Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Understanding the Nomination Process
From its conception in the United States Constitution, to necessary adjustments in the 12th Amendment, students will understand the nomination process and role of political parties in establishing a president with the aid of this lesson.
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Midterm Elections
Students will learn about the midterm election, its role as a referendum on the presidency, and how a shift in party control impacts the legislative and executive branches.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Does Your Vote Count? The Electoral College Explained
A brief video that describes the Electoral College and its role in presidential elections. [5:22] Followed by a quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in California: Potomac (Presidential Yacht)
Formerly the USCGC Electra, this ship was Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945 and only one of three still existing presidential yachts. On August 3, 1941, she played a decoy role while...
Museum of the Moving Image
Museum of the Moving Image: Type of Commercial Backfire
Sometimes commercials backfire. The words, or image, of a candidate can be used against him or her to show that the candidate cannot be believed, has broken a promise, or has "flip-flopped" on an important issue. Here, you can view some...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Elections: Candidates
A brief history of the role that candidates play in the United States Presidential Election.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President's Cabinet
This is a fun way to teach elementary students about the Presidential Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, 14 secretaries from executive departments and the Attorney General of the United States. Learn about this group's role in...
CNN
Cnn: The Reagan Years: Inside the White House
Part of a cnn.com in-depth special "The Reagan Years", this site provides you with brief explanations of the US in 1980, the 1980 presidential election and assorted topics of Reagan's presidency including the assassination attempt, the...
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Veto Power
Explores the presidential veto and pocket veto powers, their role as a negotiating tool, and the Congressional veto override process. Students also learn how to use fact-checking and triangulation to evaluate news claims and detect...
US National Archives
Nara: Pcast Principles
This National Archives and Records Administration site, provides access to PCAST Principles: Executive Office of the President, President's Committee of Advisors On Science and Technology, Washington, D.C. 20500 (June 18, 1996). The...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the u.s
This is a fairly detailed explanation of the role of the President as leader of the United States.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (9 12)
Summarizes the role of the President as the Head of the Executive Branch and the powers and duties assigned to him by the Constitution. Provides links to further information.
PBS
Pbs: American g.i. Forum: Hector P. Garcia
Part of the website associated with the PBS series called "The Border." This article discusses the role of Hector Garcia in the Hispanic civil rights movement after World War II.
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: The Controversial School Voucher Issue
Recently, the concept and use of school vouchers has come to the forefront of political, societal, constitutional, and economical discourse. From Florida's new voucher program to the presidential political debates, school vouchers...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: The First Administration
Read about George Washington's presidency. See why his role was so important in setting precedents to be followed by future chief executives. Find out about some of the warts in his personality too, all of which made him more human.
iCivics
I Civics: Three Branches: Laws in Action
Embark on his WebQuest to follow the path an idea takes to eventually become a law. Read a short description regarding the role of each branch of government and then answer a follow-up question using the link provided.
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: One Is Silver and the Other's Gold
Young scholars learn about the money supply and that it can affect the value of money. Students investigate this in the 1896 presidential election (Bryan vs. McKinley, Free Silver vs. Gold Standard) and examine a political cartoon that...
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Vice President
Find out about the importance of the vice presidential candidate in a presidential election, how this person is more than a running mate, the history of the office of the vice presidency, and the modern role of the VP.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Hail to the Chief: 1812
Brief history of "Hail to the Chief" the traditional Marine Band song played for the president of the United States.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Before and Beyond the Constitution: What Should a President Do?
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "Before and Beyond the Constitution: What Should a President do?" in 3 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Supreme Court Confirmation Simulation (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that engages learners in a simulation exploring the fundamental roles of the executive branch and the Senate in the judicial selection process. Students will participate in a mock judicial hearing to confirm a Supreme Court...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Advice and Consent: Supreme Court Nominations (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that explains the role of checks and balances in U.S. system of government. Students will describe the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court, will examine past Supreme Court cases, and will discuss how the Supreme...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Understanding the President's Job
What does the President do? Understanding how our democracy works includes understanding how the Executive branch of our government works. Teachers can use this lesson plan to explore with students the job of the President. Academic...
iCivics
I Civics: A Very Big Branch
Students learn how the executive departments and agencies regulate and enforce governmental policies, and they explore the roles and responsibilities of the presidential cabinet.