A&E Television
History.com: How Interstate Highways Gutted Communities and Reinforced Segregation
America's interstate highway system cut through the heart of dozens of urban neighborhoods. Congress approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, authorizing what was then the largest public works program in U.S. history. It promised to...
US National Archives
Docsteach: Immigration to America: Stories and Travels
This activity asks students to match documents to individuals based on the reasons these people came to and were living in the United States. The photographs and documents are attached to government forms in some of the millions of...
BBC
Bbc: News: Country Profile: United Arab Emirates
BBC News presents a general overview of the United Arab Emirates which is a federation of seven states. Focus is on history, current information, country facts, political leaders, and news media. Provides links to a timeline of key...
Digital History
Digital History: Challenges Facing the Nation
The new United States had no blueprint to follow in establishing a new democratic government. Read about the challenges facing the new nation, and how it dealt with ways to make the government work.
Other
Streetlaw: Careers in the Law
If you are interested in being an attorney, corrections officer, court reporter, forensic scientist, police officer, judge or government agent, check out this description of several legal careers. Learn about salary, required education,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Unsettled Domestic Issues
The new United States government faced many threats to its success. Read this overview of the possible problems.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Ornl: Genetics Privacy and Legislation
Resource outlines issues related to genetic information and technologies derived from the Human Genome Project. Government policy, legislation and discrimination issues are highlighted.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Malawi: History
Learn about Malawi's history from its paleological beginnings to its recent elections. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Plight of the Indians
This site explains how as westward expansion grew, more and more Indians encountered settlers, ranchers and miners who sought life, land, and riches out West. Conflicts between settlers and Indians soon involved the federal government...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Tenth Amendment
Annenberg Classroom resource on the 10th Amendment which attempts to create a balance of power between federal and state government. With links to related news articles and resources.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Preamble
The preamble is the introduction to the Constitution. It outlines the general goals of the framers: to create a just government and to ensure peace, adequate national defense, and a healthy, free nation. With its first three words, "We...
CNN
Cnn: E Mail Shows Bush Glad Fema Took Katrina Flak
CNN discusses an e-mail that might have come from the Executive Office of the President stating that they were glad former FEMA chief Michael Brown took the heat for the federal government's handling of Hurricane Katrina. Article is from...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Drafting the Constitution
Problems with the new government of the United States led to rethinking the rules of governing. Read a brief overview of what the results were.
Other
Gunston Hall Plantation: "The Great Business Now Before Us"
In 1787, America was having big problems. There was no single type of money, or currency, in the new nation. States were arguing over trade issues and local boundaries. Each state seemed to see itself as independent and self-governing...
US Navy
U.s. Military History and National Security
An internet guide to US military history and national security. Includes links to the history of the US armed forces and specific branches as well as information on the different federal organizations involved in national security.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Documenting Brown: Brown v Board of Education, 1955
The Supreme Court's opinion in Brown II reflects the struggle between federal and state governments on how and when school desegregation would occur.
Curated OER
Temporary Coffins Are Prepared Outside a Building in New Orleans
The federal government faces a great deal of criticism for its response to Hurricane Katrina, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Report is from September, 2005.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Henry Wilson
Henry Wilson (February 16, 1812 - November 22, 1875) was a Senator from Massachusetts and the eighteenth Vice President of the United States. He was a leading Republican who devoted his enormous energies to the destruction of what he...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Role of the Supreme Court
This essay describes the power of the Supreme Court to 'check' the actions of both the President and Congress, with some historic documentation.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Courts of Appeals and District Courts
Overview of the structure and purpose of the Courts of Appeals and District Courts.
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this instructional activity include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Race for the Superbomb
This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period....
Other
Fas Texas: Public Education Funding in Texas
A nice overview with fast facts about Texas Public Education funding complete with graphs and bulleted explanations.
Social Studies for Kids
Social Studies for Kids: The Presidential Veto
The President of the United States has extraordinary power over the shaping of federal laws. He or she can veto any law passed by Congress.