Curated OER
Mock Congress
Students simulate the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles. They investigate the process by writing a bill on any subject of his/her own choice
iCivics
Congress
Through reading materials, worksheets, and a primary source activity, this resource provides an overview of the structure and powers of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Readings review how a bill becomes a law,...
Curated OER
Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process
High schoolers consider the importance and influence of congressional committees. They research congressional committee assignments, jurisdictions and responsibilities as illustrations of the basic principles of American federalism.
Curated OER
Fall in Love with the Library of Congress
Introduce your class to this special library while simultaneously addressing the Common Core State Standards.
College Board
Balance of Power Between Congress and the President
Three branches of government help create a system of checks and balances. A helpful resource provides a series of articles regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. Historians answer...
Carolina K-12
African Americans in the United States Congress During Reconstruction
The Civil Rights Act of 1866, which granted citizenship to all males in the U.S., resulted in the first African Americans to be elected to Congress. Class members research 11 of these men, the challenges they faced, and craft...
Carolina K-12
Who the People? Representative Democracy in North Carolina and Congress
Our elected officials are supposed to represent us, but what does it mean when they aren't like us? Budding citizens explore the demographic makeup of the US Congress, the role of money in political elections, and the Citizens United...
Curated OER
"Let us Reason Together" Lyndon Johnson, Master Legislator
Students explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. Students respond to discussion questions connected to...
Curated OER
Members of Congress Who Have Made a Significant Contribution
Pupils examine laws that have benefited the nation in a variety of ways. The congressperson in the legislative branch of the government primarily responsible for the passage of the law and the current representatives are sought in this...
Curated OER
How Congress Works
Learners describe role of the U.S. Congress in American government as set forth in the Constitution, and explain why the Framers created a Congress with a House and a Senate and gave them different roles.
US House of Representatives
Legislative Trends and Power Sharing Among Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1977–2012
Bilingual education, voting rights, and Congressional redistricting come up often in the news. Explore these topics from another view—the perspectives of Hispanic members of Congress. Activities include an article with comprehension and...
US House of Representatives
Hispanic-American Members of Congress in the Civil Rights Era, 1945–1977
Debates around immigration in the news are not new, but they are a defining feature of the Hispanic American experience throughout the twentieth century. Looking through the lens of Hispanic Americans in Congress, class members explore...
Curated OER
The Job of a Legislator
Students review the roles and responsibitlies of members of Congress. After reading excerpts of a book about one member, they write their own version about the same representative. They also identify the challenges and benefits of begin...
C-SPAN
Primary and Secondary Sources: Trailblazers in Congress
Trailblazers forge the path into uncharted territory, they establish a precedent for others to follow. Young historians research trailblazers in Congress using primary and secondary sources to profile outliers that changed the face of...
Curated OER
Structure of Congress
Students examine the structure of Congress. They identify the roles of the Democratic and Republician parties and their leaders. They role play the role of congressmen and pretend to pass new legislation.
Curated OER
The Evolution of Congress
Using the Internet, as well as textbooks, high school scholars research how Congress has evolved over the years. They examine legislative leaders and their accomplishments, compare and contrast legislative procedures in various eras, and...
University of North Carolina
Congress and the Legislative Process: A Simulation in How a Bill Becomes a Law
As part of the study of the legislative process, scholars research redistricting and gerrymandering and the effects of these activities on lawmaking. On day one of the two-day plans, individuals redistrict the state of Elbonia so that...
Curated OER
Why Does Congress Work That Way?
Students discover the powers of Congress. In this legislative branch instructional activity, students examine the legislative process as they analyze Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Students consider the powers of Congress as they...
Curated OER
Mock Congress
High schoolers get involved in the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles and working with contemporary issues. Working in small groups, students write and work on different bills. Evaluation rubric included.
Curated OER
A Session of Congress Scavenger Hunt
For this Congress worksheet, students utilize the Internet to access one specific website to enable the students to find the answers to five short answer questions dealing with a session in Congress.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Welcoming the New Congress in Cartoons
In this current events activity, students analyze political cartoons about the 110th Congress. Students respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
Legislative Branch
Students analyze Article 1 of the Constitution. They respond to the Public Criticism E-Learning module.
Curated OER
Writing Letters to Legislators
Students discuss the importance of writing to their representatives. Using the internet, they identify who their representative is and ways they can communicate with them. They review the guidelines in which they need to follow in order...
C-SPAN
Presidential Veto and Congressional Override
One of the key powers of the executive branch is the president's ability to pass or veto legislation proposed by Congress. Congress, the legislative branch, on the other hand, can override a president's veto. Five film clips show how the...