University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: Rochin v. California (1952)
This page provides the background of the case and the Supreme Court's decision.
Other
Us Gen Net: American Local History Network: The Struggle for Kansas
A detailed, 5-page article giving an in-depth look at the problems in Kansas after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Other
Us Courts: First Amendment Activities
Activities for students that make learning about the 1st Amendment relevant by applying landmark Supreme Court cases to contemporary scenarios related to the five parts of the First Amendment and rights to freedom of religion, speech,...
Oswego City School District
Regents Prep: Us History: Immigration & Migration: Era of 'Old' Immigration
The earliest waves of settlers to the Americas, up through the first half of the 19th century, constitute the era of 'old' immigration. There are some distinctions between those settlers who came prior to the Revolutionary War and those...
US National Archives
Nara: The Magna Carta
One of the historical events that led to the creation of the limited government of the United States, the Magna Carta was written in 1215 as a promise from King John of England to his demanding barons. It put English kings under the rule...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Articles of Confederation, 1781
Gives a nice history of the Articles and also a summary of what they were and the problems that developed with their adoption. Includes links to the actual document.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Us Constitution Bill of Rights
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson students explore Amendments 1-10 and discuss the impact of events that led to the ratification of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Complete credit page of websites used to create...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (6 8)
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Japanese Internment
Discusses the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, an action that resulted from Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066. The constitutionality of the order was challenged all the way to the Supreme Court by Fred...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: United States Bill of Rights
Kids learn about the Bill of Rights of the United States government. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Federalists
A brief look at the men who supported the new Constitution and the reasons they supported it.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Growing Opposition
George Washington's cabinet had strong personalities with often opposing opinions. Read about the differences between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in regard to Hamilton's financial policies for the new country. See why these...
Read Works
Read Works: u.s. Presidents James Madison
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Plessy vs. Ferguson
Transcript of the infamous Supreme Court decision that established the constitutionality of the principle of "Separate but equal," public facilities for members of different races. This was eventually overturned by the 1954 and 1955...
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us Government and Politics: Unit 2: Bill of Rights Reading Guide [Pdf]
A 2-page worksheet where students fill in the blanks with information about the rights and protections embedded in the amendments in the Bill of Rights. They are also asked to explain the meanings of eight terms used in the Bill of Rights.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Unsettled Domestic Issues
The new United States government faced many threats to its success. Read this overview of the possible problems.
Lectric Law Library
The 'Lectric Law Library's Lexicon: Eighth Amendment
This definition page at 'Lectric Library discusses the definition in the context of significant Supreme Court cases.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Republican Party History
Article provides a history of the Republican party and details on the eighteen Presidents who have belonged to the Republican Party through George W. Bush.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 essays that promoted the ratification of the United States Constitution and the nature of a Republican government.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The Federalists
Fun facts and an overview of the Federalists, the first American political party and formed by Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, John Adams, and Gouverneur Morris.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Democratic Party History
This article contains a summary of the history of the rise of the Democratic Party, its origins, leaders, presidents, and their beliefs.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Free Soil Party
This article contains an overview of the history of the Free Soil Party, its leaders, their beliefs, and eventually joined with the National Union Party to form the newly formed Republican Party in 1854.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Whig Party
This article contains an overview of the history of the rise and fall of the Whig Party, its leaders, their beliefs, and the demise of the party over the issue of slavery.