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Lesson Plan
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Encyclopedia Britannica

Presidential Succession

For Teachers 9th - 12th
"Who takes over if a president dies, resigns, is impeached, or is otherwise removed from office?" That is the question class members research. After listing the 18 successors in order, individuals respond in writing to a series of...
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Lesson Plan
Constitutional Rights Foundation

The Emoluments Clause and the President

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
While the Emoluments Clause didn't get a lot of attention before the 2016 election, all eyes have been on this short phrase in the Constitution with the election of Donald Trump. As a business owner, do his financial interests conflict...
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Worksheet
Constitutional Rights Foundation

The Iran Nuclear Deal and Its Critics

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
What was the purpose of the Iranian Nuclear Deal? An insightful resource explains nuclear tensions in the Middle East and Iranian weapon development that contributed to the Nuclear Deal in 2013. Academics learn the agreement limited...
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Activity
Constitutional Rights Foundation

The Census in US History

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
The census has been a part of the American landscape since the Constitution was written; however, it does have a history of controversy. Class members use a guided reading and simulation activity on developing census questions to...
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Assessment
New York State Education Department

US History and Government Examination: August 2010

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Geography has played a complex role in America history. The Atlantic Ocean has served as a buffer to protect the United States from European Wars, but its proximity to Cuba, however, left it vulnerable to nuclear war during the Cuban...
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Interactive
University of Richmond

The Executive Abroad 1905-2016

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
While the president often appears to jet around the world on diplomatic missions, having the commander in chief travel abroad is a modern phenomenon, starting in the 20th century. Using a graphic, learners explore which presidents...
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Interactive
iCivics

Executive Command

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
What is it like to be the commander in chief? Learners find out using an engaging video game simulation. As they juggle diplomacy and bills sent from Congress, they make choices to push forward an agenda on issues they think are important. 
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Lesson Plan
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iCivics

Mini-Lesson: Presidential Succession

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Who is in line for the presidency? Learners research the line of succession in the executive branch. They analyze the role the cabinet plays in a situation where the president and vice president are not able to serve. Along the way,...
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Lesson Plan
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iCivics

Mini-Lesson: Executive Orders

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Can the President of the United States pass a law all by himself? Scholars investigate the concept of the executive order in regards to the powers of the presidency. They use current issues and events to monitor media bias while also...
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Lesson Plan
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iCivics

Mini-Lesson: Presidential Pardons

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
How do United States presidents give people second chances? Scholars research the concept of presidential forgiveness, or pardon. By completing an Executive Branch Mini-Lesson, class members get a better grasp of the power the executive...
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Lesson Plan
Heritage Foundation

The Powers of the Executive

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Are executives as powerful as they sound? High schoolers find out about the US president and executive branch. A variety of activities include scaffolded reading sections, research assignments, and collaborative group work.
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Lesson Plan
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National Endowment for the Humanities

George Washington: The Precedent President

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Everyone knows that George Washington was the first president, but do your scholars know why that was so important? The lesson plan, the third in a sequence of three, allows learners to understand how George Washington set a precedent...
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Lesson Plan
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National Endowment for the Humanities

Chief Executives Compared: The Federalist Papers

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
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...
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Lesson Plan
NPR

The Obama Years

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Beginning with a quick writing prompt, young historians write about what they will remember most about President Obama's legacy. The activity opens up a larger discussion and exploration of his accomplishments, milestones, and the impact...
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Lesson Plan
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School Improvement in Maryland

Building a Pyramid

For Teachers 9th - 12th
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The White House

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Create a mini-White House in your classroom! After researching information about the Executive Branch and the duties of the president, learners construct an accurate three-dimensional replica of a portion of the United States White House.
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PPT
Curated OER

Whose go the Power: Checks and Balances

For Teachers 5th - 6th
After introducing the three branches of US government, test the class' understanding of government powers. They are asked a series of questions regarding a federal act and then, answer which branch has the power of decision making....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine Article I, Section 7, and Article II, Sections 2 and 3, of the U.S. Constitution, explain the president's role in the lawmaking process, and define the term veto.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Before and Beyond the Constitution: What Should a President Do?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss the powers and responsibilities of the President, list some precedents established during Washington's presidency, and match presidential actions with the type of Executive power it is.
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Activity
Constitutional Rights Foundation

What Should the US Do About North Korea's Nuclear Weapons?

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
North Korea, a shadowy nation distrustful of America, is working on a nuclear weapons program. What should the United States do? The question has plagued American presidents for years, but now young scholars get to make their...
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Activity
iCivics

The Executive Command

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Take on the role of president of the United States with this interactive online game, which will acquaint your learners with the various responsibilities of the executive branch of government. While not an in-depth or complex resource,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The U. S. at War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine reasons for going to war. In this foreign policy lesson, students analyze the reasons the U.S. entered the the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All Those In Favor

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars share opinions about measures recently passed in their school, vote on and argue for and against hypothetical school policies, and respond to a "president's" decision to pass or veto the measures.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Branches of Government Worksheet 2

For Students 5th - 8th
Looking for a quick assessment to give to your class about the branches of government in the United States? This is a multiple choice activity that could be used as a quiz. There are 9 questions, some of which are a bit dated and should...