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You and the Judicial System
Students explore how the structure of the state and federal judicial systems affect them. They select an appropriate media and create a presentation on the structure of the judicial system, the criminal judicial system and a guide to the...
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Just how broken is the Senate?
Twelfth graders examine the role of the Senate in the United States. In this American Government lesson, 12th graders read various articles and answer questions to these articles. Students write a letter to their Senator on a...
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Checks and Balances
Students take a closer look at the responsibilities of the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. In this U.S. government lesson, students read articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Constitution and then use Venn diagrams to compare and...
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The Many Powers of the President
Students become familiar with the many roles of the president. They are given various scenarios. They must decide which of his "hats" he must wear given the specifics of each situation.
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The Supreme Court
Students examine the Fourteenth Amendment. For this Supreme Court lesson, students define due process and equal protection as they analyze the impact of the amendment and the Supreme Court on workers' rights in the early 20th century....
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Maine: State Government
Students participate in interactive lessons to study the history and government of Maine. They observe the studenT Cabinet of Maine and assess its goals and work.
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The Virginia Assembly
Young scholars examine the first permanent English settlement in America. Using the Internet, they identify the importance of the Virginia assembly. They answer questions based on different scenarios given to them by their teacher and...
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History of the Michigan Supreme Court from the Territorial Court and the founding of the Michigan Supreme Court in 1836 to Justice Mary S. Coleman and her interpretation of "One Court of Justice"
Students trace the history of the Michigan Supreme Court from when the state was still a territory. They define procedures as they relate to the Court. They compare and contrast the territorial court to the new Court.
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Introduction to the History of the Michigan Supreme Court
Students identify the players, events and changes in the history of the Supreme Court of Michigan. They explain the purpose of the Court in state government. They summarize the role and purpose of the Court.
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Abraham Lincoln and Reconstruction
Young scholars study Presidential Reconstruction during the Civil War years. They examine the role of the Executive Branch of government, especially in wartime. They investigate the complex issues of how Congress took on the role of...
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Advising the President: A Simulated Cabinet Meeting
High schoolers, as Cabinet members, "advise" the President on one current pressing problem or concern facing their department or post. They prepare an Action Plan with possible alternative courses of action that meets budget constraints.
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Constitution Cartoons
Young scholars view series of cartoon overheads that explain Constitution, name branches of government and their powers, define federalism and separation of powers, examine rights and obligations of citizens, and discuss significance of...
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A Bill Becomes A Law
Students discover how a bill becomes a law. In this Legislative Branch lesson plan, students discuss how a bill makes its way through the House and the Senate. Students author their own bills as well.
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A Bill Becomes A Law
Students discover how a bill becomes a law. In this Legislative Branch lesson, students simulate a bill making its way through the House and the Senate. Students author their own bills in this simulation.
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The President's Cabinet
Eighth graders obtain information about the President's Cabinet by using a template, and exploring the bookmarked Internet sites.
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The Great Depression in South Carolina
Pupils research The Great Depression in South Carolina. In this Great Depression lesson plan, students read and discuss the information given to them, along with analyzing photographs from the time.
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Government
Eighth graders analyze the purposes of government. They examine or assess the importance of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the importance of voting). Students explain the structure and functions of the three...
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Leaders in the Judicial Branch
Learners examine the leadership roles and qualities of members of the judicial branch in public life. They view and discuss video clips from a federal judge and two Supreme Court judges.
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The Power of an MP versus Their Loyalties to the Cabinet and Caucus
High schoolers analyze the benefits and drawbacks that the government MP faces belonging to a party caucus and their association with a powerful executive in the cabinet.
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How Congress Works
Students describe role of the U.S. Congress in American government as set forth in the Constitution, and explain why the Framers created a Congress with a House and a Senate and gave them different roles.
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All Americana
Fifth graders research American landmarks and symbols. In this United States history instructional activity, 5th graders create a KWL chart about the symbols of America and take notes during a PowerPoint presentation. Students complete...
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Civics: State Vs. Rowe
Young scholars examine the case of State vs. Rowe to discover the duties of the three branches of government. They explore the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances to assess how they apply to an actual situation.
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I'm Just a Bill
Fourth graders study the three branches of government and the process of how a bill becomes a law. They watch the School House Rock video "I'm Just a Bill" and sing the song after viewing the video. They answer question regarding a bill...
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Congress - President: Keeping the Balance
In this checks and balances in U.S. government worksheet, students read a 7-paragraph selection regarding Congress and the President and then respond to 5 short answer questions.