iCivics
I Civics: Constitution Day Lesson Plan
This interactive lesson gives students a quick snapshot of the Constitution, including the purpose of each article, the powers of the three branches, how a bill becomes a law, and the concepts of separation of powers and checks and...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Vocabulary
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews important vocabulary regarding the three branches of the United States government.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: United States Government for Kids
Study the United States Government on this webpage. Learn about the balance of powers, the three branches, and the Constitution.
Quia
Quia: The 3 Branches of Government
Complete the paragraph by filling in the missing terms. Collect coins by completing each exercise correctly.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Our Government
Cartoon Ben Franklin guides students through the U.S. government by providing short descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Is Power Divided in the United States Government?
Video accompanied by questions for students that looks at how the concept of separation of powers embedded in the Constitution is applied in the United States government. [3:50]
Ohio Test Prep
Ohio Test Prep: Module 4: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government
Ohio test preparation module on the structure and functions of the Federal Government with video tutorial, review game and assessment.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress: Foundational
This resource from Khan Academy provides foundational-level practice questions over the structures, powers, and functions of Congress. These practice questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American...
Other
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: Government
The Choctaw Nation's governing structure is set forth in its revised 1984 constitution. Like the U.S. government, there are three branches, executive, legislative and judicial. Read about how the tribal government of this Choctaw Nation...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Branches of Us Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explains the 3 branches of US government-- Executive, Judicial and Legislative-- and includes some questions for assessment.
iCivics
I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]
Students learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson. Requires Adobe Reader.
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Checks and Balances in Action
In this activity, students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the...
US National Archives
Nara: Charters of Freedom: Constitution of the United States
Comprehensive overview of the U.S. Constitution. Places the Constitution in context with two other founding charters of American democracy and government, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Includes access to digital...
iCivics
I Civics: The Constitutional Convention Mini Lesson
Students explore how the U.S. government was created in the years following the Articles of Confederation.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Branches
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart teaches the branches and levels of government.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: So You Want to Be President
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews the three branches of government and the qualifications to become President of the United States. Student assessment items are included.
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Separation of Powers or Shared Powers
In this activity, students will analyze documents that illustrate the relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Using the scale in Weighing the Evidence, students will decide whether the United States...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: A New Nation
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews the 3 main branches of government and its system of checks and balances. Web links and 3tudent assessment items are included.
iCivics
I Civics: Curriculum Units
A large collection of Social Studies units, WebQuests, and games that focuses on teaching students how government works and the importance of being responsible, informed American citizens. Units are linked to state standards. A teacher...
Digital History
Digital History: Republicanism
The framers of the Constitution had a great distaste for the monarchial society of Great Britain. See how this was reflected in the checks and balances they wrote into the Constitution in an effort to create a working republic.
Library of Congress
Loc: Constitution Day Resources
A selection of online resources from THOMAS that have to do with the US Constitution.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina: Constitution 101 [Pdf]
Provides a good basic introduction to the Constitution. Explains the founding principles, checks and balances, the rationale for it, the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention, the debate and ratification, the structure of the...
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: How Are Laws Made?
A tutorial that explains the process that must be followed in order for a new law to be made. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.