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Breaking Barriers
Students examine the context of a speech delivered by Barack Obama. In this African-American history lesson plan, students discuss the 15th Amendment and the American Civil Rights Movement prior to analyzing Barack Obama's speech "A More...
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The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
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The Constitution
Eighth graders conduct research about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, the Connecticut (Great) Compromise, and the 3/5 Compromise.
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Whose Business Is It Anyway? McCarthyism and Its Effect on Individual Rights
Students explore the concept of individual rights. In this McCarthyism lesson, students determine how government may affect the rights of individuals as they examine the Constitution, participate in class discussions, and research the...
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Dred Scott and the Constitution
Students investigate the outcome of the Dred Scott case. In this human rights lesson plan, students read Justice Taney's decision about property rights and citizenship. Students write essays about the outcome of the case and President...
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Foundations of American Government: Teacher’s Guide
Students explore the foundations of America. In this early American history lesson, students watch Discovery video segments regarding the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights....
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Judicial Branch & Supreme Court Questions
In this U. S. government worksheet, students respond to 19 short answer questions about the responsibilities of Supreme Court members in the United States.
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Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
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A "Clear and Present Danger"
Students define what is meant by clear and present danger. In this First Amendment instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Sedition Act of 1798. Students consider...
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The Mayflower Compact-Freedom Contract
Students examine the main goal of the Pilgrims and the first amendment of the Constitution. They read and discuss "The Mayflower Compact," role-play excerpts of the reading, and write a journal entry.
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How Congress Works
Students study the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as described in the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson plan, students watch an overhead about 'public criticisms' in the legislative process and complete a...
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The American People, “Creating a Nation”
In this early American history worksheet, students read noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 7 short answer questions regarding the U.S. Constitution and its formation.
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Limited Government
Students write a letter to King George III from the point of view of Thomas Jefferson. They defend constitutional democracy and explain the differences between limited and unlimited government.
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First Amendment: Crossword Puzzle
In this United States history worksheet, students use the 14 clues in order to fill in the crossword puzzle with the appropriate answers pertaining to the First Amendment.
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We the People Lesson 2
Young scholars compare the Federalists and Anti-Federalists visions for the U.S. government. In this government instructional activity, students conduct research on Federalists and Anti-Federalists figures. Young scholars use their...
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Abraham Lincoln's Position on the Question of Slavery and Its Extension
Students read excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's speeches and letters between 1854 and 1861 and look for information relative to Lincoln's thoughts on the legal and Constitutional aspects of slavery.
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A Lesson on Reconstruction Legislation and Amendments
Students study the legislation and Amendments of Reconstruction period in America. In this Reconstruction lesson, students work in groups to dissect the Black Codes, an article in the US Constitution, as well as the 13th, 14th, and...
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Robert Smalls: Warrior and Peacemaker
Pupils research the events that led to the Civil War and the Reconstruction. In this Civil War history lesson, students study images of Robert Smalls and research his role in the Civil War. Pupils review the South Carolina Constitution...
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Early Presidents and Politics
Students investigate early presidents of the United States. Students complete a series of lessons in which they research the contributions and political climate during the terms of U.S. presidents from George Washington to Andrew Jackson.
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Grievances Against the British Monarchy
Students review George Washington's reasons for not wanting to be viewed as a monarch. They review the Declaration of Independence and identify five grievances the United States had against the British monarchy. In groups, students...
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They Were Born Where?
Students assess where the presidents of the United States were born and analyze the role of geography in determining the outcome of presidential elections. They create graphs visualizing the birth and home states of the presidents along...
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Washington, D.C.
In this Washington, D.C. government facts worksheet, students read ten facts associated with the United States and determine if they are true or false.
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Democracy…Not Yet!
Students analyze the concept of democracy. In this democratic values lesson, students analyze the lyrics of selected popular music that address issues that challenge the role of United States as a world leader. Students create exhibits...
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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion
High schoolers explore the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 and its significance in the early history of the United States. They explore how George Washington made the choice to meet this challenge to federal authority with military force