The Newberry Library
Newberry Library: Dissent and Democracy in Modern American History
Learning resource in which students examine primary source material for a look at the forms of dissent in U.S. history and the role dissent plays in a representative democracy. Questions for consideration are included.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: Thoreau's Critique of Democracy in "Civil Disobedience"
National Humanities Center lesson explores the criticisms Thoreau makes about a representative democracy form of government. Lesson includes interactive assignments, teacher notes, strategies for Close reading, follow-up and vocabulary.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Democratic Process
Overview explaining some fundamental characteristics of the political processes of a representative democracy.
US Department of State
America.gov: Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen
A chapter taken from the U.S. State Department's "Outline of U.S. Government," that focuses on the foundation of American representative democracy. Provides comparison with other democracies, along with the essential role of the U.S....
Other
Representative Democracy Has Failed
This politically oriented site outlines the degeneration of American Democracy and the erosion of democratic principles as exemplified by unconstitutional actions on the part of the Federal and State governments, as in the examples of...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Democracy
A detailed Wikipedia resource on democracy that explains what it is, what the types of democracy are, and gives examples.
iCivics
I Civics: Cradle of Democracy Mini Lesson
No one person invented the kind of government that we have in the U.S. Check out two early governments that inspired the system that we have today: Athenian democracy, and the Roman Republic.
Other
Are We a Democracy or a Republic?
An essay on the present political state in America contending the country is leaning further towards a republican form of government instead of a democracy. Defines and explains the major differences between democracy and republicanism...
iCivics
I Civics: Who Represents Me?
Do you know who represents you in the federal, state and local government? Do you know how to get in touch with them? This web quest will guide you through a number of web resources that will give you information about your...
University of Maryland
Howard County Public School System: Foundations of American Government [Pdf]
How was the foundation of today's representative democracy established in early colonial America? Young scholars will be able to source three documents and corroborate evidence to draw conclusions about the development of democratic...
Other
Real Democracy: Proposed Article of Amendment Xxvii
Read a "proposed" Article of Amendment XXVII - Nonpartisan Direct Representative Democracy, Government Electorate, Voting and Education Networks. Read this example of a proposed amendment for the establishment of direct democracy and a...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Other
Nelson / Thomson: Intro to Legislatures
This resource offers an extensive listing of the democratic legislatures in the world, describing their form and how they differ from other democratic legislatures. Uses popups.
iCivics
I Civics: Who Rules?
Learn about the different forms of government that exist, including democracy, autocracy, oligarchy, and others. Compare and contrast these forms, and look at real-life examples in the world today.
iCivics
I Civics: Lessons From Antiquity
Where did democracy get its start? In this lesson, students learn about direct democracy in Athen's and Rome's republic, how each took shape, and the ideas our Founders borrowed from these great civilizations.
Other
Athenian Agora Excavations
Based on excavations of the Athenian Agora, this site offers both photographs and diagrams of the Agora, as well as photographs of artifacts representative of ancient Greek/Aegean life. In addition, the texts of two books, The Birth of...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Malta: Government
Read about the government and politics of Malta, now a parliamentary democracy. A chart gives some quick facts of the governmental offices and branches of government. Information from the CIA World Fact Book.
C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers: Inquiries: Leadership and Government
A comprehensive learning module on government and how countries get their leaders that includes three supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Topics covered...
Other
Civics Online: (Re)envisioning the Democratic Community
Civics Online offers teachers, students, and parents many excellent resources to enhance the learning of civics in the classroom and at home.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Parthenon
The temple known as the Parthenon was built on the Acropolis of Athens between 447 and 438 B.CE. It is decorated with marble sculptures representing scenes from Athenian cult and mythology. View pictures and read descriptions in this...
Ducksters
Ducksters: History of Ancient Rome for Kids: The Roman Republic
Kids learn about the Republic of Ancient Roman. This complex government with laws and representatives voted on by the people laid the groundwork for modern democracy.
Other
The Hill
The Hill is a non-partisan, non-ideological weekly newspaper that describes the inner workings of Congress, the pressures confronting policy makers and the many ways in which decisions are made.
FOX News
Fox News: Politics
FOX News covers the latest in United States politics. Impact is presented with television and the internet in mind.
USA Today
Usa Today: Washington Politics
Resource provides the top news in U.S. Politics in brief. Content includes a focus on the president, senate, house, state governors, legislatures, and initiatives.