ProCon
Electoral College
The Electoral College's role in elections is sometimes confusing and controversial. Pupils use a debate topics website to research the pros and cons of the practice to debate whether the United States should still use the Electoral...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Race to Watch: Campaign 2008, Role of Technology and the Internet
Is the internet effective as a campaign tool? Help your students explore how presidential candidates use technology and the internet in their political campaigning in the twenty first century with this lesson plan from PBS NewsHour.
CNN
Cnn: Presidential Debate History
History of the important role debates have played in presidential campaigns with links into image and audio content. Detailed information covers a wide spectrum on the history of debates.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Presidential Log Cabins: Ulysses S. Grant, Hero of the Civil War
Part of a larger biography of presidents is this article which focuses on Ulysses S. Grant in his role as general in the Civil War.
Other
Presidents & the Constitution: War: Commander in Chief
The President of the United States has many powers. This site provides an extensive overview on the President's role as Commander in Chief and includes a video.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Executive Leadership Recap: Roles of the President
The President wears many hats such as Chief of State, Party Leader, Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief. Try your hand at assisting the President with his schedule, as the Chief of Staff.
Other
Usa.gov: Presidential Election Process
Follow the path to being elected President of the United States. Each step is highlighted and explained with examples if applicable. Also, contains a downloadable infographic that can be used in the classroom to explain this unique process.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: American Presidency: A Glorious Burden
Review the lives and careers of the presidents (current through 2001), particularly the burdens that the office imposes, by examining documents and artifacts that clarify the powers of the office, the role of presidential campaigns, life...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President's Cabinet
This is a fun way to teach elementary students about the Presidential Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, 14 secretaries from executive departments and the Attorney General of the United States. Learn about this group's role in...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the u.s
This is a fairly detailed explanation of the role of the President as leader of the United States.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (9 12)
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.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: The First Administration
Read about George Washington's presidency. See why his role was so important in setting precedents to be followed by future chief executives. Find out about some of the warts in his personality too, all of which made him more human.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Hail to the Chief: 1812
Brief history of "Hail to the Chief" the traditional Marine Band song played for the president of the United States.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Supreme Court Confirmation Simulation (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that engages learners in a simulation exploring the fundamental roles of the executive branch and the Senate in the judicial selection process. Students will participate in a mock judicial hearing to confirm a Supreme Court...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Advice and Consent: Supreme Court Nominations (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that explains the role of checks and balances in U.S. system of government. Students will describe the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court, will examine past Supreme Court cases, and will discuss how the Supreme...
Ohio State University
E History: Ballinger Pinchot Controversy
A brief, but thorough, explanation of the controversy and antagonism between Gifford Pinchot and Richard Ballinger concerning conservation and the government's role in protecting public land. Read how this issue caused a rift in the...