Discovery Education
Making Your Voice Count
As learners watch a video on voting, they take notes on a worksheet that lists various voting topics, including electoral and popular votes, early voting, and exit polling. Then, young people research the Internet for their state's...
Judicial Learning Center
The Power of Judicial Review
Marbury v. Madison is arguably the most important landmark case in the history of the Supreme Court. A fact-filled lesson provides background information about the case and two others related to the concept of judicial review. Scholars...
Curated OER
Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 4
Students analyze how interest groups present their viewpoint to the public. They assess how media can influence public opinion by closely examining a political ad from the 1964 presidential election.
Curated OER
What is a Democracy?
Students identify what makes a country democratic and compare United States and Indian political party symbols. They create their own political party and party symbol. They create a campaign speech, participate in the voting process...
National Constitution Center
Interactive Constitution
Did you know there are seven Articles and 27 Amendments to the US Constitution? Explore each and every one of them, including the Bill of Rights and other rights around the world, in a super neat US Constitution interactive.
Hands On Network
Passion into Action
Find your passion. Find service opportunities. Decide how to serve. An instructional packet offers step-by-step directions for getting involved in community service. The practical suggestions and helpful worksheets make what may seem to...
Curated OER
The Debates
Students examine the history and purposes of debate, and analyze the different debate formats. They rate the candidates' presentations in the debates, and apply debate strategies to their own debates.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Candidate Issue Positions
Pupils examine the positions of candidates on various issues. Using visual displays, they describe the platforms and positions of candidates on specific issues. Students include opposing views in their displays from other candidates.
Curated OER
I'm Number One!
Fourth graders complete a unit of lessons on the first seven presidents of the U.S. They conduct research, write a four-paragraph essay, and create posters and speeches for a simulated campaign convention.
Curated OER
Steps In Selecting A President
Students 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
Strengthening Democracy in Africa
Students analyze democratic advances in Africa. In this global issues lesson, students research Internet, video, and print sources regarding current political developments in Africa. Students create e-collages or digital videos that...
Curated OER
Social Studies, Civics Lesson
Students examine the development of government. They identify different theories of political thought around the world. They participate in a play to discover their own political views on key issues.
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
Just Graph It!
Young scholars research presidential election voting results, and organize and interpret data on class graphs.
Curated OER
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Restless Spirit
Young scholars observe an intimate view of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt including her childhood experiences and personal relationships, it explores her role in American politics, civil rights, and foreign affairs.
Curated OER
You Be the Member
Learners explain the process of how a bill becomes a law. They see the role and responsibilities of a member of Parliament and explain the influence of others on the MP's decision-making.
ProCon
Voting Age
Should age matter when it comes to voting? Scholars read an article discussing the pros and cons of lowering the voting age to 16. They then consider both the advantages and disadvantages of having younger voters. After thinking about...
Curated OER
Woman Suffrage in Colorado, 1877-1893
Students work together in groups to examine the suffrage movement in Colorado. They analyze the reasons for and against women's suffrage. They also determine the impact of the movement in Colorado.
Curated OER
Voting
Students investigate voter participation in the U.S. They watch and discuss a Bill Moyers video, complete a handout, and develop a plan to help a community overcome obstacles to voter participation.
Curated OER
The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthy
Learners analyze documents, cartoons, speeches and articles about Joseph McCarthy and his crusade against "Un-American" activities. They guide their research with a worksheet and participate in class discussions about their findings.
Curated OER
Sandra Day O'Connor: Always Supreme
Demystify America's governing system through a legendary role model and a fabulous website.
Teaching for Change
A Documents-Based Lesson on the Voting Rights Act
How did the Voting Rights Act affect the daily lives of American citizens? A document-based lesson developed by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating committee (SNCC) presents a case study of the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on...
Curated OER
Vote for Me!
Tenth graders analyze voter trends in South Carolina and discover techniques canddidates and their parties use to convince us to vote their way. They are able to locate voting statistics for their county; compare the number of...
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding China: The Prospects for Democracy in China
This document provides useful information for a unit on democracy in China. While it does not include detailed activities, it does have a list of democratic principles, and important facts about China that facilitate understanding of its...