Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Legislative Branch

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Learners will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of citizens and political parties. Register for a free account to...
Activity
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This well-written and well-organized site from The Legislative Branch provides a thorough overview of congressional powers, inherent checks and balances, as well as links to related information.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: congress.gov: Contrasting Procedures of the Senate and House

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs:the Evolution of Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This extensive lesson used in conjunction with the Ken Burns documentary "The Congress" is designed to develop an understanding of how the U.S. Congress functions by examining its evolution. Links and downloadable materials are provided.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Congress in a Flash!

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners learn what Congress is, what the Constitution says about the legislative branch, and how a bill becomes law. They analyze some actual language from the Constitution, compare the House and the Senate, and simulate the lawmaking...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Voting in Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
n this lesson, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a bill, including the powers given to Congress by the Constitution, what a member's constituents want, his or her political party's...
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Website
Other

Govspot: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site has an outline from Govspot of the Legislative Branch of the United States. This site links you to every part of the Judicial Branch of the United States.
Unit Plan
Indiana University

Center on Congress: Learn About Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This retired site captures historical legislative activity that includes bill summary and status, bill text, public laws by law number, most recent issue, roll-call votes, committee reports, house committees, and senate committees.
Lesson Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress Link: Lesson Plans

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
Website
Other

Dirksen Center: Resource: How to Communicate Effectively With Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Resource provides expert tips for reaching your Congress person. Describes the role of Congressmen and women and what they can and can't do for citizens. Site for students and others to better understand Congress.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: Legislative Branch Congress

For Students 1st - 9th Standards
Kids learn about the Legislative Branch of the United States Government. It's also called the Congress and is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.
Handout
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: The Veto

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn about the President's power to veto a bill, and understand how Congress responds when this happens.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: What Congress Does and Why It Matters

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Students will analyze primary sources related to Congress to learn the specific powers of the Legislative Branch. Included is a chart to download and print, worksheets, materials, and an answer key. Primary sources to be examined are...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (6 8)

For Students 6th - 8th
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: The Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended for early elementary students, ReadWorks provides an information text about the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us Congress Facts

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article provides an overview and interesting facts about the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.
Activity
US Senate

The U. S. Senate: Senators of the 108th Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the United States Senate provides a current list of the Senators of the 108th Congress. You can sort by state, name or party, view biographical and contact information and much more.