n this lesson, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a bill, including the powers given to Congress by the Constitution, what a member's constituents want, his or her political party's...

This site from the United States Senate provides information about the evolution of the Senate as the Constitution was being written by the Constitutional Congress.

Resource provides expert tips for reaching your Congress person. Describes the role of Congressmen and women and what they can and can't do for citizens. Site for students and others to better understand Congress.

The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...

This excellent site from the University of Groningen provides a clear overview of the oversight function of Congress. Related American History links include text, essay, and biographical resources.

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...

Who should pay for politicians traveling before it violates ethical codes of abuse of power? Legislators and their staff were offered and accepted millions of dollars worth of free trips. This lesson explores the ethics of our...

China's remarkable aggregation of national power over the past 35 years has been a source of wonderment: to economists, who have been surprised by that country's consistently high rate of growth; to political scientists, who are at a...

This site from the University of Groningen clearly defines the role of committees in the legislative process, as well as a brief historical perspective on congressional committees. Essays, text and biography links related to American...

Read about the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the thoughts of the framers behind the formation of each branch.

Learning Adventures from Bensguide summarizes the process of lawmaking outlined in the U.S. Constitution and provides links to a glossary of legislative terms and Congressional Resolution from 2003.

Transcript of a congressional hearing, held in 1994, to discuss whether Congress had given too much power to the Supreme Court, against the express intent of the Founding Fathers. This transcript is lengthy but informative, containing...

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy , but the king has little power. Find out how the government works in this current article based on information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.

Although short, this article very clearly describes the investigative powers of Congress and their importance. Links to other American History topics are available, as well.

Have you ever thought about being president? Executive Command gives you four years in office to accomplish your legislative and policy goals. You'll make a state-of-the-union address, work with your aides and cabinet, try your hand at...

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...

Presents a summary and the full text of Artice I of the US Constitution. Article 1 primarily deals with Congress explaining who may become a representative, and who may become a senator, all of the powers that Congress and the individual...

From the National Archives and Records Administration site, this lesson, focusing on a poster circulated in Philadelphia in 1839 to discourage the coming of the railroad, relates to the struggle to define the powers of the national and...

Detailed facts and information on the United States Senate, a part of Congress that has the power to pass, amend and repeal bills that are made into the law of the land.

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.

The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.

Covers the workings of the Senate and how it evolved, and includes exhibits of historical photos and paintings. The Oral History section has interviews with people who worked in the Senate, where they discuss their careers and the...

Summarizes the role of the President as the Head of the Executive Branch and the powers and duties assigned to him by the Constitution. Provides links to further information.

Describes the job and duties of the President of the United States as head of the executive branch. Also discusses how the President is elected and the length of terms of office.