Curated OER
Your Turn to Vote
Students examine the legislative process. In this Congress lesson, students consider the functions of Congressional committees as they participate in a simulation that requires them to experience the decision-making process that...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: The Tired King
Learners are introduced to the three functions of government (legislative, judicial, and executive). They read and discuss a story about an overworked king who must handle all the tasks of government. Students give a description of the...
Curated OER
Three Branches of Government
In this United States government learning exercise, 5th graders examine a diagram of, and read about the three branches of government. They read about the Supreme Court, Congress, and the President before answering 10 online fill in the...
Curated OER
Congress and the Creation of the Bill of Rights
Students participate in inquiry activities to explore powers outlined in the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students creation of a class Bill of Rights, evaluate and propose amendments, and analyze primary source...
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The Right and the Power
Students read, discuss and analyze the New York Times article "In Wartime, Who Has the Power?" and relate the article to the Constitution. They then brainstorm how the president and Congress make decisions about the war in Iraq and write...
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Life before Congress
Students name some interesting backgrounds of Members of Congress, identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government, and describe the background of one local representative or senator.
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The Relationship between Legislators and Constituents
Young scholars discuss roles of a legislator, explain why some people criticize legislators for not looking out for the interests of their constituents, and identify ways citizens can monitor legislators and hold them accountable.
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Who Can Influence Legislators?
Students identify four influences that affect how a Member of Congress decides to vote on a bill, and describe ways that individuals and groups influence legislators.
Curated OER
Communicating with Legislators
Students explain why it is important to communicate with legislators, describe three ways to communicate with legislators, and create a radio public service announcement that explains why it is important to vote and to communicate with...
iCivics
LawCraft
What's it like to be a senator or member of the House of Representatives? Using a video game simulation, learners discover what it is like to craft and pass legislation from its idea through conference committee. Pop ups and annotation...
C-SPAN
Choice Board: Expressed and Implied Powers
Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution expressly lists powers given to Congress. Over the years, lawmakers have expanded the enumerated powers to include powers implied by the list. To better understand the significance...
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Branches of Government
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
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The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
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First Federal Congress Exhibit
Students are introduced to the First Federal Congress. After reading various documents, they answer and discuss questions as a class. They identify the responsibilities and expectations for the First Congress and determine how it is...
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The Role of the Judiciary in a System of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Students determine the role of each branch of government in a system of checks and balances. They demonstrate the role of the judiciary in American government
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How Laws Are Made
Students create a graphic organizer to illustrate the steps elected representatives must take to make a new law. Included: Student work sheet and role-play ideas. Students use their graphic organizers to write a paragraph briefly...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Congressional Committees
How exactly do both houses of Congress come to a formal decision on an issue? Scholars research the use of congressional committees as part of the legislative process. By using current events to analyze information, they see the role...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: The Incumbent Advantage
Does the person running for re-election have an advantage over the challenger? Scholars explore the concept of incumbent advantage during elections using an informative mini-lesson plan explaining the legislative branch. In pairs, they...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Gerrymandering
Who determines the structure of voting districts? The concept of gerrymandering brings to light the ongoing issue of how those running for office gain votes. Hands-on activities enable scholars to analyze the re-drawing of voting...
iCivics
Mini-Lesson: Filibusters
How long can you speak without stopping? Scholars analyze the concept of a filibuster in the United States Senate using an installment of the Legislative Branch series of mini-lessons. They research recent filibuster attempts in the...
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum
Practice Passing Laws
Getting a bill through the legislative process to become a law in the United States is a very long and difficult procedure by design! To understand the deliberation, debate, and compromises involved, class members take on the role of...
C-SPAN
Supreme Court Justices Research and Resumes
According to Article III, Section1 of the United States constitution, the only qualification one needs to be appointed to the Supreme Court is to demonstrate "good behavior." The president and Congress are given the power to determine...
Curated OER
How Ordinary People Can Have an Impact
Students identify three or more ways the Federal Government impacts their daily lives and then explore ways in which citizens can influence political leaders.
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Leaders in the Legislative Branch
Young scholars read case studies about the leaders in the legislative branch of government. After reading the studies, they discover how the leaders have compromised on issues to best serve their states. They answer discussion...