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Campaign Finance Reform and Public Opinion
High schoolers discuss the issue of finance reform in political campaigns. Using the internet, they identify the positives and negatives of finance reform and research the problems associated with campaign fund-raising. They share...
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The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Eleventh graders examine transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race.
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Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Simulation
Students research the Supreme Court judicial selection process while role playing. They examine the political nature of the process and discuss merits of Supreme Court nominees.
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Hafta Do NAFTA?
Young scholars examine the benefits and problems of U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement. In two groups, students represent the campaign team for a presidential candidate, one for and one against NAFTA, and...
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Debates Over Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Eighth graders study the concept of Habeas Corpus. In this Civil War lesson, 8th graders research the reasons for and against suspending the writ of habeas corpus. Students analyze various documents.
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Analysis of a Historic Presidential Election
Students research the 2000 presidential elections. They explain why the presidential winner was initially too close to call, discuss how the winner was determined and predict how the 2000 election might change the process of electing a...
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Role of Citizens in Montgomery Bus Boycott
Students consider the role of average Americans in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In this Civil Rights lesson, students listen to a lecture that outlines the details of the boycott. Students conduct further research about the people who led...
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Confucius
Students investigate the person of Confucius and his impact upon the Chinese culture. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They use the outline provided in the lesson to participate in class discussion. Key ideas are...
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The Gettysburg Address
Students examine Lincoln's life. In this U.S. history lesson, students examine facts about Abraham Lincoln and then complete 6 extension activities that require them to complete research regarding the Civil War.
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After Blair
Learners examine Tony Blair's exit from the Office of Prime Minister. In this British government lesson plan, students visit selected Web sites to learn how the transition in the office will work. Learners also research the...
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Choosing the Next President
Students use comparative Internet research to formulate a prediction regarding the next president of the United States. They give presentations each week on how his or her candidate is faring in the political race.
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Democracy: Participating in the Process
Students research all of the candidates running in an upcoming election. They interview them if possible and state their platforms. They organize a forum for the candidates to come and speak at their school.
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Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Students examine the transcripts of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates and create a platform for each candidate in the 1858 Senate race. They utilize the candidates' arguments to explore the historical and political impact.
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The Jessie Jackson Campaign
Students explore an African American's presidential campaign. In teams, students create a campaign for their presidential candidate. They create political ads and plan campaign strategies. Students are simulate jobs such as a campaign...
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Presidential Campaigning
Eighth graders participate in a simulated presidential campaign by conducting research on the Internet. They define a party platform, run a campaign and write and deliver speeches in teams. Students can then act as the electoral college...
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Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy
Students discuss the election of 1960. They examine the political styles of important leaders, the issue of money, and the issue of fair play in American politics. Students explore the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
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Hillary Clinton's Record, Through the Looking Glass
Students assess how images and words in a political ad deliver its message and stir the emotions in the general public. They research information that supports or refutes claims made in the ad as well as the credibility of the ad. Each...
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The Inaugural Speech: Setting The Tone For The Administration Of A President
Pupils investigate the Inaugural Speech of the President of The United States while comparing two speeches. They conduct research to find the two speeches on the internet and look at them side by side. The lesson includes background...
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Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate
Students examine the life of Jackie Robinson and the ways in which he and they can influence government policy.
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Healthcare Reform Lessons
Lesson plans about healthcare reform can help students get a better sense of the issues, and people involved.
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Weighing the War
Study opposing viewpoints with this instructional activity, which examines President Bush's September 2004 address at the United Nations. Middle schoolers study the text of the address, and then stage formal debates arguing for or...
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Breaking Barriers
Determine how African-Americans have broken barriers in this history lesson. Middle schoolers discuss the 15th Amendment and the American civil rights movement prior to analyzing Barack Obama's speech "A More Perfect Union," taking care...
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Introduction of Careers in Fine Arts and Communications
Ninth graders create advertising campaigns. In this communications instructional activity, 9th graders explore the use of propaganda endorsements, bandwagon appeals, name calling, plain folks appeal and generalities in advertising....
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More Than Mock Elections
Young scholars create a presidential campaign story. In this presidential campaign lesson, students produce, direct and act in their own campaign story. Stories focus on setting, characters, context, critical incidents, and concluding...