Curated OER
Immigration and Identity
Students will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
College Board
Using Politics to Improve Participation in Elections
Instructors new to teaching AP U.S. Government and Politics classes, as well as seasoned veterans, will find this teaching guide an invaluable resource. Using a project-based approach to civics education, the lessons emphasize real-world...
Curated OER
To Be or Not to Be Democratic
Seventh graders explore the democratic republic principles of U.S. government. In this U.S. government lesson, 7th graders compare and contrast the governments of ancient Athens,the Roman Republic, and the United States today. Students...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Students examine the roles of each of the branches of U.S. government. In this checks and balances lesson, students watch Discovery video segments and discuss the concept of federalism as they create a school-wide policy for government...
Curated OER
The Embodied Presidency Wilson
Students take a closer look at U.S. intervention in Mexico. In this 20th century history lesson plan, students examine primary documents to consider why the United States entered the Mexican War and then write DBQ essays on the topic.
Curated OER
The Philippines-U.S. Involvement
Students research and discuss the rational for U.S. involvement in the Philippines. They discuss overall foreign and domestic policies of the U.S. Then they create a timeline that highlights this impact.
Curated OER
George Washington's Foreign Policy
Students compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis lesson, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary, the Monroe Doctrine,...
Curated OER
Patriotism and Foreign Policy
Twelfth graders create a museum of Patriotism and Foreign Policy. They participate in discussions and work in committee's to determine which objects shall be displayed in the museum. They present visual and performing arts along with...
Federal Reserve Bank
U.S. Income Inequality: It's Not So Bad
What is the difference between a flat tax, progressive tax, tax deduction and transfer payments? Pupils examine the ability-to-pay principle of taxation through discussion, problem solving, and a variety of worksheets on topics from US...
Curated OER
"Big Three" Bailouts
What does your class think about big business bailouts by the U.S. Government? Find out with this activity, where learners analyze a political cartoon comparing the "Big Three" automakers with the Greek Myth of Sisyphus. Background...
Curated OER
The Impact of the IWW on the Nation or Who were the Wobblies?
Students evaluate the role labor groups had on the U.S. Government in the early 1900's. In this teaching American history lesson plan, students complete several activities, including response writing and listening to music, that...
Curated OER
Tibet and the U.S.
Students study the Tibetan situation. In this global issues lesson, students listen to a lecture regarding Tibet, its location, and its ties to China. Students then create political cartoons or write letters to their Congressperson about...
K20 LEARN
Allotment in Indian Territory: Land Openings in Indian Territory
To understand how the allotment policy embedded in the Dawes Act, passed by the U.S. government in 1887, affected the tribal sovereignty of Native Americans, young historians examine various maps and documents and Supreme Court...
Curated OER
Louisiana Purchase
Students explore U.S. territorial expansion. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson plan, students investigate how the purchase was funded and determine how diplomatic actions were part of the land transfer. Students analyze several primary...
Curated OER
A Look at U.S. and Canadian Approaches to Individual Liberties
Students compare and contrast Canadian and U.S. policies regarding social issues. In this sociology instructional activity, students research social and governance policies in the countries and write personal essays using their findings.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Students review the U.S. military's policy concerning gay and lesbian soldiers. They research the "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" approach and determine its meaning. Students interview military personnel and present their findings...
Curated OER
The Gulf Oil Disaster
Students take a closer look at the Gulf oil spill of 2010. For this global issues lesson, students analyze political cartoons related to the crisis. Students discuss their impressions of the crisis and U.S. energy policies.
Student Handouts
Foreign Affairs
Inform your class about foreign policy during the Reagan administration. The resource includes a reading passage that gives an overview of foreign policy decisions made during the Reagan administration and nine questions for pupils to...
Curated OER
Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities
Students explore the meaning of freedom. In this U.S. History instructional activity, students research the Declaration of Independence and how it relates to American freedom by completing activities and a mock trial.
Curated OER
Forceful Persuasion
Young scholars investigate U.S. foreign policy in Middle Eastern countries, and rank their level of support for American military and diplomatic actions.
Curated OER
Should Your Hairstyle Be A Constitutional Right?
Students examine the 1st and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, students read the Amendments and interpret them in order to respond to essential questions regarding constitutional rights.
Curated OER
War and International Law:America’s Foreign Policy: A Brief History
High schoolers discover the history of American foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture that presents a brief history of American foreign policy. High schoolers...
Curated OER
The Bush Doctrine
Students analyze the Bush Doctrine and its effects on foreign policy. For this foreign policy lesson, students read and discuss the Bush Doctrine. Students research and debate on whether or not the Bush Doctrine should be part of U.S....
Curated OER
History of Political Parties in the U. S.
Twelfth graders name some of the parties in the political system of the United States. They identify the two main parties along with key information, issues, events, elections and/or people for each system. They then break into groups...