Curated OER
The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Students examine Article I, Section 7, and Article II, Sections 2 and 3, of the U.S. Constitution, explain the president's role in the lawmaking process, and define the term veto.
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Why Does Congress Work That Way?
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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American History Through the Len of the Supreme Court Decisions
Young scholars examine the historical background of Supreme Court decisions and the basic principles behind legislation. As part of the lesson, students discover legal concepts and terms and write sentences using the vocabulary they have...
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Charting the Three Branches of Government
Young scholars review CongressLink on the internet and study the branches of government. They work in groups to create charts showing the structure and functions of the three branches of government as outlined in the first three...
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Functions of the Three Branches of Government
Students research the branches of government and write summaries about both the state and federal systems. After conducting reaserch in texts and online, students create Venn diagrams displaying the governmental functions of the three...
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The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Students research the Executive Branches role in making a law. In this law making lesson plan, students study the history of the Constitution and see how much power the President has in making a bill into a law. Students then research on...
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Mock Legislative Body
Students form into a mock legislative body based on their self-defined political profiles and discuss what things they would like to change in their classroom, school, and/or community. They will also propose simple laws and vote on them.
C-SPAN
Supreme Court Justices Research and Resumes
According to Article III, Section1 of the United States constitution, the only qualification one needs to be appointed to the Supreme Court is to demonstrate "good behavior." The president and Congress are given the power to determine...
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Play House
Students take a closer look at representative government. For this House of Representatives lesson, students discuss their local representative in Congress and research his or her responsibilities. Students then participate in a House of...
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Utah's Legislative Branch: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Seventh graders explain the steps by which a bill becomes a law. They research how a bill becomes a law within the three branches of Utah's government and synthesize their research and discussion in a classroom representation of government.
C-SPAN
Primary and Secondary Sources: Trailblazers in Congress
Trailblazers forge the path into uncharted territory, they establish a precedent for others to follow. Young historians research trailblazers in Congress using primary and secondary sources to profile outliers that changed the face of...
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Ohio Statehouse History
Fourth graders examine the history of the Ohio Statehouse and order the major historical events in its development. The lesson traces the development from the time of Ohio's vast wilderness to the house's completion in 1861.
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Creating Laws
Students brainstorm ideas for legislation and present their ideas to the class. They draft a bill and take it through the normal procedures of the Canadian Parliament.
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Utah's Judicial Branch
Seventh graders explain that the judicial branch of Utah's government interprets laws and reviews the consitutionality of laws.
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The Right to Remain Resilient
Students examine the Civil Rights Movements in the U.S., both current and historic. In small groups students investigate a specific civil rights group, create an illustrated timeline, noting key events, people, and state and federal laws.
Bill of Rights Institute
Celebrate Constitution Day
September 17 is a great day to focus on the US Constitution for on this day in 1787, the Constitution was signed. Through a series of activities, high schoolers get a chance to look closely at this famous document and the rights and...
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Marriage Equality: Different Strategies for Attaining Equal Rights
Learners examine gays rights issues in the United States. In this gay marriage lesson, students investigate how people have made their cases before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to secure their civil...
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Statehouse Time Capsule
Fourth graders create a time capsule that is representative of their community. They explain why the chosen objects are representative of themselves or their community.
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Write As If...You Were There
Fourth graders use their imagination to create a story about being present when the Great Seal of Ohio was designed. They draw a picture of the Great Seal of Ohio.
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Ohio's U.S. Presidents
Fourth graders investigate the state of Ohio's claim to be the "Mother of Presidents." Nine U.S. presidents were from the state and their contributions and terms of office are examined in this lesson.
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Personal History
Fourth graders gain an appreciation of knowledge about recent history by interviewing senior citizens. They summarize their interviews and organize them into a written presentation.
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Interest Groups in South Carolina Government
Students create an outline and short class presentation about an assigned interest group by conducting research using the Internet and interest group contacts. They evaluate the role of an assigned interest group in the South Carolina...