Curated OER
We the People... What Conflicting Opinions Did the Framers Have about the Completed Constitution?
Students study some of the disagreements about the Constitution which set the stage for the debates over its ratification. These are significant because many have to do with issues that are still discussed and debated today.
Curated OER
Senate Confirmation Hearings on Cabinet
Students explain the confirmation process of presidential nominees to the Cabinet. They compose a list of questions to ask at a conformation hearing.
Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
Curated OER
The Atrazine Dilemma
Students understand how farming practices and the topography of a region can effect the health and safety of all living things. Students play a game which helps them understand how the chemical Azatrine has spread in the watershed.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Bill of Rights -- Texas v. Johnson, 1989
Learners examine the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. During a visit to the George Bush Presidential Museum, they watch a video about the Texas v. Johnson flag burning case. In groups, they discover the role of the Supreme Court...
Curated OER
Elections Word Search
In this elections word search, students locate 18 words in this U.S. shaped puzzle. All words are related to elections in America. There is no word bank.
Curated OER
Breaking News English: President Bush OK'd Spying in America
In this English worksheet, students read "President Bush OK'd Spying in America," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: What Is a Republican Government?
The founding fathers studied different forms of government throughout history to come up with the best form of government for our new nation. They decided a republic suited our nation the best. Find out the advantages of this type of...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: What Is a Republican Government?
This instructional activity will help you understand why the Founders thought a republican form of government was best. Young scholars will also learn about civic virtue and the common welfare.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?
This lesson introduces students to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the end of the lesson, students...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Constitutional Underpinnings of u.s. Government
The first unit of an online course on AP US Government and Politics. It explores key concepts of American government, including constitutional government, republicanism, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, construction...
Other
National Republican Congressional Committee
The official site of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide:republican Rome Struggle of the Orders
This site from The History Guide provides a comprehensive discussion on the struggle of the orders, the conflict between the plebeians and patricians of the early Roman Republic.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Republic
This detailed article defines the term republic, discusses the characteristics of a republican government, examines significant republican governments throughout history, and looks at different types of republican governments in the...
CNN
Cnn: 10 Ways a Government Shutdown Will Affect Your Daily Life
With the deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over Obamacare, the government had to shut down in 2013. This article explains the ramifications of this for the average American. (Published: October 1, 2013)
OpenStax
Open Stax: Common Sense: From Monarchy to an American Republic
After reading this section from a chapter on "Creating Republican Governments," students will be able to compare and contrast monarchy and republican government and describe the tenets of republicanism.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Republicans vs. Democrats
A review of Bill Clinton's domestic policies and scandals in his two terms of office. Focus is on the rancor of the Republicans against Clinton.
Other
"A Well Trimmed Ship", the Republican Legacy of Polybius
A two-part paper, the first of which is a biography of Polybius, a Greek, who wrote a history of the Roman Republic. The second part discusses his work and his admiration of Roman virtues and the government of the Roman Republic.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: British Coalition Government
The first coalition government has been formed in 70 years in Britain. Discussed in this article are the similarities to the American Republican Party, speculation on how long the coalition may last and the need for cuts in public...
Diffen
Diffen: Democrat vs. Republican
An in-depth article describing the two political parties in the United States. Read the side-by-side comparison followed by the article which contains an excerpt from an interview and some visuals to reinforce the learning.
History Tools
History Tools: Abigail and John Adams Discuss Women and Republican Govt [Pdf]
A series of four primary source letters written by John and Abigail Adams which reveal their position on the political role of women during the Revolutionary Era. Documents have been updated with modernized spelling.
US National Archives
National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Learners will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
Digital History
Digital History: Republicanism
The framers of the Constitution had a great distaste for the monarchial society of Great Britain. See how this was reflected in the checks and balances they wrote into the Constitution in an effort to create a working republic.