In this lesson, students examine primary source materials including the Book of Laws, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta in order to understand their meaning and to compare them. They then prepare an argument on...

This Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution eLesson focuses on a case involving expressive conduct, and what is for many a deeply cherished symbol of America, the U.S. flag. In a closely divided (5-4) ruling, the Supreme Court...

A lesson for exploring and reporting on world human rights issues in which learners analyze the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and compare it to the U.S. bill of rights.

These lessons address constitutional principles and contemporary issues involving the First Amendment. They intend to have explore how freedoms began and how they operate in today's world. Students will discuss just how far individual...

[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson students explore Amendments 1-10 and discuss the impact of events that led to the ratification of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Complete credit page of websites used to create...

Contains plans for seven lessons that ask students to examine Supreme Court cases that have impacted civil liberties in the United States. Students work in groups and report their findings using PowerPoint presentations. In addition to...

This unit includes four lessons using primary sources to examine continuity and change in the governing of the United States. Lessons one and two are focused on a study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and provide access to primary...

Where did the American colonists get their ideas that lead to a revolution and a whole new kind of government? This lesson explores the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, Cato's Letters, and Common Sense.

Use these lesson extensions to help your young scholars understand the historical context of American religious liberty.

In this lesson, students examine and debate the issue of same sex marriage by studying background information, news articles, legal arguments and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They then draft an amendment of their own to...

In this lesson, 11th graders examine the events and political philosophy that laid the foundations of the American government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They also look at what role religion played in shaping American...

Discusses the origin of Constitution Day and the history of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Lists descriptions of the seven articles and twenty-seven amendments in the Constitution. Presents lesson suggestions from teachers and...

Students analyze real-life cases interpreting the 8th and 5th amendments to see whether they interpret the Bill of Rights the same way the Supreme Court did and discover how tricky interpreting the Constitution really is.

What happens when rights conflict? Explore sample conflicts: Free press vs. fair trial, religious rights in conflict, and Singapore: model society or city of fear? Great learning activities and lesson plans for teachers and students.

Resource for teachers and students. A study of government and society through a look at the legacy of Alexander the Great. Includes questions for discussion followed by activity surrounding four Hellenistic philosophies of the "good...

James Madison has been called the "Father of the Constitution". His ideas have shaped the role of our government, the role of political parties, the Bill of Rights and more. This lesson plan offers extensive background, critical thinking...

Lesson plans, activities, and information all about this key Supreme Court decision that protected the rights of the accused. These became known as the "Miranda Warnings." Included is a background summary, excerpts and the complete text...

A lengthy report on the issue of religious liberty and the public schools. Issues explored are religious holidays, a teacher's guide to the teaching of religion, and much more. The report is in PDF format.

In this interactive activity, students match the given right to the proper amendment from the Bill of Rights.

In-depth and comprehensive learning activity in which students analyze the debate surrounding the Patriot Act and apply constitutional reasoning to formulate opinions about the balance between national security and right to privacy....

Lesson and activity in which students critique U.S. energy policy and its relationship to national security, then evaluate energy alternatives. Lesson includes article with background information, questions for discussion and...

Lesson and activity looks at leadership in U.S. history focussing on presidents, past and present, to determine what makes a good leader. Questions for discussion and class activity guidelines included.

Learning activity in which students study the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. Lesson includes individual, group and whole class activity in which students write, discuss and debate the role...

Lesson and activity on conflict of cultures in which students study U.S. overtaking lands of Mexico and California and form policy on property rights and citizenship of conquered cultures. Activity guidelines, questions for discussion...