Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock the Vote

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students dramatize the process by which a bill becomes a law. They design a product that explains the function of the Legislative Branch in government and present their work to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Michigan Constitution and the Legislative Branch

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore online resources to compare and contrast the different constitutions the state of Michigan has had. They continue their exploration of various websites, focusing on the legistlative branch and the homepage of their local...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Utah's Legislative Branch: How a Bill Becomes a Law

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explain the steps by which a bill becomes a law. They research how a bill becomes a law within the three branches of Utah's government and synthesize their research and discussion in a classroom representation of government.
Interactive
2
2
Judicial Learning Center

The Constitution

For Students 6th - 12th
Supreme Court justices debate the meaning of the US Constitution, but we expect teachers to explain it to scholars with far less training and experience. A daunting task for sure, but it's not insurmountable with resources that simplify...
Lesson Plan
iCivics

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
In a fun and informative simulation, your learners will act in groups as lead chefs, menu writers, and nutrition inspectors in deciding a new school lunch menu. They will then compare and contrast their experience to the interaction...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 2: The Constitution: Our Guiding Document

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Explore the structure and content of the US Constitution in the second lesson of this five-part social studies series. A collection of activities, games, and videos complement a class reading of a document summarizing the US...
Lesson Plan
1
1
C-SPAN

How A Bill Becomes A Law

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Seven steps are required for a bill to become a United States law. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) is used as a model for the process of how a bill becomes a law.  Class members work independently through a...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Political Parties and What They Do

For Students 10th - 12th
The emerging politicians in your government might be familiar with the words "Democrat" and "Republican," but what do they really know about the role of political parties in America? Use this activity to reinforce information from your...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our System of Checks and Balances

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the governmental system of checks and balances between the individual branches. The balances are reviewed and the goal of the lesson is to develop and answer the question, "What are some ways the three branches of our...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Branches of Government Graphic

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners explore the three branches of government. They create a graphic diagram to show each branch of government. Students include the qualifications for service and duties of each branch of government in their graphic diagram.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research the three branches of government and examine the effect that the separation of powers has on the presidency. They explain the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore and explain the responsibilities and limits of our national system of government. After reading various selections documenting the viewpoints of the federalists and anti-federalists and the separation of power,...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Our Country's People, Lesson Two

For Students 6th - 8th
In this US government worksheet, students answer 8 multiple choice questions about the laws, courts, and Constitution of the United States.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Washington, D.C.

For Students 7th - 9th
In this Washington, D.C. government facts worksheet, students read ten facts associated with the United States and determine if they are true or false.
Interactive
2
2
Judicial Learning Center

Judicial Independence

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Most people support the idea of an independent judiciary in theory until they hear about a court case that violates their principles. An informative resource explains why the concept is important. It also provides scholars of criminology...
Activity
Administrative Office of the US Courts

US v. Alvarez

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Powers of Mom: Understanding the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Power

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine the powers of each branch of the government. They analyze the causes and effects of relationships within the government. They participate in activities to help them comprehend the material.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
Organizer
Curated OER

Checks and Balances Chart

For Students 9th
In this checks and balances chart worksheet, students use their textbooks and a copy of the U.S. Constitution to complete 10 items in the chart identifying the branches of government.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography of the Hill

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the basic functions of Canadian government, who is responsible for each function and where the officials associated with each function work.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Local Governments Don't Do Much ... Or Do They?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study and explore their local government. They role play members of their City Council and various constituents as they discuss a variety of subjects typical of a city council meeting.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fourth Grade Social Studies

For Teachers 4th
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about the climate, landforms, regions, government, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Changing of the Guard: Traditionalists, Feminists, and the New Face of Women in Congress

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the role of women as Congressional leaders. In this women's rights lesson, students identify and investigate the impact of women representatives and senators in the U.S. Legislative Branch. Comprehension questions, data,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Participation in Local and State Government

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the state and local levels of government. They demonstrate an examineing of government at these levels. The identification of officials and resources can be used for assessment.