Curated OER
Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...
Curated OER
Hodgson v. Minnesota
Pupils investigate the role of and develop opinions of the court in weighing competing interests in making decisions. They examine the power of the courts and legislature to regulate constitutional rights.
Curated OER
American Focus on World Constitutions
Upper graders read several passages to gain an understanding of the nations that have adopted a constitution similar to the United States Constitution. This is a scripted lesson plan that is intended to build content-specific vocabulary...
Curated OER
Money and the Election Process: Ch 7
Where does the money for political campaigns come from? Guide your class with 10 multiple choice questions on money and the election process. There are 5 true/false and 5 multiple choice questions for them to answer. Use as a quiz or for...
Curated OER
Identifying Career Interests in the Volunteer and Government Sectors
Here is a great way to give your class a real-life job experience, while also serving the community. They explore a variety of volunteer opportunities to build career interests, gain work experience, and help their community grow. This...
Scholastic
Debate Prompt
Should the government rate music? Are teen juries a good idea? Is space exploration worth the money? Your learners will think critically to tackle these interesting questions, and practice their ability to form persuasive arguments...
Curated OER
The Importance of the Group in Japan
Twelfth graders discuss the importance of the group in Japan. In groups, they compare and contrast behaviors and attitudes of those in Japan and the United States. They are given a case to review and identify the rules by which the...
Curated OER
Time for Change? A look at Canada's electoral system.
Tenth graders cultivate respect and appreciation for Canadian Parliamentary democracy. They build curiosity and interest in studying citizenship issues related to Parliament and by engaging in a mock election.
Curated OER
Organization of Fairfax County Government
Students identify Fairfax County government as council-manager government, describe term of office held by members of Board of Supervisors and districts they represent, how Chairman of Board of Supervisors is elected and term and...
Curated OER
Government
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
The New York Times
Inaugural Words: 1789 to the Present
One of the reasons presidential inaugural speeches are so inspiring is the way word choice reflects the historical context of the time. An interactive timeline invites learners to click on their president of choice and view the most...
Curated OER
Can I Be Swayed?
Learners identify loaded words and examples of bias in print media. They describe how media can be used to manipulate public opinion. Students identify examples of interest groups that use media to sway public opinion in order to impact...
Curated OER
Three Branches of Government+++A Visual Representation
Third graders identify the three branches of government, describing their functions, and the important people in each branch. They construct models of the buildings and people to visually represent the Legislative, Executive, and...
Curated OER
What is an Iron Triangle?
Students discuss how interest groups, congress and the executive branch play a role in policy making to make up the Iron Triangle. They list the three points of the Iron Triangle and explain the role they have on public policy. Students...
Curated OER
Identifying Career Interests in the Volunteer and Government Sectors
High schoolers create a list of service opportunities in their community. They identify their interests and research volunteer opportunities that they could do. They also complete a survey based on their experiences.
Curated OER
Youth Engagement in Politics and Government
Students gain knowledge of government representatives, political parties, and the democratic process.
Curated OER
Looking at Constitutions
Students work in groups to research and examine Constitutions from various countries. In this government and public interests activity, students analyze primary and secondary documents to make a comparison between constitutional...
Curated OER
Unemployment
Twelfth graders evaluate the state of the economy and develop a definition for unemployment. In groups, they read an article about how the economy affects society and discuss how it affects them. Individually, they research the types...
Oakwood Publishing
Workshop 4: Constitutional Convention
How do new amendments become part of the US Constitution? AP government students explore, analyze, and use the US Constitution to develop a deep understanding of the interworkings of law and government while practicing synthesis and...
Curated OER
Analyzing Primary Sources
Analyzing primary and secondary sources is a necessary skill for students to attain, and can be learned through interesting activities.
Curated OER
The Wonders of Ancient Civilizations
Bring excitement and interest to your social studies with a unit on ancient civilizations.
Curated OER
Articles of Confederation Game
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Your historians will find out firsthand through this simulation activity, during which they will use money (consider using extra credit) to demonstrate the inherent flaws. It's simple: each...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
How the First State Constitutions Helped Build the U.S. Constitution
Did you know that the United States Constitution was adopted after many state constitutions were already in place? Young scholars examine facts about the influence of states through an informative and interesting resource. Groups then...
Curated OER
Understanding Tiananmen Square
William Bell's Forbidden City is used as the basis of a study of China, Chinese culture and government, and especially of the events in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Class members select a topic for Internet research and then prepare a...