National Endowment for the Humanities
Chief Executives Compared: The Federalist Papers
Delve into the responsibilities of the president by looking at President Hamilton's opinion of the presidential office in his own words. The second in a three-part series, the resource also offers an interesting compare-and-contrast...
BBC
The Monarch's Changing Role
Though the grandeur and elegance of the British palace remains unchanged throughout history, the role of the monarch has shifted from absolute rule to collaboration with a constitutional parliament. Young historians learn about the...
Curated OER
The Constitution: The Head of State
Learners explore politics by participating in a round-table discussion with classmates. In this monarchy lesson, young scholars identify the different political leaders in Australia and conduct a class discussion about the country....
School Improvement in Maryland
Political Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages
Every political system has advantages and disadvantages. To gain an understanding of these differences, groups investigate the political system of another country—oligarchy, monarchy, dictatorship, parliamentary—and prepare a...
Curated OER
Royal Treatment
Students analyze the Nepalese King's response to pro-democracy demonstrations, and examine existing monarchies around the world. They conduct research, read an article, and present information on various modern-day monarchies.
Curated OER
Creating a Government
A simulation gives scholars a personal look at what goes into forming a government. Each of them is assigned 1 of 4 tribes which make up Borka, a hypothetical country. The tribe distribution is based on the percentage of people in each....
Pace University
Global History: Enlightenment
The core ideas of the Enlightenment—reason, knowledge, and freedom—represented a rebellion against the despotic control of absolute monarchs. As part of the study of the movement, class members assume the voice or either a monarch or an...
Curated OER
History: Napoleon Becomes a Man of Destiny
Students analyze the forces that shape character development, including the role of historical events. Students contrast the ethos of the Ancient Regime with the new ideals awakened by the French Revolution.
Curated OER
Number the Stars
Fifth graders examine threat to all people (particularly the Jews) resulting from the imposition of Nazi authority, and appreciate the courage exhibited by ordinary people acting out of conscience.
Curated OER
Elections
Young scholars examine why and how elections are conducted in Australia. They compare first-past-the-post, preferential and proportional systems of voting. Students brainstorm the names of elected representatives in the current federal...
Curated OER
The French Revolution
Tenth graders explore the events leading up to the French Revolution. In this World History instructional activity, 10th graders participate in a class discussion as the teacher shares a Powerpoint presentation, then the students rewrite...
Curated OER
What Experiences Shaped the Founders' Thinking about Government?
Students study the ideas and experiences that shaped the founding fathers' perspective about government. In this the government lesson plan, students examine the Articles of Confederation as they relate to the power of government....
Curated OER
The Terminology of Governance
Young scholars explore the parts of Canada's federal system of government. They construct a concept web using the terms related to government and the institutions of Canada. They make lists that relate to Canadian and American government.
Curated OER
The Republic and Its Images
Students study the meaning of The Republic and the symbols of the Republic. They learn definitions and look at images that are meant to be a lesson that comes before a museum visit. They look at images of artwork from this era of French...
Curated OER
Civilizations: Rise To Power
Students discover details about the rise of civilizations. In this Roman history instructional activity, students watch "Civilizations: Rise to Power," and read primary sources from different periods of the empire's history. Students...
Curated OER
What is Brazil's Government Like?
Students compare and contrast the American system of government with that of Brazil. They research how the Brazilian govenment functions.