Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids

For Students 3rd - 5th
Take a tour of the federal government with Uncle Sam and learn the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches of government, and elections. Along the way learn how laws are made, about the Bill of...
Activity
Other

Understanding the Federal Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
A ten part publication which describes the federal court system, its structure and organization, what types of cases they hear and much more. You can also download a PDF version of the document.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Executive Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
Article provides a guide to the Executive Branch of Government, its connection to the US Constitution, and its role as the branch that enforces the law and is responsible for the daily administration of the government.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (9 12)

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Provides a brief overview of the judicial branch of the federal government. Discusses the origin of the judicial branch, the concept of judicial review, and functions of the judicial branch. Links to more information about the U.S....
Unknown Type
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Discretionary and Rule Making Authority of the Federal Bureaucracy

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from Khan Academy provides foundational-level practice questions over the discretionary and rule-making authority of the federal bureaucracy. These questions are intended for students taking high school or college level...
Activity
Other

Federal Executive Departments

For Students 9th - 10th
A complete list of the executive departments and their branches. Clicking on the name of the department will take you to that home page.
Activity
Other

Independent Agencies and Government Corporations

For Students 9th - 10th
A list of independent agencies and Government Corporations with links to their sites.
Website
Other

Department of Commerce United States of Government

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore the United States Department of Commerce through this site in English and Spanish. This is a comprehensive site providing information about the US Department of Commerce.
Website
Other

Vermont: Official State Homepage

For Students 9th - 10th
Here you can learn the most current information about Vermont's state government. Includes links to homepages of federal, judicial, and executive branches. Also includes extensive information about tourism and recreational activities....
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Federal Judiciary of the United States

For Students 9th - 10th
This Wikipedia entry on the Federal government of the United States gives detailed information on each aspect of the judiciary branch.
Website
US Department of the Treasury

U.s. Department of Treasury Education

For Students 9th - 10th
"We are pleased to welcome you to Treasury's Learning Vault, where you can learn all about the history of the Treasury Department, its role in the Federal government, and its mission to serve you."
Unit Plan
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: u.s. Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Module with numerous videos and links to living history sites on topics in American Government, including the Constitution, the three branches, federalism and an array of other topics.
Website
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Bureau of Investigation

For Students 9th - 10th
The Federal Bureau of Investigation(F.B.I)is an independent agency of the U.S. government. This homepage contains a wide variety of information, such as: Your FBI, Contacting the FBI, Major Investigations, Employment, etc.
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
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.
Website
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Executive Branch Recap: The Bureaucracies

For Students 9th - 10th
The departments and agencies of the executive branch are responsible for regulating many of the things we use in our everyday routines. Follow a student through her day to find objects regulated by the government.
Primary
University of Chicago

The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan

For Students 9th - 10th
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Objectives for this instructional activity include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Judiciary Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
Article covers the Judiciary Branch of Government, the branch that interprets the law, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us Congress Facts

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article provides an overview and interesting facts about the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.
Website
Other

Federal Judicial Center: What the Federal Courts Do

For Students 9th - 10th
U.S. government-sponsored site that provides excellent information on the distinction between civil law and criminal law. It is part of a larger website that is dedicated to explaining the workings of the federal judicial system....
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Federal Court System

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion of the structure, purpose, powers and Constitutional safeguards of the Federal Court System.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Courts of Appeals and District Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
Overview of the structure and purpose of the Courts of Appeals and District Courts.