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Constitutional Convention Simulation
Why did the Founders make it so challenging to amend the US Constitution? To gain an understanding of why the process is so difficult, class members engage in a Constitutional Convention simulation. Groups draft, propose, and debate...
Center for Civic Education
Ronald Reagan and Executive Power
Article II of the United States Constitution grants Presidents executive powers in areas of international conflict, domestic and foreign policy. Using examples drawn from Ronald Reagan's presidency, class members are asked to consider...
State Bar of Texas
Marbury v. Madison
Who has the final say in matters dealing with the rules under the United States Constitution? The case Marbury v. Madison brings to light the issue of judicial review. Learners investigate the Supreme Court's opinion in the case with a...
What So Proudly We Hail
The Meaning of America: Enterprise and Commerce
Using Mark Twain's The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg, invite your learners to consider the concept of virtue in a democratic society devoted to gain and self-interest. This stellar resource guides your class members through a close...
Curated OER
We Have a Dream
Learners work as partners to study Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech. In this African American history lesson plan, students work with their cross-grade partner to study, understand, and memorize the speech. Learners meet...
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iCivics: State Government
Young scholars explore the role of state government. For this civics lesson, students play an online game that requires them to consider the needs of state residents and the structure of state government.
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The United States Flag
Students investigate the history of the United States flag. In this civics lesson, students read handouts regarding the flag and its history. Students also read and discuss the Federal Flag Code.
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The Star-Spangled Banner
Students explore the Star-Spangled Banner. In this civics lesson, students read the lyrics of the song as well as a handout that details its creation. Students respond to discussion questions from the handout.
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The Declaration of Independence
Students explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics lesson, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the handout. Students then...
Curated OER
How Government Works and the Rights of the People
Eighth graders identify how to be responsible citizens. In this civics activity, 8th graders review websites of congressional members and then create questionnaires about the responsibilities of citizens.
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American Indian Civil Rights
Young scholars examine social justice issues regarding American Indians. In this civil rights lesson, students investigate the Red Power Movement of the 1960's and 1970's. Young scholars then roleplay interviewing Native American...
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Paradigm Shift: Gandhian Nonviolence and the Concept of Power
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this social justice instructional activity, students examine sources regarding the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi pertaining to...
Curated OER
Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Students consider how African American responded to social injustice. In this social injustice lesson, students compare and contrast the visions of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois for obtaining civil rights for African Americans.
Curated OER
Seeking Civil Rights
Students explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson plan, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Students write essays to persuade the government regarding...
Curated OER
Stitching Truth Lesson One: What is Civil Society?
Ninth graders create a working definition of civil society. In this US History lesson plan, 9th graders create a list of terms that help make up the term civil society. Students examine the case study of life in Pinochet's Chile.
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THEMATIC ESSAY
Students Compare and contrast the beliefs and methodology of three leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Using specific examples, discuss how these leaders were either successful or unsuccessful in attaining their goals.
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Service Learning
Students explore the value in helping others. For this ethics lesson, students use videos, worksheets, Internet articles and group discussion to develop a personal perspective on what it means to help others.
Curated OER
Your Safety and Security or Your Civil Liberties - Which is More Important?
Students examine provisions of USA PATRIOT Act and controversies that led the ACLU to take legal action against the legislation. They create, conduct, and document results of a survey related to the PATRIOT Act and controversies...
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Burial "Rights"
Students, after viewing several segments of the video, "Stories Under the Stones," discuss the pros/cons of separate burial areas for different groups of people. They analyze a series of documents regarding the burial policy of one...
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GET UP, STAND UP: Fighting for Rights Around the World
Students explore basic human rights as they explore music by black artists. In this human rights lesson, students examine music as a cultural reflection of the justice issues. Students analyze Jamaican roots reggae of the 70s, American...
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What is Equality and How Does it Affect Me?
Students explore the concept of civil rights and the ways in which Dr. Martin Luther Kind and others utilized non-violent protests to achieve their goals. They participate in a variety of discussion and role play activities during this...
Curated OER
The Story of Latino Civil Rights: Fighting for Justice
Students identify the civil rights abuses suffered by African Americans, Japanesse Americans during WWII, and Hispanic Americans. They explain what the common element is among the discrimination against these three groups. Students are...
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Introduction to the Civil Rights Movement
Students explore the civil rights movement through historical narratives. In this civil rights lesson, students are randomly separated into two groups. Students research the civil rights movements using two sets of materials; one for...
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Foreign War and Domestic Freedom: A Delicate Balancing Act
Students investigate civil liberties in the U.S. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, conduct research on an event from a timeline, complete a worksheet, take an ideology quiz, and conduct a debate.