DocsTeach
Analyzing a Letter About American Indian Voting Rights
An informative activity focuses on the law preventing Native Americans from voting until 1947. Scholars read documents from the Office of Indian Affairs, complete an online worksheet, and participate in group discussion. Academics learn...
iCivics
The Executive Command
Take on the role of president of the United States with this interactive online game, which will acquaint your learners with the various responsibilities of the executive branch of government. While not an in-depth or complex resource,...
US National Archives
Documented Rights Educational Lesson Plan
How have groups struggled to have their unalienable rights recognized in the United States? Acting as a research team for the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, your young historians will break into groups to research...
DocsTeach
WWI Propaganda and Art
Uncle Sam wants you! During World War II, the US government and military created a propaganda campaign to gain public support. The activity uses primary documents such as photos to explain how and why the propaganda campaign was...
iCivics
We the Jury
Learners take on the roles of jurors in a civil case to evaluate evidence and determine a verdict in this engaging online interactive experience.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Recipe for an Inaugural Address
An inaugural address represents the first moments of a new beginning. Using John F. Kennedy's speech as a model for guided practice, groups examine the ingredients of an inaugural address. Individuals then repeat the analysis...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government the Branches of Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the three branches of government in the United States. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government Branches of Government: A Closer Look
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage gives explanation about the branches of the government. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government the Mayflower Compact
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Mayflower Compact, why it was written, and how it paved the way for democracy. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: American Government James Madison
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage contains biographical information on "Father of the United States Constitution" and former United States President, James Madison. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece...
Read Works
Read Works: Fewer Americans Are Now Going to Prison
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the reasons why there are fewer Americans incarcerated in prisons than in previous years. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces...
Read Works
Read Works: Who Are We?
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about civics and why it is important for Americans to know about their country's history. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Power of Americans
[Free Registration/Login Required] An excerpt form a speech given by President Ronald Reagan at the Republican National Convention in 1988. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Dirksen Center: Why Is It Important to Vote?
A basic right in a democracy. We know we should vote, but does our vote mean anything? Good answers to some good questions. This site provides many classroom resources.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Your America: Democracy's Local Heroes: Student Guide
Investigate the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship focusing on examples of citizens who took action to effect positive changes. Explore ways in which students can become involved in their communities.
Read Works
Read Works: Branching Out
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about three branches of government and their system of checks and balances. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Read Works
Read Works: Meet the Judge!
[Free Registration/Login Required] An biographical text about Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic American Supreme Court Justice. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Celebrate Flag Day
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the American flag and Flag Day. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: The Struggle for Equality
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about heroic African Americans including Rosa Parks, Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and Barbara Jordan. A question sheet is available to help students build...
Read Works
Read Works: Born to Run
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text debating the necessity of Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution which states that only natural-born American citizens can be elected President of the United States. A question...
Read Works
Read Works: Letter From Jackie Robinson on Civil Rights
[Free Registration/Login Required] A letter from Jackie Robinson to President Eisenhower in response to a speech Eisenhower gave asking African Americans to be patient. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in...
Read Works
Read Works: Walking Tall
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about Ruby Bridges and her experience as the first African American to attend an all-white elementary school. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading...
Read Works
Read Works: Three Symbols of the United States
[Free Registration/Login Required] Three main symbols of the United States are provided in this informational text: The Liberty Bell, the American flag, and The White House. " Early readers can use the visual cues to help them comprehend...
Read Works
Read Works: Some Laws Are Intolerable
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the British Acts that lead to the Boston Tea Party and to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in...