Curated OER
The Cherokee Removal
Eleventh graders examine the issue of Cherokee removal from the perspectives of Andrew Jackson, members of Congress, and members of the Cherokee nation. They adopt the perspectives and engage in debate over the issue of Cherokee removal.
Curated OER
VA Statute for Religious Freedom, III
High schoolers analyze the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedoms and consider its implications. In this governing principles instructional activity, students explore primary and secondary sources regarding the document penned by Thomas...
Curated OER
The Alien and Sedition Acts
Students perform research in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a debate has begun over augmented security and surveillance, versus safeguards for personal freedoms. This debate is certain to occupy our...
Curated OER
Indian Removal: The Cherokees, Jackson, and the “Trail of Tears”
Students examine executive power. In this Indian Removal lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the "Trail of Tears". Students respond to discussion questions regarding the lecture.
Curated OER
A Hero Betrayed: The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Students analyze the career of Ulysses S. Grant. In this Grant presidency lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Grant's presidency. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the...
Curated OER
The Great "What If" Question. How might American history have been different had Lincoln lived?
Students examine the impact of the assassination of President Lincoln. After researching the Republican positions on Reconstruction and analyzing documents related to the Reconstruction, students take a position and explain their...
Curated OER
The Marshall Plan for Rebuilding Western Europe
Students examine the aftermath of World War II. In this Marshall Plan activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the plan to rebuild Western Europe and its outcome. Students respond to discussion questions...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
If Men Were Angels: Teaching the Constitution With the Federalist Papers
Much like the methods of group work, the writers of the Federalist Papers worked together to advocate for their viewpoints against the anti-federalists. The resource enables learners to break into small groups and conduct research before...
Heritage Foundation
Procedural Amendments: Amendments III, IV, and V
So many US Constitution clauses, so little time. The 17th installment in a 20-part series teaches pupils about the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments. Learning through activities such as group work, connecting to current events, and...
Curated OER
The First Amendment: What's Fair in a Free Country
Students describe the contents of the First Amendment while telling about an example of speech that is protected by the Constitution and that which is not. They attempt to apply the First Amendment to situations that could occur in their...
Minnesota Courts
Inside Straight: the Third Branch
Learners use the worksheet as they view the film Inside Straight: the Third Branch. Multiple case studies and the history of the judicial branch of the US government are included via hyperlink and act as the topics of discussion...
North Carolina Consortium for Middle East Studies
Federalists v. Anti‐Federalists
Here is a solid lesson plan to support your instruction on the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. It includes close analysis of primary source images, a guided notes template and answer key, and many key points to...
Curated OER
In Congress Assembled: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States
Students interpret history using primary resources and secondary research. The Constitution is examined and changes are explained within the time period they were made.
Curated OER
Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
Curated OER
The U.S. Constitution:Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States
Young scholars interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine and analyze primary sources regarding the plan for U.S. government.
Curated OER
Understanding James Madison The Father of the Constitution
Students research James Madison and create a table of his strengths and weaknesses. In this James Madison lesson, students read Jean Fritz's, The Great Little Madison, while developing their research skills, vocabulary strategies, and...
Curated OER
George Washington's Foreign Policy
Students compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis lesson, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary, the Monroe Doctrine,...
Curated OER
Should the U.S. Say Sorry?
Eighth graders research "reparations," by examineing the institution of slavery, racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the...
Curated OER
Created Equal: Inventing the American Republic
Eighth graders visit an exhibition at the Huntington Library about equality. They examine primary source documents and answer questions on their field trip.
Curated OER
Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan:Launching the New U.S. Navy
Pupils demonstrate understanding of the issues related to the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new Government it established.
Curated OER
The Road to Democracy
Eleventh graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this American Revolution lesson, 11th graders read Thomas Paine's works and identify the issues that the colonists had with the British government.
Curated OER
Whose Lunch Money Is It?
Students examine the legal issues involved when there is a dispute over lunch money at school. They read the case study, discuss the two points of view, and illustrate a picture of how they would solve the problem.
Curated OER
Woman Suffrage in Colorado, 1877-1893
Pupils work together in groups to examine the suffrage movement in Colorado. They analyze the reasons for and against women's suffrage. They also determine the impact of the movement in Colorado.
Curated OER
Immigration in the United States
Students explore how recent immigration and migration patterns impact social and political issues. They apply affective learning techniques