Curated OER
Development of American Political Parties: The Two-Party System
Was American politics always bound to the two-party system? Learn how the two-party system developed, why third parties tend not to do so well, and all the various political parties that have emerged throughout US history. Each party is...
Curated OER
The First American Party System: Federalists and Democratic-Republicans: The Platforms They Never Had
Young scholars investigate the beginnings of the political party system in the US. They determine the key positions of both the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. They compare the views of the early political parties with those...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Becoming US President
It's that time of year, and the year. Once again the race is on for the White House. It's important that young voters, and would-be voters, understand the process for becoming the United States President. Class members research the...
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Economic Blame Game
Two political cartoons grace this critical analysis instructional activity. Several very good discussion questions and points to consider, could make this an interesting start to any US Government class. Prepare upper graders for...
Curated OER
Comics for the Classroom: Addicted to Spending
Political comics can be a great way to get kids thinking critically about current political topics. They assess this cartoon and analyze how the cartoonist feels about US spending policy. There are three solid critical analysis questions...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Students identify and examine the Declaration of Independence and ascertain its true intent and its eventual realization. Then they analyze the Declaration of Independence and summarize the intentions of the Declaration. Students also...
Curated OER
US Constitution
Think about the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence with your budding historians. They analyze the importance of historical documents by examining several famous documents, and then they complete activities that check...
Curated OER
Political Issues and Opinions
The emergent adults in your US Government class can become informed, self-aware voters. This activity enables them to form an opinion about particular political issues then identify themselves on the political spectrum. Informed and...
Curated OER
Breaking News English - US Fat Cats Quizzed Over High Salaries
In this ESL/ELL reading comprehension activity, students read or listen to an article entitled, "US Fat Cats Quizzed Over High Salaries." They discuss the article and participate in both pre and post-reading activities. They fill in the...
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University
Federalist - Antifederalist Debates
Who should have the power—individual states or the federal government? Scholars research the arguments of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the formation of the United States Constitution. Online resources, including a vast...
Curated OER
Donkeys and Elephants and Voters, Oh My!
Students celebrate party politics. In this American politics lesson, students discover what the 2 main political parties in the country are and discuss their functions. Students then participate in a classroom simulation that requires...
Curated OER
Mock Election
Here is an excellent PowerPoint presenting loads of information about the US election process. Some of the topics included in the slide show: the reasons voting is important, how to choose a candidate, how the federal, state, and local...
PBS
What Are the Primaries and Caucuses?
What are the essential differences between primaries and caucuses? As part of a study of the process by which Americans select their candidates for US president, class members examine the nominating process, the changes that have...
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Stagflation
What is stagflation? Have your social studies class examine this political cartoon to define stagflation and understand recession as its defined in a political context. This worksheet would be a great warm up activity, perfect for extra...
Curated OER
Development of Democracy
Eighth graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this Boston Massacre instructional activity, 8th graders investigate the testimony of Captain Thomas Preston. Students write their own verdicts based on his testimony.
Curated OER
The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
High schoolers identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an...
Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
Young scholars use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
A Deliberate, Palpable and Dangerous Exercise of Other Powers: James Madison & Homeland Security
This resource uses primary source documents to explore the First Amendment. After reviewing key events of the 1790s, government or US history classes explore Madison's letter to Jefferson regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. They then...
Curated OER
Graphic Organizing: Early American History
In collaborative groups, young US historians sort cards (each labeled with a single early American event or issue) according to which of the first four presidents was leading the country at the time. Learners copy the events onto a...
Curated OER
Chapter 2 – The US From 1789 to 1815
In this U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages about the country from 1789-1815 and respond to 36 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Close Encounters of the World Kind
Explore the vocabulary of the government process. Using a simple technique, learners discuss the meaning of the words majority, election, democrat, republican, and independent. This can be used as an anticipatory set.
Curated OER
The future of Affirmative Action
Eleventh graders explore the term Affirmative Action. In this US History instructional activity, 11th graders create a presentation that will determine the future of federal affirmative action programs. Students write a speech that...
Curated OER
The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Eleventh graders explore the purpose of the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary source documents. Students write an essay using writing prompts.
Curated OER
Power, Persuasion & Propaganda: Exploring Multiple Motives
Students recognize different motives even in non-commercial media. They analyze the role of media in a democratic society and wrestle with ethical issues concerning media and the public good. They create a media message with one or more...