Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Powers of the Federal Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
The division of powers between the federal and state levels of the United States government is described. Suggestions for research projects, resource links, and some activities are included.
Handout
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: The Veto

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn about the President's power to veto a bill, and understand how Congress responds when this happens.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The President and Congress

For Students 3rd - 5th
A brief description of the interaction between the president and Congress. Also includes information about the process for signing a bill into a law and take a quiz to test your learning.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: Revolution: Continental Congress [Pdf]

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that examines the rules by which the Continental Congress governed colonial America. Learners will identify people who held positions of leadership...
Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Article Ii: Presidential Power to Use Troops

For Students 9th - 10th
In-depth analysis of the use of presidential power to send troops abroad without consent of Congress.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
The system of checks and balances in place for maintaining the power relationships within the United States government is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links and some activities are...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress's First Declaration of War Under the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The War of 1812 was the first war in which Congress used its power of declaring war. Using primary sources such as the Constitution and the War Manifesto of June 3, 1812, students will understand why and how Congress decided to declare...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: The Constitution in Action: Article Ii

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This activity can be used during a unit on the U.S. Constitution. Young scholars will analyze the Senate Journal of the First Congress and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article II of the Constitution in...
Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: u.s. Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The New York Times Learning Network has developed many interactive & printable crossword puzzles. This one is on the U.S. Congress.
Activity
US National Archives

Nara: Teaching With Documents: Anti Railroad Propaganda Poster

For Teachers 9th - 10th
From the National Archives and Records Administration site, this lesson, focusing on a poster circulated in Philadelphia in 1839 to discourage the coming of the railroad, relates to the struggle to define the powers of the national and...
Website
Other

Center for Strategic & International Studies

For Students 9th - 10th
"The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact." Site gives student information and research on topics of national and international security.
Website
Other

Foreign Policy Association

For Students 9th - 10th
The FPA is an "organization founded in 1918 to educate Americans about significant world issues that have an important impact on their lives." Gives students an opportunity to take part in activities through the Great Decisions program.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Knowledge and Power in Medieval France

For Students 9th - 10th
Resource provides text and artifacts from France from late 8th to late 15th centuries. Discusses the roles of monarchs and monasteries in early French history.
Activity
Central Intelligence Agency

Cia: Sharing Secrets With Lawmakers

For Students 9th - 10th
The Center for the Study of Intelligence at the CIA offers a detailed report on CIA intelligence sharing with Congress. Content addresses what "Intelligence sharing" is, how it works, its impact, and more.
Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Handout
PBS

Wnet: Thirteen: The Supreme Court: Landmark Cases: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

For Students 9th - 10th
PBS features a summary of the landmark Supreme Court case of Gibbons v. Ogden which dealt with congressional powers through the Commerce Clause of Article I, Section 8. Decision written by Chief Justice John Marshall.
Handout
Other

Suffolk County Community College: Congress of Vienna

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the goals of the countries at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, how realistic they were, and to what extent they were achieved. The goals were intended to create a new balance of power that could prevent both the spread of...
Unit Plan
C-SPAN

C Span Classroom: Teaching About Gridlock

For Students 9th - 10th
Learning module and lesson plan with C-SPAN video resources and related articles for students to examine and deliberate on whether or not the President should exercise executive powers during times of Congressional gridlock.
Interactive
US Mint

United States Mint: Branches of Power

For Students 3rd - 8th
Save the federal government from Oppressor Sam, and learn about the US Constitution to restore the three branches of government.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: The World's 1st Hydroelectric Plant

For Students 9th - 10th
This three-page article explores the operation of the first hydroelectric power plant and the spread of renewable energy in the United States.
Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides extensive information regarding several American constitutional issues such as: impeachment, war powers, interstate commerce, and the amendment process. Hyperlinks can be found throughout each constitutional issue to...
Website
Other

The Henry L. Stimson Center: Homepage

For Students 9th - 10th
"The Henry L. Stimson Center is an independent, nonprofit, public policy institute committed to finding and promoting innovative solutions to the security challenges confronting the United States and other nations in the twenty-first...
Article
American Bar Association

From Marshall to Marshall: Supreme Court's Changing Stance on Tribal Sovereignty

For Students 9th - 10th
This essay describes the legal questions which faced both courts on whether American Indians owned their land, deserved tribal sovereignty, or constituted a foreign nation. The author describes how the Supreme Court affected Indian...
Activity
Cato Institute

Cato Institute: Dewey J. Jones vs. the United States [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief of a court case where the petitioner argues that the Commerce Clause does not authorize Congress to make the arson of a private residence a federal crime, as it is already a state crime, and that police powers are assigned to the...

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