US National Archives
National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress
This well-written and well-organized site from The Legislative Branch provides a thorough overview of congressional powers, inherent checks and balances, as well as links to related information.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Separation of Powers
When do the actions of one branch of the federal government unconstitutionally intrude upon the powers of another branch? This article surveys the history of this question in historic Supreme Court cases.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Dirksen Congressional Center:congress for Kids: Introduction to the Constitution
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...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Veto Power
Explores the presidential veto and pocket veto powers, their role as a negotiating tool, and the Congressional veto override process. Students also learn how to use fact-checking and triangulation to evaluate news claims and detect...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Congress Oversight Power
This excellent site from the University of Groningen provides a clear overview of the oversight function of Congress. Related American History links include text, essay, and biographical resources.
Other
America's Future: Behind the Headlines: The Constitutional Powers of Congress
A short summary of the powers Congress does and does not have, with an emphasis on the Constitutional basis of each. [Published Jan. 24, 1999]
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Reach of Congress
Although short, this article very clearly describes the investigative powers of Congress and their importance. Links to other American History topics are available, as well.
University of Oklahoma
Major Congressional Investigations of the Presidency: Fin D'siecle Problems
This excellent and in-depth essay develops the historical framework of congressional investigation. It is an excellent overview and provides links to specific investigations such as Watergate and Iran-Contra. Possible improvements and a...
Other
Fas: Proposals to Enhance Congressional Oversight
This site is provided for by the Federation of American Scientists. After the Clinton Administration's experiences with Bosnia and Somalia, Congress sought to increase its legislative powers in military involvements and peacekeeping. The...
Library of Congress
Loc: American History Through Congressional Documents: 1774 1873
Timeline of American history as seen in Congressional documents, 1774-1873.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Ii: Presidential Power to Use Troops
In-depth analysis of the use of presidential power to send troops abroad without consent of Congress.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Lesson Plans
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress at Work: Presidential Veto
The veto process is an integral part of our checks and balances. Introduce the power of the presidential veto and override to a class using an example from President Nixon's administration. Materials include the Constitution, worksheets,...
Yale University
Article I of the u.s. Constitution
Read all ten sections of Article I of the Constitution, which lay out the powers of the legislative branch of the federal government.
iCivics
I Civics: Voting in Congress
n this lesson, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a bill, including the powers given to Congress by the Constitution, what a member's constituents want, his or her political party's...
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Supreme Court: Landmark Cases: Schechter v. u.s. (1935)
PBS provides details on the landmark Supreme Court case of Schechter v. U.S. which dealt with congressional powers under the Commerce Clause.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Supreme Court: Landmark Cases: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
PBS features a summary of the landmark Supreme Court case of Gibbons v. Ogden which dealt with congressional powers through the Commerce Clause of Article I, Section 8. Decision written by Chief Justice John Marshall.
University of Oklahoma
Congress as Grand Inquest
A thorough discussion of the implied investigative powers of Congress. Early precedents, as well as congressional tools to the process, are described at length.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Annotation 3: Article I
This resource provides the annotation of Article 1 of the Constitution and the powers held by Congress. Focuses are on the implied, enumerated, inherent, and resulting powers of Congress. At the bottom of the page footnotes are provided.
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.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Mc Culloch v. Maryland (1819): John Marshall and the Bank Case [Pdf]
Lesson on Supreme Court Landmark case in which students analyze the constitutional argument and significance of McCulloch v. Maryland and further analyze and interpret implied constitutional powers of Congress through writing, discussion...
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About Gridlock
Learning module and lesson plan with C-SPAN video resources and related articles for students to examine and deliberate on whether or not the President should exercise executive powers during times of Congressional gridlock.