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...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Identifying Roles of the President
Three short videos introduce viewers to three of the roles play by the United States President. In his role as Commander and Chief of the armed forces, President Regan discusses the Grenada Invasion. President Trump demonstrate his...
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Nominating Judges and Impact on a President's Policy Agenda
Designed as a check on the judicial branch of the United State government, the president has the power to nominate judges to the federal bench. Four film clips serve as a bell ringer to introduce a study into the nominating process and...
Crash Course
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: Crash Course Government and Politics #3
Scholars analyze why the Founding Fathers separated the governmental powers into three branches. They use evidence from a short video clip, the third in a 50-part series, to draw conclusions on the importance of having checks and...
Curated OER
Our Classroom Constitution
Develop a system of classroom rules created by the kids, for the kids with this three-part instructional activity series on the US Constitution. After learning about the structure of the Constitution and the government it...
Crash Course
The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism
Check out this entertaining, speedy, and highly informative overview of the founding stages of the United States government. The video includes a detailed discussion of the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, the eventual...
Bill of Rights Institute
Constitutional Principles: Separation of Powers
Why is separation of powers within a government important for protecting freedom? How does the United States Constitution organize the nation's governing bodies in order to ensure powers are limited and balanced? This video illustrates...
Khan Academy
Naming Alkanes with Alkyl Groups, Organic Chemistry
Sal continues to work through examples of naming carbon chains. He is very clear and logical, so your class should understand this clearly. The video introduces branching and identifying where the additional group is located. Note: A...
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...
TED-Ed
How is Power Divided in the United States Government?
Need an introduction to the three branches of the United States government? Look no further! This video offers a basic breakdown of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, including their general makeup and designated...
TED-Ed
Inventing the American Presidency
"If you could start from scratch, how would you redesign the oval office?" The formation of the United States government was a carefully calculated and collective process. With this video, your class will imagine themselves as founders...
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...
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: The Three Branches of Government Part 3: A Deliberative Body
The Framers of the Constitution wanted Congress to thoroughly debate issues and avoid corruption.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics:the Three Branches of Government Part 6: An Energetic Executive
The Framers of the Constitution thought that the executive should have "energy." We learn why on today's podcast.