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The Great Debate Lesson Plan: Slavery in the U.S. Constitution
Middle schoolers examine the U.S. Constitution to see what has been writte about slavery. Then, students, in groups, research the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to explore slavery compromises.
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Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case
Twelfth graders work together in groups to examine the discrimation Japanese Americans felt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Using primary source documents, they analyze and discuss the case of Fred Korematsu who was placed in an...
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World War II Alien Enemy Control Program
Young scholars become familiar with the concepts of human rights and constitutional rights.  They have an increased awareness of the historical record as to the cessation of these rights, especially in regards to children during WWII. ...
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Painting Inside the Lines
Students examine how freedoms of expression and religion are shaped within democracies. They consider reactions to controversial art exhibit in Moscow. They compose reaction papers supporting or refuting a quotation from the article read...
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Divided We Fall
Students examine the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution instructional activity, students write essays for perform plays that feature the importance of the first ten amendments. Students imagine the United States without 1 of the...
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Public Demonstrations - Lesson Plan
Students examine various handouts to determine the value, necessity and potential limitations of assembly and public demonstrations. They then select a side and debate pre-provided questions.
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Public Schools and Prayer - Do They Mix?
Students discuss and research different Supreme Court cases and examine religious freedom and prayer in public schools.
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Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era
Students analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal rights...
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The Jury System
Students analyze Article III and the Seventh Amendment. In this US Justice lesson, students research the US jury system and complete a Student Jury questionnaire. Students will discuss the impact the implementation of the Jury System had...
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Due Process
Pupils explore the concept of due process. In this American law lesson, students view a 9-slide PowerPoint presentation on the topic and then respond to 3 discussion questions about the 5th and 14th amendments.
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Bill of Rights and Lawmaking
Ninth graders consider how the Bill of Rights impacts the lawmaking process in the United States. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, 9th graders discuss the amendments and their limitations. Students research the role of the Legislative...
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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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Search And Seizure In Washington
Young scholars identify legal requirements of searches conducted with and without a warrant, and identify the legal standard for conducting searches in public schools.
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Voting Rights: Convicted Felons
Students explore the state right to revoke the voting privileges of convicted felons. In this voting rights lesson, students read an article and respond to discussion questions about the voting rights of felons.
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Free Speech Questions
In this First Amendment learning exercise, students respond to 14 short answer questions about freedom of speech and restrictions of speech.
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Comparison of Political Ideologies in the Context of Constitutional Preambles
Students examine the various philosophies that form the foundations of political systems of major world countries.
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Individual Rights - The Right To Equal Protection
Students examine the concepts of equal protection, discrimination, affirmative action, and racial profiling. They analyze the Equal Protection Clause, participate in a mock trial, and discuss the different parts of the trial.
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Flag Wars
Students consider how zoning policy shapes the character of neigborhoods. They see how zoning and loan policies have been used historically in the U.S. to benefit some people and discriminate against others. They examine tensions between...
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social Studies: First Amendment Role-Play
Students evaluate First Amendment case decisions  by the Supreme Court.  they divide into three groups - Supreme Court justices, prosecution attorneys, and defense lawyers.  Both sides present their  arguments and the justices deliver...
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Our National Documents
Students explore the significance of National Documents. In this National Documents lesson, students read handouts regarding the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Students complete the provided...
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Petition of Amelia Bloomer Regarding Suffrage in the West
Students investigate the role of Amelia Jenks Bloomer in the struggles for suffrage and political reform. They consider the factors involved in political socialization and compile webliographies of their research materials.
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History Lesson 10: Plyler v. Doe: Can States Deny Public Benefits to Illegal Immigrants?
Young scholars consider the rights of illegal immigrants. In this illegal immigration lesson, students analyze the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe and determine whether illegal immigrants should have access to public benefits. Young...
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Bill of Rights Word Search Puzzle
In this government worksheet, students study 15 words pertaining to the Bill of Rights and locate them in a word search. Note: The words jeopardy, incrimination, actions and illegal are spelled wrong.
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Storytellers: Pearl Jam
Young scholars examine the concept of freedom of speech as it applies to music.  They watch and discuss the video, "VH1 Storytellers:  Pearl Jam," participate in a class discussion about free speech, conduct research, and conduct a debate.