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Governance - Grade 7

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the governance of natives in Canada. In this native studies lesson, students read handouts on the Iroquois and Huron Confederacies and then respond to discussion questions about the 2 governance systems.
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The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
Lesson Plan
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Lesson Plan: U.S. Government

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine reasons for studying government. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students brainstorm the reasons for rules. Students draft their own class constitution in the style of the U.S. Constitution.
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New York State Government

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify key democratic values and explain the function of the three branches of New York State Government. They describe the history and purpose of the New York State Constitution.
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The Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners explore the Declaration of Independence. In this civics activity, students read handouts regarding the document as well as the document itself. Learners respond to discussion questions regarding the handout. Students then...
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East Timor: The World's Newest Country

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
This isn't just a hand-out or a reading passage; it's more like a mini book on the history, colonization, independence, and culture of the South East Asian country of Timor. There are extensive readings and discussion questions for...
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Portrait Analysis of Lincoln in Richmond, VA

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students view and analyze a portrait of Abraham Lincoln made during his visit to Richmond, Va. Students determine the historical significance of his visit and create fictional newspaper accounts from various perspectives.
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The Bill of Rights in Times of National Crisis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils examine the ability of the government to suspend individual rights in times of national crisis. They formulate a constitutional amendment that clearly states if, when, how and by whom the rights of individuals can be suspended.
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Know Your Local Government

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars attend a local assembly meeting of local government officials and keep a journal of what they saw. In this assembly lesson plan, students also discuss government and how they think government can influence society.
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Citizen Me

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine what it means to be a citizen. Using the Constitution, they discover the functions and purpose of government. They compare and contrast the difference between a democracy and a monarchy. As a class, they discuss...
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Comparing Foundations of Democracy

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students examine democratic values. In this democratic ideologies lesson plan, students discuss individual rights and rights of the group. Students also discuss the implications of the priorities made in democratic societies regarding...
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An Interview With the Past: Ancient Roman and U.S. Government Leaders

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students produce a modern television interview show where they present information about Ancient Rome and its influence on modern governments. In this governments lesson plan, students produce shows in groups.
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Bill of Rights: Rights and Responsibilities

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.
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Inspiration for and Application of the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students examine individual rights. In this case law lesson, students discuss the from and function of the Bill of Rights prior to investigating several cases that deal with Constitutional rights. Students discuss the outcome of the...
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The State of the Union Address

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discuss and fill out a worksheet after viewing the State of the Union Address that the president makes every year.
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Treaty of Versailles...prelude to war?.

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the Treaty of Versailles, which laid the ground work for a sequel, nearly identical, war thirty years later.
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Representation of the Common Citizen From Declaration of Independence to Present

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create working definition of common citizen, and investigate and discuss important sections of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other Amendments. Students demonstrate...
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Colonial America: Causes Of The American Revolution

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Pupils examine the causes of the American Revolution. For this colonial America lesson, students read handouts regarding the sequence of events that led to the commencement of the war. Pupils complete the provided worksheets and...
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Courage of the Heart

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research discrimination and how people fought against for the common good. In this discrimination instructional activity, students watch a movie about Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. Students generate a list of words about...
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Taxes in U.S. History: Evolution of Taxation in the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students receive an overview of the role and purpose of taxes in American history. They identify different types of taxes implemented by the US government and explain the origin of the federal income tax.
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Social Studies: Symbols of the United States

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the political traditions of the United States at the national and state levels. After discussing various symbols, students compose essays about the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
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Voting Simulation

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the process of voting. They study the lawmaking branch of the state government.
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Government

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
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Pornography Debate

For Teachers 12th
Present your seniors with a controversial topic while studying the first amendment: pornography. This multi-layer resource has scholars writing a pros and cons research paper. They also attend a city council meeting to prepare for an...