C-SPAN
On This Day: Continental Congress Adopts the Articles of Confederation
While today, people laud the accomplishments of the United States Constitution, pupils sometimes forget that the Articles of Confederation came first. The documents—while flawed—raised questions of government duties and obligations as...
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...
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
Convention, Ratification, and Amendment Process
While the Revolution is perhaps the most famous revolt in American history, do scholars know about Shays' Rebellion? The outcome of the uprising led to the current Constitution. A video resource traces the history of and how the Bill of...
National Constitution Center
The Bill of Rights (Second Edition)
Protecting basic liberties was at the heart of the American Revolution. However, it wasn't until after the Constitutional Convention that the Founding Fathers added a list of rights guaranteed to the people, now our most important legal...
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...
National Constitution Center
The Executive Branch
While the president is perhaps the most famous politician, why did the Founding Fathers create the office? While it has evolved over time, the presidency has its roots in the American Revolution. A video resource—created for Constitution...
Bill of Rights Institute
Interstate Commerce and the Constitution
Who had power over trade in the early days of the United States? Who has power now? Viewers investigate the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. Using an AP Exam review video, learners examine issues surrounding authority...
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...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: What Was the Articles of Confederation?
This video lesson from Khan Academy features John Dickerson, co-host of CBS This Morning. Dickerson discusses the history and the significance of the Articles of Confederation. This lesson is intended for students taking high school or...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Articles of Confederation and Shays' Rebellion
This video lesson from Khan Academy provides an introduction to the Articles of Confederation and its weaknesses. Shays' Rebellion was one of the catalysts for the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This lesson is intended for students...