Curated OER
Makers of the Law, The Legislative Branch
Students, in teams, research the legislative branch and complete a "Legislative Information List." Teams research different parts of the list and jigsaw teach the other groups about each part. One group researches names of state officials.
Curated OER
Leaders in the Judicial Branch
Students examine the leadership roles and qualities of members of the judicial branch in public life. They view and discuss video clips from a federal judge and two Supreme Court judges.
Curated OER
Indiana Courts: How Do They Work?
Young scholars identify the branches of Indiana's judicial system and determine the differences between the different courts and different types of cases. Students create a flow chart showing how a court case works its way through the...
iCivics
Separation of Powers
In a fun and informative simulation, your learners will act in groups as lead chefs, menu writers, and nutrition inspectors in deciding a new school lunch menu. They will then compare and contrast their experience to the interaction...
Delegation of the European Union to the United States
Structure of Government within the EU
The political system of the European Union is historically unique and has been constantly evolving. To better understand the structure of the EU, class members compare the EU's branches to those of the United States Federal Government.
School Improvement in Maryland
Dividing the Powers of Government
Who does what? To develop an understanding of the balance of power between the US federal and state governments, class members research responsibilities in terms of legal systems, security issues, economic activities, lawmaking, and...
American Constitution Society
Constitution in the Classroom: The Right to Vote
The system of checks and balances is integral to the functionality of the United States government. Learn more about the ways the three branches of the government work together—and about the limitations of their power—with an informative...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: The Constitution: Our Guiding Document
Explore the structure and content of the US Constitution in the second lesson of this five-part social studies series. A collection of activities, games, and videos complement a class reading of a document summarizing the US...
Curated OER
Citizens of the Future
Young sociologists explore how local, state, and federal governments work. This very impressive and ambitious lesson plan requires pupils to contact government officials who represent them and their families. They research elections, and...
Curated OER
Utah's Judicial Branch
Seventh graders explain that the judicial branch of Utah's government interprets laws and reviews the consitutionality of laws.
Curated OER
Exploring the Three Branches of Government
Learners view a PowerPoint presentation to explore the three branches of government. Using this infromation, they identify the people, buildings and responsiblities of each branch. They complete a worksheet using the internet and take a...
Curated OER
The Role of State Government and the State Constitution
Learners investigate the relationship between state and national governments. They define the principles of American federalism how the constitution outlines the powers of state and federal government. Lesson focuses on Nebraska...
Curated OER
Public Trust and Confidence
Learners analyze the judiciary system. In this government lesson plan, students participate in a class discussion on methods to prevent unfairness in the Judicial courts.
Heritage Foundation
Courts and Judges
If the Supreme Court is so supreme, why do all cases not just start there? High schoolers learn why every case does not start at the Supreme Court as well as the importance of hierarchy in the US judicial system in the 11th installment...
Heritage Foundation
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has a lot of responsibility in the United States government. But how did it all begin, and why is it the way it is now? A comprehensive lesson answers all of these questions about the US Constitution and...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Eighth graders research the three branches of government and examine the effect that the separation of powers has on the presidency. They explain the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the...
Curated OER
Twelve Angry Men: Trial by Jury as a Right and as a Political Institution
Students explore the constitutional guarantee of the right to trial by jury. In this U. S. Constitution lesson, students read or view Twelve Angry Men and respond to discussion questions regarding the jury. Students examine the...
Curated OER
Local Government: Caring for Your Community
Seventh graders investigate the role of local governments. In this government lesson, 7th graders examine historical photographs and determine what services are being performed in the photographs. Students research how the services are...
Curated OER
The Emergence of the Judicial Branch
Students 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.
Curated OER
Enforcers of the Law, The Executive Branch
Fourth graders explore the executive branch of government; in particular, Florida's executive branch of government.
Curated OER
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Students investigate some basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court. The operation of the Supreme Court forms the focus of the lesson.
Curated OER
The Role of the Judiciary in a System of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Students determine the difference between the different branches of government and assess the role of each within the American governmental system.
Judicial Learning Center
The Judge and the Jury: Trial by Jury
Why is it so important to have a trial by jury in the American judicial system? This right is one of the hallmarks of American democracy, but it also comes with the responsibility of serving on a jury if called. Young legal scholars...
Curated OER
US Government: Supreme Court
Learners explore the powers of the Supreme Court. In this Judicial Branch lesson, students define vocabulary regarding the branch's responsibilities, take notes on a video regarding the branch, and discuss the powers of the branch in a...