Curated Video
Mottos and Symbols
A motto is a saying that stands for what a person, an organization or a country believes in. The United States of America has had two mottos. Let’s learn what they are and what they mean.
Curated OER
American Presidents: John Adams
The first president to live in the White House, John Adams was not particularly popular. He took a lot of flack from his supporters when he refused to go to war with France. Although he could be responsible for the western United States,...
PBS
Should We Rewrite Our Constitution? | America From Scratch
An episode from the PBS "America From Scratch" series asks the question of whether or not the United States Constitution should be rewritten. Legal experts from around the world weigh in on the very weighty question. The video ends with...
National Constitution Center
First Amendment Overview Part II
The First Amendment Overview video delves into examples of citizen's rights. Young academics learn how First Amendment rights have been protected in real-life examples. The video also explains that the rights laid out in the Amendment...
C-SPAN
On This Day: The Stamp Act
A thought-provoking resource explains the motives behind the Stamp Act, how it worked, and the colonists' reactions to the new tax. High school scholars also learn how the French and Indian War impacted the creation of the Stamp Act.
C-SPAN
On This Day: Life and Contributions of Alexander Hamilton
Historians have been fascinated by Alexander Hamilton long before he was the subject of a Broadway hit. Using video resources, scholars explore how his early upbringing as an orphan and social outcast may have influenced his role in the...
C-SPAN
On This Day: Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Many Americans can identify Thomas Paine and his seminal work, Common Sense. Yet, only six people showed up at his funeral. Using video resources, class members study both the document and the outcomes of his inflammatory words. Clips...
PBS
Independence Day | All About the Holidays
How do your students celebrate Independence Day? Watch a short video about how the Founding Fathers designated the Fourth of July as an annual way to commemorate their newfound freedom.
National Constitution Center
Federalism
Federalism divides power to protect individual rights while giving the government enough power to be effective. The concept comes from a balance the Founding Fathers struck between authority and freedom. Scholars explore the relationship...
PBS
Marshall's View of Federalism
A short video traces for viewers how John Marshall's concept of federalism developed from the time he was a soldier to the time he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.? Scholars learn about Marshall's evolving view of federalism...
Curated OER
Constitution Lecture 4: Democracy or Republic?
Part four defines oligarchy, monarchy, republic, and democracy. Each type of government is defined in terms of its linguistic and historical origins and how rights are granted in each form of government. Give your upper graders a clear...