American Constitution Society
Constitution in the Classroom: The Right to Vote
The system of checks and balances is integral to the functionality of the United States government. Learn more about the ways the three branches of the government work together—and about the limitations of their power—with an informative...
Curated OER
US Government: The Checks and Balances System of the US Constitution
Students examine the responsibilities of the 3 branches of U.S. government. In this checks and balances lesson, students identify the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Students share examples of...
Curated OER
Distinguishing Between Levels of Government
Twelfth graders study confederal, federal, and unitary governments. They compose an essay that compares and contrasts the purpose of state/local government with that of the national government in the American federal system.
Curated OER
Comparing Governments
Twelfth graders research and discuss the different elements of the governments of China, Great Britain, Mexico and the United States. They discuss the differences between the various governments and create explanation cards for each type...
Curated OER
The Need for Government—A Cinematic and Literary Perspective
Young scholars examine the philosophy of government. In this types of government instructional activity, students explore literature and movie clips to determine the value of rules in lawless societies.
Curated OER
Federal Court Systems and Court Cases
Ninth graders investigate the basis for the Common Law Tradition. They examine the organization of the Federal Court System and students identify the various sources of the American Law.
School Improvement in Maryland
Court Proceedings Civil Cases
What's the difference between civil and criminal law? How do the court proceedings differ in these two types of trials? How do the standards of proof differ? Why do these differences exist? As part of their examination of the US court...
Curated OER
It's a Grand Ol' Government!
Students discuss the three branches of government and the different levels. They talk about the purpose of laws and use the Internet to locate information about governments. They watch the video, "United States Constitution" and look up...
Curated OER
Democratic Village Elections in China: Comparing Governments of China and the United States
Students explore democratic practices in China. In this global studies lesson, students compare and contrast democratic values of the Chinese government with the American government. Students read provided articles and conduct their own...
Curated OER
H.D. Thoreau's Philosophy of Government
Pupils read an essay by H.D. Thoreau as analysis of his philosophy on government. In this Thoreau analysis lesson, students work in groups to paraphrase two of Thoreau's criteria for his beliefs about government. Pupils write a...
Curated OER
I'm The Taxman!
Students develop an understanding of how federal revenues are gained by taxes. This foundation enable students to decipher changes in federal tax policy. Groups of students study different types of taxes and prepare presentations on each...
Curated OER
Which form of government?
Eleventh graders examine different forms of government. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research a different government. Students create a poster board on the type of government.
Heritage Foundation
Exercising Judicial Power
We should all do more exercising, but should the judicial branch as well? High schoolers develop their understanding of what powers the judicial branch carries because of the US Constitution, as well as where their limits lie in the...
Heritage Foundation
Crime and Punishment
You wouldn't give someone a 10-day timeout for eating a piece of candy. The US government, too, does not believe in unreasonable punishment. A variety of exercises exploring the clauses of the US Constitution prompts class members to...
IBM
The Human Body
Every moment, the systems in your body are working together to keep you breathing, standing, and thinking. Elementary schoolers explore the human body and its systems with an impressive, 15-page lesson plan that should leave your...
Curated OER
Government: The Power of Persuasion
High schoolers are able to define and identify a type of interest group. They are able to describe some strategies used by interest group. Students are able to identify the postive and negative aspects of interest groups.
Utah State Courts
Judges in the Classroom
Class members explore the process of a disposition hearing for juveniles, particularly looking at how the judge decides what sentence the juvenile offender should receive. Task your pupils with evaluating different sample cases provided...
Curated OER
Measurement
Students explore the concept of measurement. In this measurement instructional activity, students discuss what specific measurement tools such as an odometer measure. Students recite a measurement poem. Students make a foldable with...
Curated OER
Culture Sharing: History, Politics, Government
High schoolers explore types of governments and political systems. In partners, students share information about their home country. Classmates work together to prepare a presentation about the history and government of a specific...
Curated OER
A Brief History of Vietnam (1858-2004) and Its Evolving Communist System
Students examine the French colonization of Vietnam, the Vietnam War, and the current evolving Communist system. They develop political maps, outline the major events of the Vietnam War, write an essay, and compare/contrast democracy...
Curated OER
Political Systems
In this political systems worksheet, students discuss the type of society they would prefer, a class-less one regulated by democracy or a society with all levels of income and wealth, regulated by free market.
School Improvement in Maryland
Executive Order
After reading information about Executive Order #9066, class members assume the voice of an 18 year-old Japanese-American born in California and placed in an internment camp. Individuals then craft a letter to President Roosevelt...
Curated OER
Governmental Influence on the Construction of Dams
Students comprehend how the type of government system affects the country's ability to change the environment by construction of large projects like dams. They explain how the type of government a country has can determine the ability...
Curated OER
Inflation and Money
Students define money in terms of its functions and refer back to discussion of markets and the role of money in reducing transaction costs. They give examples of types of money.