Curated OER
Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process
Young scholars consider the importance and influence of congressional committees. They research congressional committee assignments, jurisdictions and responsibilities as illustrations of the basic principles of American federalism.
Curated OER
Legislators and Representation - Executive, Federal and Interest Group Relations
Young scholars explore the interaction between the legislature and other governmental institutions. They watch videos exploring the relationship between the state legislature and two government institutions, and the role of lobbyists on...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Congressional Committees
How exactly do both houses of Congress come to a formal decision on an issue? Scholars research the use of congressional committees as part of the legislative process. By using current events to analyze information, they see the role...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process: A Mock Session in the House of Commons
Students examine the legislative process in Canada's House of Commons. They simulate the role of being a sitting member of the House of Commons, developing bills, conducting meetings, and voting on the written bills.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Educating About Immigration The DREAM Act
Group members role play state legislators, supporters of and opponents to the The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). After listening to the arguments put forth for and against the immigration legislation,...
Curated OER
Regents Review Worksheet #1: Principles of the U.S. Constitution
Kids who take the Regents Exam really need to know a lot of information. This is a wonderful exam review tool that includes 26 pages of questions, charts, and suggested readings to help upper graders pass the test. It focuses on all...
Curated OER
The Real Work is Done in Committee: A Simulation
Students research the Canadian federal legislative process, and identify the main features of local, provincial, and federal governments in Canada. They simulate the process of a bill going through the legislative process.
Curated OER
Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage
High schoolers study the legal battles involving same-sex marriage. They examine primary sources and a video regarding the 14th amendment and its implications for gay marriage. They analyze a report of a California case that was sent to...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Students examine the separation of powers in local and federal government. Using case studies, they review several instances of separation of powers. After reading the case studies, they write a brief opinion essays supporting their...
Curated OER
Federal and State Laws on Hazardous Waste
Students examine how laws on hazardous waste is developed and enforced. They work together to discover how statutes are passed as well. They complete an activity to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Lesson 2: How Taxes Evolve
Twelfth graders examine the legislative process of enacting federal income tax laws. They conduct research and report on the Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp) Act of 1934.
Curated OER
Economics: Actions of Government
Students examine the susceptibility of legislators to agricultural lobbyists to support subsidy programs. In small groups, they role-play as members of interest groups that might be affected by inflation.
Curated OER
Functions of the Three Branches of Government
Learners research the branches of government and write summaries about both the state and federal systems. After conducting reaserch in texts and online, students create Venn diagrams displaying the governmental functions of the three...
Curated OER
Federal Political Campaign Pamphlet
Students organize and create a six-panel federal political campaign pamphlet. They research the main Canadian federal political parties, analyze the platforms, and organize the information for their pamphlet.
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.
Annenberg Foundation
Actions that Changed the Law
The Fair Play Act of 2009 came about due to the actions of one woman. Young historians research Lilly Ledbetter and what she went through to get pay equal to that paid to men for the same work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The...
Curated OER
Simulating the Legislative Process
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
Curated OER
Government Spending - Earmarks
In this government spending - earmarks worksheet, students research this topic (there are many links listed), examine the issue, write a letter to their congressional representative or a local newspaper, make a video or analyze the...
Curated OER
LEGISLATION: Passing a bill in The House of Representatives
Ninth graders explore how legislation is introduced to the House of Representatives with special emphasis on how issues of national importance arise and how bills move through the chamber. Students debate an urgent bill and direct...
Curated OER
Putting Thought Into Political Action
Students examine the Parliamentary and Legislative functions of the Canadian government. They select an idea they believe should be made into a law, and research the area of the government capable of responding to their ideas.
iCivics
The Road to Civil Rights
Here is a fantastic resource on the civil rights movement! It includes reading materials and worksheets, and particularly highlights major legislation and the role of the judicial branch in the federal government in addressing the...
State Bar of Texas
Baker v. Carr
Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...
Curated OER
Environmental Voting Records of Legislators
Students collect and record data on the environmental voting record of their local and state legislators using the Internet. They identify examples of environmental problems or endangered species in their state.