Curated OER
Science Under Control
Pupils investigate and assess scientific issues for which government regulation has been or might be enacted. Using their research, students write letters to lawmakers supporting or contesting related legislative efforts.
Curated OER
The Impact of Hazelwood on School Publications
Ninth graders explore the Supreme Court Case Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. In this American Government lesson, 9th graders research the recent history of censorship and how the courts have been involved in either protecting or...
Curated OER
Just how broken is the Senate?
Twelfth graders examine the role of the Senate in the United States. In this American Government lesson plan, 12th graders read various articles and answer questions to these articles. Students write a letter to their Senator on a...
Curated OER
Building a Class Government Through Elections
Young scholars participate in their own classroom election to fill multiple positions. Individually, they examine campaign speeches and write their own. Once the election occurs, they must fulfill their duties as outlined in their...
Curated OER
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Students investigate some basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court. The operation of the Supreme Court forms the focus of the lesson.
Heritage Foundation
Lawmaking and the Rule of the Law
How many constitutional clauses does it take to create a bill? High schoolers find out with several activities and selected clauses about the rule of law and the US Constitution. Various coinciding activities help to strengthen learning.
PBS
President Theodore Roosevelt: Foreign Policy Statesman or Bully?
Can a negative perception of a president's foreign policy harm his or her historical legacy? A project that winds the clock back to the date of Theodore Roosevelt's death puts students at the editorial desk of a fictional newspaper....
Curated OER
Ohio Statehouse History
Fourth graders examine the history of the Ohio Statehouse and order the major historical events in its development. The instructional activity traces the development from the time of Ohio's vast wilderness to the house's completion in 1861.
Curated OER
Members of Congress Who Have Made a Significant Contribution
Students examine laws that have benefited the nation in a variety of ways. The congressperson in the legislative branch of the government primarily responsible for the passage of the law and the current representatives are sought in this...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The President Under the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation sounds like one big, fancy title to middle schoolers. Here, scaffolded steps help to ease novices into understanding this all-important American document. Discussion questions, lesson activities, and ideas...
Curated OER
The War for Independence: 4th Grade
Here is a great interactive idea that may need a little refining. Students play 3 rounds, where they answer questions explaining how different countries have gained independence throughout history. While this resource has music and...
Curated OER
Early Presidents and Politics
Students investigate early presidents of the United States. Students complete a series of lessons in which they research the contributions and political climate during the terms of U.S. presidents from George Washington to Andrew Jackson.
Curated OER
Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Simulation
Students research the Supreme Court judicial selection process while role playing. They examine the political nature of the process and discuss merits of Supreme Court nominees.
Curated OER
Zen and the Art of Murder
Students describe the importance of citizen involvement in the judicial system. They play the role of a witness to a crime scene by watching the video clip. Students discuss how differing eyewitness accounts can affect a police...
Curated OER
Differences and Settlement in the Legislative Budget Process
Students discuss the issues at hand when legislators are trying to agree on policy. In groups, they role-play different roles within a sub-committee when trying to balance the budget. They present their findings to the class and...
Curated OER
Who or What is Un-American?
Students explore concepts about civil liberties, research the history of sedition-related legislation in the U.S. and create a position paper on the topic.
Curated OER
The Virginia Assembly
Students examine the first permanent English settlement in America. Using the Internet, they identify the importance of the Virginia assembly. They answer questions based on different scenarios given to them by their teacher and how...
Curated OER
Ports in the Storm
Students explore national security issues related to the possibility of a Dubai-owned company operating an American port. Opinions are solicited and debated.
Curated OER
Creating Laws
Students brainstorm ideas for legislation and present their ideas to the class. They draft a bill and take it through the normal procedures of the Canadian Parliament.
Curated OER
US Constitution And Amendments
Pupils become familiar with the US Constitution and consider how it affects their lives. They research the Preamble to articulate the purposes of government, compile collages, and research the separation of powers within each branch of...
Curated OER
Making a Mace
Students make a mace as a symbol of the legislatures authority to make laws.
Curated OER
Influencing Public Policy
Students read the local newspaper, identify a currrent community issue and develop plans to influence the formation, development, and implementation of a policy to affect the issue. They write a biography about someone who has influenced...
Curated OER
What Are the Ethical Considerations
Pupils investigate the socioeconomic and environmental issues associated with radon. They examine the laws that exist in New Jersey that pertain to real estate. They work in groups to design new legislation that addresses associated real...
Curated OER
Follow a Bill!
Learners participate in an activity to discover how a bill becomes law in California. In groups, they create a school program based on their own ideas for change. They develop and conduct a survey within their community and present their...