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Branches of the Government: Jeopardy Game
Jeopardy games are great ways for students to review concepts in an interesting way. This Game covers the Amendments, 3 Branches of US Government, and miscellaneous terms related to American independence and law.
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Recreating Marriage: The Same-Sex Union Debate
A debate continues regarding same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. This lesson requires learners to define marriage then formulate an argument that reconstructs the national debate perspectives. Many standards are addressed but a...
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Washington Irving in Context
Students examine the various roles Washington Irving had in his lifetime. Examining the situation in Europe and the United States, they are encouraged to relate Irving's experiences to different events. They examine themselves in many...
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Perseverance
Learners examine how the failure of Reconstruction led to the systematic passage of Jim Crow laws in states across the South and the negative impact these laws had on the growth and development of the US.
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Congress: The House of Representatives
This simple worksheet could accompany a text (as it indicates a chapter and section), but could also be given as a guide to independent research. Basic concepts of Congress are prompted through matching and multiple choice. This could be...
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A Presidential Portrait: Andrew Jackson
Eighth graders examine the role of intended meaning in Ralph Earl's portrait of Andrew Jackson. They, in groups, research periods in Jackson's life and use gathered information to create their own portraits of Jackson.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Educating European Immigrant Children Before World War I
As if surviving a journey to America wasn't enough of a feat for early 20th century immigrants, they then needed to settle into American life. Learn about the ways New York public education attempted to meet the needs of its students,...
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Selecting a Chief Justice For The United States Supreme Court: The Senate Confirmation Hearings of Judge John Roberts, Jr.
Students review the procedures for selecting a new Supreme Court Justice. In groups, they determine which questions the nominee should be asked and practice asking the questions with a classmate. They watch the confirmation hearings...
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Unit Plan Template
Use this U.S. History unit plan as a template for creating your own! Simply download the resource and edit the text fields with your own customized unit plan. This is a great jumping-off step, especially for newer teachers.
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The Nonlegislative Powers
Eleventh graders examine the powers of Congress. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders read about Congress. Students complete a worksheet on their findings.
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Explaining the Bill of Rights
Learners define the terms Bill of Rights and amendment. They successfully explain the meaning of each amendment of the Bill of Rights. Students work together in cooperative groups.
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Imposing Democracy
Twelfth graders discuss the probability of imposing a democracy in a country in which there is no history of this type of government being successful. Using the internet, they work together to research Japan's experience with democracy...
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The First Amendment
Eleventh graders examine the First Amendment. In this US Government lesson plan, 11th graders analyze the scope and meaning of the first amendment. Students conduct a survey on First Amendment freedoms. Student evaluate...
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How do we know if it’s a First Amendment Issue?
Students consider First Amendment rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide regarding plans to build an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in New York City. Students respond to discussion questions...
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The First Amendment: Freedom of Expression
Young scholars explore First Amendment rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson plan, students examine the freedom of expression as they view a PowerPoint presentation and listen to the lecture that accompanies it.
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What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?
High schoolers explain in what ways the American experience in self-government can be called an adventure in ideas. They evaluate positions on a number of issues related to the fundamental principles and values of government and...
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Should Voting in the United States be Mandatory? Research Activity
Eighth graders research how many voters actually vote in the U.S. and nine other nations. They create a spreadsheet using this information and write a persuasive essay.
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No Taxation Without Representation
Students consider colonial rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students complete an activity guide that requires students to analyze taxation without representation. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to taxes imposed...
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The Bill of Rights
Students examine the intent Bill of Rights. In this American government lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Bill of Rights." Students discuss and debate the 4 Supreme Court cases featured in the video.
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Loyalists
Students explain why some colonists remained loyal to England during the American revolution. In this social studies instructional activity, students write a letter to an editor about their reasons for remaining loyal to England.
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What Do You Know About Massachusetts?
In this online interactive Massachusetts worksheet, students respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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What Do You Know About New Jersey?
In this online interactive New Jersey worksheet, students respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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What Do You Know About North Carolina?
In this online interactive North Carolina worksheet, learners respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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The Government and Natural Rights
Students are introduced to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the conclusion of the lesson, they know...