Students examine the three branches of the Federal Government and their decision to place Japanese-Americans in camps during World War II. They analyze debates made by leaders during this time period.

Each of the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were adopted within specific economic, political, social or cultural, and international contexts. As part of their Constitution Day/Week studies, seniors investigate these factors for...

Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies lesson. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag using stars and...

Introduce young historians to the US Constitution with this upper-elementary social studies lesson plan. Beginning with a general discussion about the role of government in society, students go on to work in small...

Looking for some ideas for how to celebrate September 17, Constitution Day? Check out a packet that focuses on the factors that are considered in the amendment process. Class members examine the amendment process and the types of...

You arrive at school only to be told you have no place there. Scholars research the Supreme Court cases Mendez v. Westminster and Delgado v. Bastrop ISD, both dealing with school segregation. Two short video clips as well as small group...

How did Ku Klux Klan develop and flourish in the US? How did the government respond to acts of terrorism conducted by the KKK following the Civil War? How does the government respond to acts of terrorism today? This resource...

Students research the integration of Arkansas' Central High School. They role-play as students integrating the school and describe their experiences.

Students evaluate the Kennedy Administration's involvement in the civil rights movement. In this Civil rights instructional activity, students read and take notes from speeches connected to the historic March on Washington from the...

Young scholars view a series of films that explore evolving concepts of civil rights in America. They consider the civil rights of African-Americans, the aged and homosexuals. They discuss the films and complete worksheets.

Fourth graders choose on the freedoms in the Bill of Rights and research it on the internet. They answer specific questions using their research and produce a written document using a computer.

Middle schoolers examine the African-American migrants entry into the political process. They summarize their findings in a short essay.

Young scholars explore, examine and study about the first military tribunal of a Guantanamo Bay camp detainee. They then participate in a collaborative writing assignment in which they have a "conversation on paper" with each other about...

In this social studies learning exercise, 4th graders answer multiple choice questions about the Bill of Rights, Congress, the National Anthem, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.

In this Constitutional Convention compromises instructional activity, students fill in the 20 blanks in 4 paragraphs regarding the details of 4 compromises made at the convention.

Ninth graders simulate a U.S. Supreme Court hearing concerning a First Amendment case about school prayer by participating in a hearing.

Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.

Help your students undertand the critical problems around healthcare. By focusing on the political and private process of healthcare, students will watch a video, analyze issues, and write an essay on their findings. Additionally, they...

Illegal immigration is an ever-changing source of consistent controversy. A reading passage about the rights of undocumented workers and illegal immigrants—and the lack thereof—guides high schoolers into a mock trial activity. Three...

Examine the role of the Securities Exchange Commission. Upper graders watch a short Bill Moyers video, analyze a political cartoon, complete a graphic organizer on the SEC, and develop SEC reform strategies to rebuild investor confidence.

Students determine the difference between the different branches of government and assess the role of each within the American governmental system.

Students determine the role of each branch of government in a system of checks and balances. They demonstrate the role of the judiciary in American government

With all the hubbub surrounding national elections, it's easy to forget the importance of local government. After learning about county governance and voter turnout for local elections, young citizens demonstrate how local...

Twelfth graders discuss the creation of the United States, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Through a class debate, role-playing Federalists and Anti-federalists, they identify the reasons for and against ratification...