Find, download, and use datasets generated by the executive branch of the U.S. federal government to learn about our nation and the world.

Complete text of Article I, sections 1-10, of the U.S. Constitution, establishing the Legislative Branch of the Federal government.

The Oregon Blue Book, the official state directory and fact book, provides a wealth of information about Oregon. "FACTS," contains almanac references, economy information, scenic images, capital city information, and state buildings;...

Do you know who represents you in the federal, state and local government? Do you know how to get in touch with them? This web quest will guide you through a number of web resources that will give you information about your...

The framers of the Constitution had a great distaste for the monarchial society of Great Britain. See how this was reflected in the checks and balances they wrote into the Constitution in an effort to create a working republic.

GovSpot surveys the structure and purpose of the Judicial Branch of U.S. government, which comprises the Supreme Court and the Federal Court System.

Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.

Offers a brief history and detailed description of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.

Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.

How much do you know about your state legislators? Are they living up to their promises? Are they making good choices that represent the wants and needs of the state? This lesson encourages students to do some fact finding on elected...

Explore the history of the United States Constitution: information about the writing the Constitution, the Great Compromise, the Constitution's signers, the Bill of Rights, the Amendments to the Constitution, federal powers, checks and...

This activity can be used during a unit on the U.S. Constitution. Learners will analyze the Senate Journal of the First Congress and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article II of the Constitution in...

This site provides a simple explanation of the Judicial Branch with a hyperlinks to information on the Supreme Court.

A brief description of federal agencies and commissions with a link to a complete list of them.

Students learn about some of the decisions and actions the first presidential administrations took to make sure the United States would be strong enough to last.

Through amendments and legal rulings, the Constitution has transformed in some critical ways. The U.S. Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified by nine of the original 13 states a year later, is the world's longest-surviving written...

Who should pay for politicians traveling before it violates ethical codes of abuse of power? Legislators and their staff were offered and accepted millions of dollars worth of free trips. This lesson explores the ethics of our...

It is interesting to read how the delegates to the Constitutional Convention thought as they debated important issues such as the checks and balances that should be written into the new Constitution. Read these conversations based on...

This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized...

Outline of the Executive Branch Cabinet offices and date created.

Discussion overview illustrating the structure and powers of the Supreme Court as written in the U.S. Constitution.

A comprehensive site that provides three lesson plans which explain what takes place in the U.S. Capitol Building. This thorough site describes the function of the Capitol Building and includes many photos of both the building itself and...

A summary of Washington's task to appoint Supreme Court and other federal judicial officials, appointments which he based on relevant experience, their support for the constitution, and on where they lived. Includes images of a...

An internet guide to US military history and national security. Includes links to the history of the US armed forces and specific branches as well as information on the different federal organizations involved in national security.