Curated OER
Leaders in the Legislative Branch
Students read case studies about the leaders in the legislative branch of government. After reading the studies, they discover how the leaders have compromised on issues to best serve their states. They answer discussion questions and...
Curated OER
Lessons from the Holocaust
Students discover what a dictatorship is by examining the holocaust. In this government lesson, students discuss the laws that were enacted for Nazis to take control of Germany, and the types of laws we have put place to prevent that...
Curated OER
In His Own Words: James Madison On the Problem of Faction
Students are introduced to the writings of James Madison and explain why he is often called "The Father of the Constitution". Using primary source documents, they examine his view of the Bill of Rights and what he meant by faction. In...
Curated OER
Recognizing and Combating Segregation in U.S. Schools Today
Students explore the prevalence of racism and statistical segregation in America's schools. They design a project to investigate how the racial makeup of their school compares to other schools. In addition, they evaluate their design...
Curated OER
A Day in the Life of a Homeless Person
Learners examine the day in the life of a homeless person. In this humanitarian lesson, students examine the life of a homeless person while discovering the importance of social justice in our society.
Curated OER
Hodgson v. Minnesota
Students investigate the role of and develop opinions of the court in weighing competing interests in making decisions. They examine the power of the courts and legislature to regulate constitutional rights.
Curated OER
Group Newspaper-American System of Government
Eighth graders, in groups, design, research, and create a newspaper that explains four historical events that have influenced the American system of government.
Savvas Learning
Political Parties
What is a political party, and what major parties exist in American politics today? How did the party system develop in American history, and how are parties organized? These questions and many other details regarding the political party...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Educating About Immigration The DREAM Act
Group members role play state legislators, supporters of and opponents to the The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). After listening to the arguments put forth for and against the immigration legislation,...
Curated OER
Civilization
A good start to a larger discussion, this presentation address the qualities and characteristics of a civilization. It briefly discusses the earliest civilizations, leaving your lecture as the next logical step in a world history or...
BBC
Local Democracy
Expanding our students' understanding of government at a local level is a great way to build an understanding of government at a global level. Start the understanding by using any of these fun teaching ideas. Learners engage in several...
Curated OER
Civic Engagement for Us?
Learners identify the different forms of civic engagement. They identify their responsibilities at the different levels of government. They also analyze young leaders running for office.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Violent Video Games
High schoolers examine violence in video games. In this American history instructional activity, students read an article on the link between video games and violence. High schoolers respond to discussion questions and debate the topic.
Curated OER
Orange Revolution Lesson 3: Good Governance
Students explore the Orange Revolution. For this Orange Revolution lesson, students examine the climate of the Ukrainian protest and investigate the role of Canadian government in the protest.
Curated OER
Re-Examining Brown
High schoolers explore and describe the impact of segregation on African Americans and other non-white minorities. In this segregation lesson plan students identify, research and report on the legal cases that led to the Brown vs. Board...
Curated OER
Passin A bill In The Senate
Students examine the passage of a bill in the Senate with particular attention to amending bills in Australia. They recognise the potential for minor parties and Independents to hold the balance of power in the Senate. They identify...
Curated OER
Homemade Political Parties
Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...
Curated OER
Play House
Students take a closer look at representative government. For this House of Representatives lesson, students discuss their local representative in Congress and research his or her responsibilities. Students then participate in a House of...
Curated OER
Courage of the Heart
Middle schoolers research discrimination and how people fought against for the common good. In this discrimination lesson plan, students watch a movie about Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. Middle schoolers generate a list of words...
Curated OER
Smoking Patterns in the United States
Students examine tobacco use in the United States. For this tobacco lesson, students complete worksheet activities regarding tobacco use in America and examine the manipulation of the tobacco industry.
Curated OER
Women's Involvement In The Progressive Era
Students participate in a lesson that is investigating the Progressive Era of history. They conduct research focusing on the role of women in era. The information provides the perspectives necessary to address the popular stereotypes...
Curated OER
Rock n' Rollin in the '50s
Students explore the culture of the United States in the 1950's. In this history activity, students research culture in the 1950's, with a focus on fashion, music, television, automobiles, etc., then work in groups to create a...
Curated OER
Voting And Elections
Students examine the voting practices of the past several presidential elections while using data to determine the influence of different factors. They identify the reasons for high or low voter turnout and then display the outcome of...
Curated OER
South Africa: Revolution at the Ballot Box
Students explore apartheid. In this South Africa lesson, students discover details regarding apartheid and determine how the black majority suffered under apartheid. Students discuss why the white minority leadership of South Africa gave...