C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: The Role of the Senate
The framers designed the United States Senate to be a check on the president, to be part of the checks and balances written into the Constitution. A short video introduces viewers to the roles given to the Senate.
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Powers of Congress Examples
A short bell ringer introduces middle schoolers to the powers and duties of the United States congress. The three clips show congress's role in confirming presidential nominees, in declaring war, and in overseeing legislation
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: History of the U.S. Capitol
Introduce middle schoolers to the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government with a short video about the Capitol Building and its history. The resource includes discussion questions and a handout.
C-SPAN
Federal Court Structure
Many middle schoolers might have heard of the Supreme Court but few are aware of the structure of the Federal Court System. 11 video clips introduce the three levels of the Federal Court and the Katz v. U.S. case is used to demonstrate...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Due Process and the Miranda Warning
Fans of cop shows are aware the the Miranda warning and can probably recite it. Launch a study of the Fifth Amendment and the Supreme Court Case Miranda v. Arizona with a short video designed to generate interest in this landmark Supreme...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: The Power of the Supreme Court to Check the President
Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer is considered to be one of the Supreme Court's landmark cases because it demonstrated the checks and balances inherent in the three branches of the United States government. A short video sets...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Importance of the Supreme Court
Bell Ringers that set the right tone for a lesson can be hard to design. Launch a study of the Supreme Court with a video has justices that revealing how they decide what cases to hear, how they determine their rulings, and even why the...
National Constitution Center
The Legislative Branch
A visit to Washington, DC inspired Congressman John Lewis; a video visit to Congress and the Constitutional Convention just might inspire your learners. Using an intriguing video, viewers learn why and how the Founding Fathers created a...
National Constitution Center
Separation of Powers
After the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers were in a pickle. They needed to create a government, but how could they protect the people from a tyrant? The separation of powers was their answer! A video resource explores the history...
Curated OER
US Government Review Part 1 - 3 Branches of Government
A fun and interesting teacher describes the three branches of the US government. His lecture style and ability to explain with good examples could be a really big help to older students needing a tutorial or extra support in...
Curated OER
Constitution Lecture 6: Who is the Ultimate Arbiter?
Is there one ultimate arbiter who has the final say on issues or questions related to whether as act is constitutional or not? Lecture six discusses the powers each branch of the government has in making final judgments on constitutional...
Curated OER
The US Government
This is an unusual video, but it contains some helpful tools that could be useful for teaching elementary aged children the basics of the US government. There is no narration to accompany this clip, but the slide show at the beginning is...