Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 42: The Bill of Rights Is a Rockin
Students are aware of most their personal rights and freedoms. However, many have not critically evaluated the significance of the Bill of Rights and are unaware that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government from 1791...
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Ornl: Genetics Privacy and Legislation
Resource outlines issues related to genetic information and technologies derived from the Human Genome Project. Government policy, legislation and discrimination issues are highlighted.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Malawi: History
Learn about Malawi's history from its paleological beginnings to its recent elections. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
National Institutes of Health
Nidcd Health Information: Resources for Educators
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers classroom activities and other resources for students and teachers.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Back to School
The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers teacher information, student information, and shared resources for drug education.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Preamble
The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It outlines the general goals of the framers: to create a just government and to ensure peace, adequate national defense, and a healthy, free nation. With its first three words, "We...
Digital History
Digital History: The Clinton Presidency
Short, but comprehensive, synopsis of Clinton's two terms as president. Included in the article is the 1992 campaign, successful and controversial legislation, and the scandals that would eventually become part of his presidential legacy.
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About National Security and Surveillance
Learning module and lesson plan which examines whether or not the federal government should monitor phone and internet activity to protect the security of the United States. Comprehensive materials including C-SPAN videos and related...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Drafting the Constitution
Problems with the new government of the United States led to rethinking the rules of governing. Read a brief overview of what the results were.
Other
Gunston Hall Plantation: "The Great Business Now Before Us"
In 1787, America was having big problems. There was no single type of money, or currency, in the new nation. States were arguing over trade issues and local boundaries. Each state seemed to see itself as independent and self-governing...
US Navy
U.s. Military History and National Security
An internet guide to US military history and national security. Includes links to the history of the US armed forces and specific branches as well as information on the different federal organizations involved in national security.
USA Today
Usa Today: Washington Politics
Resource provides the top news in U.S. Politics in brief. Content includes a focus on the president, senate, house, state governors, legislatures, and initiatives.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Constitution as Supreme Law
Overview of the history and structure of the U.S. Constitution as the "supreme law" of the land of which state and federal laws may not conflict and can only be changed by the American people.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Amendments Proposed by Hartford Convention
This is the text of the constitutional amendments proposed by the Hartford Convention in 1814, trying to get the federal government to give control of militias to the states and recognize other New England interests.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Role of the Supreme Court
This essay describes the power of the Supreme Court to 'check' the actions of both the President and Congress, with some historic documentation.
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this instructional activity include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Kentucky Resolution of 1799
The full text of the Kentucky Resolution of 1799, in which the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky declares its opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Race for the Superbomb
This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period....
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Plight of the Indians
This site explains how as westward expansion grew, more and more Indians encountered settlers, ranchers and miners who sought life, land, and riches out West. Conflicts between settlers and Indians soon involved the federal government...
Social Studies for Kids
Social Studies for Kids: The Presidential Veto
The President of the United States has extraordinary power over the shaping of federal laws. He or she can veto any law passed by Congress.
Digital History
Digital History: Drafting the Constitution
Those writing the Constitution had many issues to deal with in forming a document to govern the country. One thorny issue was the status of the states in regard to representation in the federal legislature. Read about the Virginia Plan...
Digital History
Digital History: Standard Oil on Trial [Pdf]
The anti-trust case against Standard Oil, based on the Sherman Antitrust Act, pitted the federal government against the largest corporation in the United States. Read the trial preparation information including the arguments of the...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
National Park Services provides an overview of the Trail of Tears, a nine state wide stretch of America the Cherokee Indians were pushed across by the Federal government in the 1830s.
US National Archives
The National Archives Digital Vaults
Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept forever. Those valuable records are...