Curated OER
How the Electoral College Works
Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.
Curated OER
Civil War and Reconstruction
Fourth graders investigate the Civil War by researching the state of Virginia. In this US History lesson, 4th graders identify Abraham Lincoln, James Chestnut and Fort Sumter, and discuss their roles in the start of the Civil...
National Constitution Center
Address America: Your Six-Word Stump Speech
Stump speeches are the focus of this exercise that combines politics and language arts. After learning about this type of speech, the class listens to Obama's 2008 presidential campaign stump speech and answers a series of questions that...
Curated OER
Young Voters Make A Difference
High schoolers research recent statistics on voting by those 18 to 24. They survey senior students to determine their intent to vote in the next election. High schoolers display the data in charts and graphs. They write the results and...
Curated OER
Woodrow The White House Mouse
Inauguration Day is January 20. Implement an entire week's worth of mini activities to help young historians become knowledgeable of the President's job, the executive branch, and the White House. The worksheets focus on...
Curated OER
My Country, My Country: To Vote or Not to Vote
Students view a film about elections in Iraq. They examine the story of a doctor and his decisions to vote. They work together to complete a worksheet about voter turnout.
Curated OER
Progression of Political Movements
High schoolers examine the various political parties throughout history. In groups, they are given documents identifying the platforms of the parties in the 1868 election. To end the lesson, they share their information with the class...
Curated OER
So You Want to Be President?
Students view a documentary on U.S. Presidents. Those called to serve be remembered by future generations that study American and world history. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then create a poster about the electoral process.
Curated OER
Who’s Got Rights? An Introduction to Human Rights and Human Rights Defenders
Students explore human rights issues. In this social justice lesson, students examine human rights as they read segments of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," discuss photographs with human rights implications, and play a human...
Curated OER
THE FEDERAL CONFIRMATION PROCESS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB
Students analyze the process whereby presidential appointees are confirmed.
Stanford University
Iraq Resolution
The 9/11 attacks propelled the United States into a period of low-grade war that has existed from that day all the way to current times. By looking at documents from the decision to send troops to Iraq in 2006, scholars connect the...
Curated OER
Taking Them On Faith?
Students explore, examine and study about the role of religion in presidential campaigns and elections by reading and discussing the article, "God" 08: Whose, and How Much, Will Voters Accept?" They research a variety of presidents...
Curated OER
No More Freedom Fries?
Students discuss the May, 2007, French presidental election of pro-American, right-wing candidate Nicholas Sarkozy. They reflect on both the historical and contemporary relationship between France and the United States. Students work...
Curated OER
Stage a Debate: A Primer for Teachers (Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format)
For a comprehensive overview of debate styles and formats, look at this resource. It details the Lincoln-Douglas debate format (one-to-one debate with specific, timed rounds of points, cross-examination, and rebuttals). You can also find...
Curated OER
The Voter
Learners identify the constitutional amendments and major federal laws that have shaped suffrage in the United States.
Curated OER
Campaign Finance Reform and Public Opinion
Students discuss the issue of finance reform in political campaigns. Using the internet, they identify the positives and negatives of finance reform and research the problems associated with campaign fund-raising. They share their...
State Bar of Texas
Marbury v. Madison
Who has the final say in matters dealing with the rules under the United States Constitution? The case Marbury v. Madison brings to light the issue of judicial review. Learners investigate the Supreme Court's opinion in the case with a...
Curated OER
The Executive Branch
Students study the federal government, which is divided into 3 branches. They have a minimal understanding of the responsibilities of each branch.
Curated OER
Speech in the Virginia Convention
“. . .different men often see the same subject in different lights. . .” but the great orator Patrick Henry used all the skills at his command to craft a speech to convince listeners to see things as he did--that liberty was worth dying...
Curated OER
A Country Recovering from Crisis--Kenya
Students explore Kenya. In this Kenya lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the political and economic issues the country is facing. Students compare life in Kenya to life in the United States.
Curated OER
Jackie Steals Home
Students read articles relating to Jackie Robinson's breaking of the racial barrier in professional baseball. This leads to a deeper exploration of racism in the United States. They use a variety of worksheets imbedded in this plan to...
Curated OER
Steps In Selecting A President
Learners follow a flowchart that describes the process of electing the American president and vice-president. They create a flowchart that explains some aspect of the US government.
Curated OER
Trade Wars: the Candidates Take a Stand
Students research topics related to trade, and develop a graphic organizer. They debate and discuss topics related to trade.
Curated OER
History by Heroes
Students role play one of the Presidents between 1877 and today. Individually, they use the internet to research the President through official documents, political cartoons and various editorials. Throughout the year, they are asked to...