the importance of hierarchy in the US judicial system in the 11th installment...
Curated OER
Circular Flows
To study circular flow, learners use the plans to trace through a series of interconnected economic and financial flows to explain the workings of the American economy. They use the model developed to comprehend the effects of Federal...
Curated OER
Understanding by Design
Fourth graders examine the origins, structures, and functions of the Colorado government. In this understanding by design lesson, 4th graders explore the three branches of government. Students identify the roles of state leaders and the...
Curated OER
The Embodied Presidency
Tenth graders analyze Roosevelt's Fireside Chats. In this Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency, 10th graders determine how well FDR's government programs aided victims of the Great Depression. Students examine selected Fireside Chats and...
Curated OER
U.S. Government & Indian Nations
Pupils explain the Constitutional basis of the Federal Indian relationship. They summarize the Constitutional references to American Indians, and evaluate the importance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. They examine Utah's struggle...
Curated OER
The Missouri Headwaters: A Confluence of Cultures
Fourth graders research and analyze how people create and change structures of power, authority and government diversity. They review their civic responsibilities. In addition, they identity the major responsibilities of local, state,...
Curated OER
Inner Workings of Cabinet
Ninth graders explain the relationship of the Cabinet within the Canadian Government structure through video, worksheets and spreadsheets.
Curated OER
THE BUSINESS OF CLEAN AIR
Students determine that air pollution control is caused by a combination of market incentives and government regulation. They realize that businesses exist to make profits for their owners and that governments make rules for individuals...
Curated OER
Are We the People?
Students investigate their elected officials and their roles. In this governmental leadership lesson, students discuss the Constitution and research their elected officials. They also organize the information they find regarding the...