Curated OER
Maine: State Government
Young scholars participate in interactive lessons to study the history and government of Maine. They observe the studenT Cabinet of Maine and assess its goals and work.
Judicial Learning Center
The Ratification Debate
Most Americans profess their love for the US Constitution, but this was not always the case. An informative lesson overviews the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists by summarizing the main arguments of each side. It...
Judicial Learning Center
Levels of the Federal Courts
The Supreme Court gets all the glory, but very few federal cases make it to the highest court. An interesting lesson explores the structure of the lower levels of the federal court system. In addition to outlining the organization of...
Curated OER
Chief Justice Roberts Goes to Court
Pupils gain an introductory into the branches of government. Students research all parts of government and use Frames to create a public service announcement to teach others the parts of government and how they work.
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Legislation
Young scholars rank the legislation of disabilities since World War I and write their rationale for the ranking. For this legislation of disabilities lesson plan, students do this for 5 legislations that have been passed.
Curated OER
Mock Congress
High schoolers simulate the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles. They investigate the process by writing a bill on any subject of his/her own choice
Curated OER
Leaders in the Legislative Branch
Students read case studies about the leaders in the legislative branch of government. After reading the studies, they discover how the leaders have compromised on issues to best serve their states. They answer discussion questions and...
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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.
Curated OER
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.
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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.
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...
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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Executive Branch of the U.S. Government
Fourth graders create a K-W-L chart of what they know about the executive branch of government. They access the Internet to research a specific level of government. They create a PowerPoint presentation with a minimum of eight slides.
Curated OER
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Students learn basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court.
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...
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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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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.
Curated OER
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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The U. S. Constitution (5)
In this online interactive American history worksheet, students answer 17 fill in the blank questions regarding the U. S. Constitution. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Government Lesson Plans
Students can learn how their government is organized through these engaging lesson plans.
Curated OER
Teams-Games-Tournaments
Young scholars draw cards from a pile and the student that draws the number card gets the first opportunity to answer the question. For example, if a student selects twenty-two from the pile and question twenty-two is, "why is government...
Curated OER
Order in the Court
Learners identify the branches of government, who leads each branch and its responsibilities. They understand the role that John Marshall played in our government system. They research the role of the Supreme Court.
Curated OER
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.
Judicial Learning Center
The Constitution
Supreme Court justices debate the meaning of the US Constitution, but we expect teachers to explain it to scholars with far less training and experience. A daunting task for sure, but it's not insurmountable with resources that simplify...