Curated OER
Who's Who in Government: Past, Present and Future
Twelfth graders research a list of governmental leaders of South Carolina's past and present. They briefly identify each by writing a short summary which includes the dates of their political career, party affiliation, positions held in...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Exploring Japan
Fourth graders examine the culture and environment of Japan, beginning with a KWL chart. They use clay and cups of water to construct representations of the Japanese Islands. After designing flags representing farming and food, 4th...
Curated OER
Issues Poll
Students chart out what an opinion poll is and its effects on issues in society. They view an authentic poll to compare/contrast. In addition, they type out a word association key to help assemble a poll and then take a survey on...
Curated OER
The Constitution
Eighth graders watch as their teacher presents information on the Constitution, government and laws through a PowerPoint presentation. In groups, they discuss the importance of government and laws and identify the main ideas in the...
Curated OER
Y Chart
In this literacy worksheet, students follow the directions for recording information in the Y Chart. The sheet is intended as an informational guide for the teacher.
Curated OER
How Government Works and the Rights of the People
Eighth graders identify how to be responsible citizens. In this civics lesson, 8th graders review websites of congressional members and then create questionnaires about the responsibilities of citizens.
Curated OER
Issues Close to Home
Pupils discuss their role in their local government. Individually, they use various types of media to examine and take a position on a topic important to them. To introduce their position, they write a letter to the Board of...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Government
Interactive teaching unit for Grades 5-8 that helps to explain the three branches of government and the the balance of power. Topics covered include balance of government, how a bill becomes a law, the amendment process, the Legislative...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: Making Laws
Discover how laws are made in the United States, and then complete the trivia questions as a follow-up activity.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information
This retired site captures historical legislative activity that includes bill summary and status, bill text, public laws by law number, most recent issue, roll-call votes, committee reports, house committees, and senate committees.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Other
American Civil Liberties Union: Constitution Day Activities
Six activities teach students about the U.S. Constitution. Learn about checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, some of the history of the document, and how each of the states became a state. The site also provides teacher resources,...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Legislatures: Laying Down the Law
This ambitious unit examines the various levels of legislature from federal to municipal, the wants of constituents versus what the legislators feel is right, and the need for compromise. Offers video, activities, and related resources.
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Grades K 2
Here you can learn all about the U.S. Government! Find information on our nation, how our government works, your own neighborhood, and the main government symbols. Games and other activities are also included!
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.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Constitution in Action: Article I (Lab Team 1)
In this activity students will analyze the Oaths of Senators for the Impeachment Trial of William Jefferson Clinton and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article I, sections 1-7 of the Constitution in action.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Constitution in Action: Article I (Lab Team 2)
In this activity students will analyze the Declaration of Intention for Albert Einstein and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article I, sections 8-10 of the Constitution in action.
US National Archives
National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
iCivics
I Civics: Who Represents Me?
Do you know who represents you in the federal, state and local government? Do you know how to get in touch with them? This web quest will guide you through a number of web resources that will give you information about your...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Checks and Balances in Action
In this activity, young scholars will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the...