School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.
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...
Annenberg Foundation
Actions that Changed the Law
The Fair Play Act of 2009 came about due to the actions of one woman. Young historians research Lilly Ledbetter and what she went through to get pay equal to that paid to men for the same work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The...
Curated OER
Every Vote Counts
Students participate in an activity designed to increase student awareness and participation in the voting process.
Curated OER
In the Melting Pot
Students work in small groups, each group examining a different aspect of the immigration process (such as visas, work permits, and citizenship exams) or of illegal immigration (such as deportation), to better explain the immigration...
Curated OER
Simulating the Legislative Process
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
Curated OER
The Role of Question Period in the Legislative Process
Learners research the roles of key positions in the Canadian government by watching an episode of Question Period and refering to various examples of news media from the day following the Question Period.
Curated OER
Ipm Pesticides And Regulations
Twelfth graders explore the process by which environmental laws and regulations are developed, passed, and enforced. They identify the major agency and office responsible for enforcing pesticide legislation and research the laws that...
iCivics
Represent Me!
Your class members will take on the roles of legislators and work to serve their constituents in a fun online video game. They will practice sorting and approving bills based on the wants of the people they represent, and understand the...
Curated OER
How Congress Works
Students study the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as described in the Constitution. In this U.S. government activity, students watch an overhead about 'public criticisms' in the legislative process and complete a quiz....
C-SPAN
Middle School Checks and Balances
Seven video clips reveal how the checks and balances built into the constitutional framework of the United states' government are designed to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. After watching each clip, groups identify the...
Curated OER
The Three Branches of Government
Students write about working in one branch of government. In this branches of government lesson, students read about the three levels of government using various websites and then work in groups to discuss, illustrate and write about...
Curated OER
The Branches of Government
After reviewing and reading about the three branches of US Government, complete this activity with your class. In groups, they will place their "cards" on the board under the correct branch. This lesson is weak and unclear. I'd make a...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers Between the Three Branches of
Students investigate the concept of the three branches of government by dividing into three teams. They record the powers of the three branches.
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
LEGISLATION: Passing a bill in The House of Representatives
Ninth graders explore how legislation is introduced to the House of Representatives with special emphasis on how issues of national importance arise and how bills move through the chamber. Students debate an urgent bill and direct...
Curated OER
Putting Thought Into Political Action
Students examine the Parliamentary and Legislative functions of the Canadian government. They select an idea they believe should be made into a law, and research the area of the government capable of responding to their ideas.
Curated OER
Driving Safety and Distractions
Students research process necessary to add local or state law limiting such driving distractions as cell phones or other technological devices, interview city leaders or legislators, research areas that already have such legislation and...
Curated OER
How Laws Are Made
Students create a graphic organizer to illustrate the steps elected representatives must take to make a new law. Included: Student work sheet and role-play ideas. Students use their graphic organizers to write a paragraph briefly...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: The Net Neutrality Debate
Should Internet users who send data-heavy content pay higher fees than those who are involved in activities, like sending an email, that have less content? This question is at the heart of the Net Neutrality debate. After watching a PBS...
Curated OER
Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage
High schoolers study the legal battles involving same-sex marriage. They examine primary sources and a video regarding the 14th amendment and its implications for gay marriage. They analyze a report of a California case that was sent to...
YMCA
Turning Courtrooms into Classrooms
Turn the class into the next episode of Law & Order! Scholars work together to create a mock trial over the course of several weeks before going before a judge for the case performance. They take on different roles, go through...
iCivics
Voting in Congress
In a role-play activity acting as members of either the Senate or House of Representatives, class members will vote on bills to halt mail delivery on Saturdays in the United States and to raise the minimum wage. Through an included...
iCivics
The Road to Civil Rights
Here is a fantastic resource on the civil rights movement! It includes reading materials and worksheets, and particularly highlights major legislation and the role of the judicial branch in the federal government in addressing the...