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Compare the United States Government with Other Political Systems
Young scholars explore the U.S. form of government and illustrate other forms of government found throughout the world. They explain the similarities and differences between the U.S and other governments.
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Government
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
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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...
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Bureau Stats
Students explore the role of bureaucracy in United States government; they then examine the history, leadership, organization, and goals of executive agencies.
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Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
Young scholars debate the constitutional principles of the United States. In this U.S. government lesson, students examine the meaning of the text of the U.S. Constitution and analyze other primary documents of the era. Young scholars...
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Bill Of Rights
Students examine Supreme Court cases. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch a video about the Bill of Rights and then research 4 Supreme Court cases using the noted web site. Students analyze the presented information and write...
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Can We Breathe Easier?
High schoolers list the exclusive and shared powers of the state and national governments. They state the specific role of the national and state governments in enforcing environmental legislation.
Digital History
The Age of Constitution Writing
Was the United States significantly more democratic in their governing structures and laws after the overthrow of British authorities? Compare and contrast summaries of the country's constitutions under British rule and after...
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How A Bill Becomes Law
Students gain an understanding of how a bill becomes law. They access websites imbedded in this plan. They create a bill of their own, and share it with the class. They compare their simulated bills with real legislation.
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iCivics: Court Quest
Students explore the responsibilities of the Supreme Court. In this judicial branch instructional activity, students play an online game that requires them to respond to questions regarding the Supreme Court's responsibilities.
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Law, Values and Lobbying
Students begin to examine the lawmaking process. Using their text, they describe the role of the three branches of government. In groups, they identify the four basic values protected by law and define the concept of lobbying and...
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Government Lesson Plans
Students can learn how their government is organized through these engaging lesson plans.
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Slow-moving Process
Students explain why the Framers designed a long and complicated legislative process, and evaluate how effectively the legislative branch of the government is serving the purposes for which it was created.
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Create Your Own Constitution
Eighth graders explore the processes, purpose and components of a good and just constitution. They focus on the Constitution of the United States of America. Students discuss the purpose of a constitution and reasons why the Constitution...
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Claim Your Power
Fourth graders analyze the branches of the Texas government and identify its powers and characteristics. The separation of powers and checks and balances are identified.
Administrative Office of the US Courts
Nomination Process
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." Scholars investigate the nomination process of Supreme Court justices when assuming office. Through examination of primary and secondary...
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Political Parties and What They Do
The emerging politicians in your government might be familiar with the words "Democrat" and "Republican," but what do they really know about the role of political parties in America? Use this activity to reinforce information from your...
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Rock the Vote
Learners dramatize the process by which a bill becomes a law. They design a product that explains the function of the Legislative Branch in government and present their work to the class.
National Endowment for the Humanities
James Madison: Madison Was There
Madison was there! Scholars go on a journey to discover the person behind the founding father label as they explore James Madison's role in the formation of the United States government. The culmination is a writing assignment and...
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Understanding the Purpose of Provincial Government
Students examine a mixed bag of objects and discuss their relevance to "government." They discuss the three branches of Provincial Government and the purpose of each.
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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...
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President's Day
Young scholars access prior knowledge about the branches of government to explore foreign policy. In this conflict resolution lesson, students reflect on foreign policy decisions and participate in scenarios based on foreign policy events.
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Taking From the Giving Tree
Students explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees in...
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Hate-Crimes and Punishment
Students research and write about the effectiveness of hate-crime legislation in the United States