University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
National Cable Satellite Corporation
C Span Classroom: Free Resources for Teaching Civics and u.s. Government
This is a site filled with current events that make connections to the relevant historical topics. There are six clickable topics, the videos of which are updated weekly. RealPlayer is needed and registration is required to stream or...
Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon State Archives: The Oregon Blue Book
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;...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Federal Digital System
The core mission of Keeping America Informed, dated to 1813 when Congress determined to make information regarding the work of the three branches of Government available to all Americans. The U.S Government Printing Office (GPO) provides...
This Nation
This nation.com: Executive Order 13132 of August 4, 1999
This Executive Order signed by President Bill Clinton on 8/4/99 is an order that describes the balance between state and federal governments, as warranted by the Framers of the Constitution and federalism.
Other
U.s. Office of Special Counsel: Hatch Act
This comprehensive resource details the provisions of the Hatch Act of 1939 and how this affects the political behavior of government employees.
Yale University
Library of Congress: The Federalist Papers, No.41
This is a copy of Federalist Paper No. 41, authored by James Madison, in which he clearly defines the need to identify and restrain the power of the general government and then addresses the need to distribute that power among the branches.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The Reach of Congressional Power
Read about the privileges and powers exercised by Congress from a constitutional law perspective. Includes examples of many cases which have tested the limits of Congressional power in the history of the United States. Many links to...
Geographic
Photius: Kazakhstan Government 2000
Information about the government of Kazakhstan which gives the administrative districts, branches of government, political parties, and other related topics.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Barbados: Government
Read about the government of Barbados which is based on the British parliamentary system. You can find out about the elections, political parties, and branches of government. Information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Other
City of Vancouver: Departments/organizational Charts
This central site has downloadable charts that show the organizational structure of Vancouver's municipal government and its departments. There are also links to its many departments' home pages and their branches.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Other
Federal Judicial Center: Inside the Federal Courts
This interactive looks at how the Federal Courts operate including what the Federal Courts do, how they are organized, how cases move through the courts, who does what, the governance and administration, the interaction between the...
Digital History
Digital History: The Age of Constitution Writing [Pdf]
See how colonial and state constitutions differed and how the idea of a social contract between a government and its citizens is reflected in the state constitutions. The second half of this site gives an abbreviated text of the Articles...
Other
Understanding the Federal Courts
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.
US Department of the Treasury
U.s. Department of Treasury Education
"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."
Scholastic
Scholastic: Listen and Read: Meet the President: Activity 1
Follow the President of the United States as he signs laws, meets with foreign leaders, and leads our armed forces in this audio article for young students.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Executive Branch
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.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (9 12)
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....
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Guinea Bissau: Government
A brief look at the government and politics in Guinea-Bissau since 2005. You can find out the names of the government officials, the political parties, and the branches of government. Information is from the CIA World Fact Book.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
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.
A&E Television
History.com: How the u.s. Constitution Has Changed and Expanded Since 1787
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...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: American Government: The Judicial Branch
Complete and comprehensive virtual learning unit on the Judicial Branch. Module includes downloads, interactive activities, questions and writing assignments as well as links to supplemental material. Students can link to online textbook...
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.