Lesson Plan
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Branches of Government

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the three branches of government. In this government and U.S. history lesson, students listen to a story about a boy who attempts to sponsor a bill to ban cartoons. Students interview three teachers who each represent...
Worksheet
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Welcoming the New Congress in Cartoons

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons about the 110th Congress. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
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The Battle for Congress: Midterm Elections 2010

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students research midterm elections. For this United States Congress lesson, students use the Internet to explore the issues, candidates, platforms and stakes of the midterm elections of 2010. This extensive lesson makes use of...
Worksheet
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4th Grade Social Studies

For Teachers 4th
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about the Bill of Rights, Congress, the National Anthem, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
Worksheet
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Fourth Grade Social Studies

For Teachers 4th
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about wars, congress, colonies, and more. Students complete 25 questions.
Lesson Plan
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Naturalized Citizens and the Presidency

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners consider the presidential requirements. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students participate in a role play that requires them to act as senators and debate an amendment to allow naturalized citizens to run for the presidency.
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Your Turn to Vote

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the legislative process. In this Congress lesson, students consider the functions of Congressional committees as they participate in a simulation that requires them to experience the decision-making process that...
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Why Does Congress Work That Way?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover the powers of Congress. In this legislative branch lesson, students examine the legislative process as they analyze Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Students consider the powers of Congress as they define the role of...
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Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing instructional activity, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Students write their own...
Interactive
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Three Branches of Government

For Students 5th
In this United States government worksheet, 5th graders examine a diagram of, and read about the three branches of government. They read about the Supreme Court, Congress, and the President before answering 10 online fill in the blank...
Worksheet
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A Session of Congress Scavenger Hunt

For Students 4th - 6th
In this Congress worksheet, students utilize the Internet to access one specific website to enable the students to find the answers to five short answer questions dealing with a session in Congress.
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The Right and the Power

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read, discuss and analyze the New York Times article "In Wartime, Who Has the Power?" and relate the article to the Constitution. They then brainstorm how the president and Congress make decisions about the war in Iraq and write...
Lesson Plan
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Amnesty:More Than A Word

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine two advertisements, both of which claimed a 2007 immigration reform bill would provide "amnesty" to illegal immigrants. They research a bill and check the accuracy of advertising claims. Afterward, they write their...
Lesson Plan
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The Evolution of Congress

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Using the Internet, as well as textbooks, high school scholars research how Congress has evolved over the years. They examine legislative leaders and their accomplishments, compare and contrast legislative procedures in various eras, and...
Lesson Plan
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Trading Places

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the tactics used by groups in the United States to lobby Congress. After reading an article, they discuss the efforts of unions and businesses to lobby Congress regarding the vote on China's trading relations with the...
Lesson Plan
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Structure of Congress

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students examine the structure of Congress. They identify the roles of the Democratic and Republician parties and their leaders. They role play the role of congressmen and pretend to pass new legislation.
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All Those In Favor

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share opinions about measures recently passed in their school, vote on and argue for and against hypothetical school policies, and respond to a "president's" decision to pass or veto the measures.
Lesson Plan
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Sizing Up The Senate

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars consider Senate leadership by examining specific positions and staging a mock legislative session. They write reflective essays considering the inner workings of the Senate.
Lesson Plan
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The Young Faces of Poverty

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the topic of child poverty in the United States and the government's responses to it in different areas and through different programs and laws. They share their thoughts in letters to their Congressional representatives.
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Mock Congress

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students get involved in the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles and working with contemporary issues. Working in small groups, students write and work on different bills. Evaluation rubric included.
Lesson Plan
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3 Branches of Government

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explain the process of making and passing laws within Congress by simulating this as a class. They review the three branches of government and focus on the legislative branch for the purposes of creating a bill.
Lesson Plan
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Moving Out of the House?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students review the past events of the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton and examine the impending steps of Congress if the House of Representatives approves impeachment and the issue moves into the Senate.
Worksheet
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Branches of Government Worksheet 2

For Students 5th - 8th
Looking for a quick assessment to give to your class about the branches of government in the United States? This is a multiple choice activity that could be used as a quiz. There are 9 questions, some of which are a bit dated and should...
Worksheet
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Branches of Government Worksheet

For Students 5th - 8th
This is a basic multiple choice activity. Learners answer a set of 9 multiple choice questions about early colonists and branches of government. You might use this as a check for understanding or a quick quiz. The first 2 questions are...