Curated OER
Presidents
Students identify the qualities needed to become President of the United States. Using the internet, they discover the differences in character of past presidents and draw conclusions about their time in office. They relate a piece of...
Curated OER
Political Parties, Platforms, and Planks
Ninth graders examine the origins and functions of political parties. In this American Government lesson, 9th graders create a party platform to address political issues that are likely to arise during a national election. ...
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History of the Bill of Rights
Students study the history of the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights instructional activity, students read and use two handouts to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Students then work in groups to study the Bill of...
Curated OER
Presidential Places Quilt
Students design historical quilts. In this presidential history lesson, students research past presidents and landmarks named for them. Students create quilt squares to represent the landmarks and piece all of them together in a large...
Heritage Foundation
Substantive Amendments: Amendments I and II
The First and Second Amendments remain some of the most famous, even to this day. Learners read about several clauses from the US Constitution through a variety of captivating activities including before and after reading, group work,...
Curated OER
New $1 Coins Honor U.S. Presidents
Elementary schoolers examine money, then read a news article about new coins being produced by the U.S. Mint. The teacher introduces the article with samples of American money and a vocabulary activity, then students read the news piece...
Heritage Foundation
Slavery and the Constitution
It's hard to believe the abolition movement was once seen as scandalous. Help learners understand how the US Constitution changed everything. A variety of activities such as corresponding reading activities, group work ideas, and...
Curated OER
I Am Not a Crook
Students use video, Internet research and discussion to consider the presidency of Richard Nixon. They obtain information from multiple perspectives and form an opinion of how Richard Nixon should be remembered.
Curated OER
From a New Nation to a Divided Nation
Quiz your students or prepare them for the big exam with this presentation. Included are 24 multiple choice questions related to Early American Government, The Colonial Period, Westward Expansion, and State Formation.
Curated OER
Interrogation Tactics in the News
High schoolers investigate interrogation tactics at use in the world. In this global issues lesson, students watch "Torturing Democracy," and discuss the implications of interrogation techniques used by the United States following 9/11....
Curated OER
Another King George?
Students study the differences between presidents and kings, and constitutional monarchs and despots. They examine why the US has a president instead of a king.
Curated OER
Country Capitals
Students locate country capitals on a world map. For this map skills lesson, students review the definition of the word country and discuss what a capital is. Students locate and label capital cities on a world map using a map marker.
Curated OER
Worksheet #49 - Constitution
In this historical quiz worksheet, students test their knowledge on multiple historical references about the Constitution as they answer the ten fill in the blank questions.
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Worksheet #52 Questions - American Involvement in the French Revolution
In this America involvement in the French Revolution worksheet, students examine their knowledge through ten fill in the blank questions that relate to the aforementioned topic.
Curated OER
Introduction to the Constitution (Enumerated Powers)
Students continue their examination of the United States Constitution. Using the text, they discover where the power for the government came from and why it was needed. They are introduced to the concept of Federalism and discuss the...
Curated OER
I 695 (The 30$ License Tabs Initiative)
Students research the bill I 695 issue. They discuss the topic before they research the issue of I 695. Students discuss how new laws are always being created and the differences in opinion about these laws. They see how this initiative...
Curated OER
Blessings of a Free Government: The Louisiana Purchase in 1803
Young scholars may take part in a multitude of activities listed such as creating political cartoons, comparison papers, and creating a portfolio to reinforce concepts and ideas surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
National First Ladies' Library
Government: Defending the Bill of Rights
Pupils examine the proposition of a country without the Bill of Rights. In a role-playing activity, teams of students gather information to build a case for retaining the Bill of Rights and present it before their congressperson.
Curated OER
Understanding Treaties: Students Explore the Lives of Yakama People Before and After Treaties
Students analyze treaties made between the US government and Native American tribes. For this government lesson, students evaluate bias emotionally connect with what was gained and lost during the late 1700's. This is a 3 part lesson...
Curated OER
Scavenger Hunt
Middle schoolers participate in a scavenger hunt to gather information on their governmental officials. Using the internet, they identify and discuss the various political boundaries to determine who their representative is. They...
Curated OER
Mount Rushmore
How did those faces get on that mountain, and why did they choose those particular presidents? Learn about Mount Rushmore's construction and the history behind the men represented on the mountainside with a short reading passage and set...
Constitution Facts
U.S. Constitution Crossword Puzzles: Basic #2
Fifty prompts make up a crossword puzzle that challenges scholars to show what they know about the U.S. Constitution.
Curated OER
Addressing Student's Questions in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks
Students discuss peacemaking. In this political policy and emotions lesson plan, students explore ideas for expressing feelings in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Students reflect on punitive and restorative justice.
Curated OER
Citizen's Role
Students discuss the role of citizens in the United States. In groups, they evaluate how the role of citizens is important when selecting Supreme Court Justices. They read articles about internest groups and complete worksheets to end...