Curated OER
The Food We Eat
Students plan a menu for one day after they study the food pyramid and learn about their daily food requirements. They are given an updated food pyramid with a summary fo dietary recommendations that replaces the old standard "four food...
iCivics
I Civics: Constitutional Principles
The Founding Fathers created a government based on a set of fundamental principles carefully designed to guarantee liberty. This lesson lets students look at the Constitution from the perspective of its foundational principles and make...
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Constitution at Work
In this activity students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to determine their connection to the U.S. Constitution. Students will then make connections between the documents they have examined and the big...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Select Hot Constitutional Issues
Among other issues considered, Hot Constitutional Issues probes into the constitutionality of giving Washington, D.C. a vote in the House of Representatives, raised in 2009.
US National Archives
National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Learners will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Constitution of the United States
Find background information on the Constitution of the United States of America, and learn the three basic principles upon which the Constitution was written. Additional content includes a look at the text of the Constitution, the events...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: 9/11 and Constitution: American Identity, Diversity
A set of lessons that can be used to commemorate the anniversaries of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. They help students to reflect on the...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Constitutional Principles
James Madison knew that a key challenge of maintaining just government was framing it in such a way that the government would be forced to control itself. How does a system of separated powers-and the checks and balances built into those...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina: Constitution 101 [Pdf]
Provides a good basic introduction to the Constitution. Explains the founding principles, checks and balances, the rationale for it, the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention, the debate and ratification, the structure of the...
Other
Law Related Education: Constitution Board Game
Answer questions about the Constitution as you progress along a game board.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Big Ideas of the u.s. Constitution
In this activity students will identify and define seven key ideas contained in the U.S. Constitution by making matches from the grid. They will then analyze documents that demonstrate each big idea in action.
iCivics
I Civics: Changing the Constitution
America's constitutional government has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation, and other practices. Young scholars will use the seven basic principles found in our...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Principles of Government
Outline of the man principles of U.S. government under the constitution.
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: United States Constitution
History for Kids provides an overview geared toward elementary age students of the history of the United States Constitution. Includes links to resources for teachers.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Founding Principles
Below, you will find suggested definitions of each principle. Click here to read the words of James Madison, a primary contributor to the Constitution, and other Founders on these principles.
Other
Touro Law Center: William Marbury vs. James Madison
Transcript of the landmark court case that established the constitutional principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the concept that the federal judiciary has final power as to whether an act of the Congress or the Executive...
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Principles of u.s. Government
Tutorial presents an introduction to the principles of the United States democratic government highlighting the differences and similarities between Roman and U.S. governments.
Other
Freedom Forum: Lesson Plans for the First Amendment
These lessons address constitutional principles and contemporary issues involving the First Amendment. They intend to have explore how freedoms began and how they operate in today's world. Students will discuss just how far individual...
Tom Richey
Tom richey.net: The u.s. Constitution: Framing, Principles and Ratification [Ppt]
Presents key ideas for examining how the Articles of Confederation were replaced with the Constitution and the compromises that were reached during debates.
Other
Institute for American Liberty: The First Principles of the Constitution [Pdf]
This article contains information about the principles used to create the Constitution of the United States.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: War and International Law: America's Foreign Policy: A Brief History
Explore the history of foreign policy in the United States from the nineteenth century through to the present. Identify what values and principles have helped its formation over the years. Includes discussion questions.
Other
Yes for Liberty: Youth Educational Scholarship Constitution Bee
This organization seeks to educate youth about the Constitution and its founding principles. Each year they hold a Constitution Bee. Study materials and a quiz for learning about the Constitution are provided on the site, as well as the...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Separation of Powers
Informative discussion of the ideas behind the Constitutional principle of Separation of Powers.