National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Freedom's Story: The Civil Rights Movement: 1968 2008
An excellent essay from the National Humanities Center that explores the civil rights movement after the groundbreaking legislation in the 1960s. It looks at how the civil rights movement has transitioned in the last part of the 20th and...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Reach of Congress
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.
The White House
The White House: The Legislative Branch
A brief summary of the the Legislative Branch of government and guidelines for membership. The powers of Congress, the legislative process, and even the oversights made by government, to prevent abuse of power, are discussed.
Library of Congress
Loc: The u.s. Congress: Resources a to Z
Start your research of the U.S. Congress here! Superb links to any information you may need on history, current profile of Congress, and many other sites.
Cynthia J. O'Hora
Mrs. O's House: Government Travel and Staffers
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 plan explores the ethics of our...
Other
The American Interest: China's Place in u.s. Foreign Policy
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...
Digital History
Digital History: The Clinton Presidency
Short, but comprehensive, synopsis of Clinton's two terms as president. Included in the article is the 1992 campaign, successful and controversial legislation, and the scandals that would eventually become part of his presidential legacy.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Other
What Political Capital? Some Question Whether President Is a Lame Duck
This article describes the loss of power and influence of President George W. Bush in setting political agenda as his approval rating drops and Democrats now control Congress.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
iCivics
I Civics: Changing the Constitution
America's constitutional government has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation, and other practices. Students will use the seven basic principles found in our government...
Other
Us Congress: Congress, the Court, and the Constitution
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...
Other
Usa Gov: Three Branches of Government
Lesson plans for students to learn about the three branches of government. They can find information about the origins of the Constitution, separation of powers, and details about each of the three branches.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Thailand: Government
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.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (3 5)
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: American History Through Congressional Documents: 1774 1873
Timeline of American history as seen in Congressional documents, 1774-1873.
Other
Bush 2007 Budget Underwrites Nuclear, Cuts Environmental
An article discussing how the 2007 budget will impact environmental programs. Go to the site's home page for links to other interesting news articles on the environment.
Other
The Verge: All the Ways Congress Is Taking on the Tech Industry
After the 2016 presidential contest and years of investigations from intelligence experts, Congress woke up to the power Big Tech holds over democracy - whether it's through collecting data or serving up political ads. For legislators,...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Protects the Right to Vote
Students will draw conclusions regarding actions taken by Congress when passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They will weigh the balance of power between the federal and state governments when protecting the right to vote. Materials...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Glossary
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson Activotes are used to access student's prior knowledge of the principles of the US constitutional government. Student knows the essential principles stated in the US Constitution-...
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...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Article 1 of the Us Constitution
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...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Anti Railroad Propaganda Poster
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...