Curated OER
The Role of government in Waste Management
Students assess ways the government could curtail the waste disposal problem. They write letters to government officials suggesting solutions.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2 James Madison: The Second National Bank—Powers Not Specified in the Constitution
How much power is too much power for the federal government? Scholars use primary documents and constitutional research in groups to analyze the creation of the Second National Bank under James Madison. This is the second instructional...
Curated OER
Government Lesson Plan: Lesson 1
Students identify the powers of national and state governments. They evaluate the balance of national versus state power. They utilize worksheets imbedded in this plan to gain a deeper perspective of how the government powers are separated.
Curated OER
4-H Citizenship Activity Page
In order to understand how our government works, students need to delve into the intricacies at both the local and federal level. Using this 20 question activity learners explore how government affects their daily life.
Curated OER
Discovering Democracy in Canada: Federal Perspectives
Tenth graders research one aspect of government. They teach their peers co-operatively about the key elements of Democracy in Canada at the Federal Level by giving group presentations.
Curated OER
36 Public Policy Questions to Energize Your Government/History Classroom Debates
Need topics that are sure to engage your debaters? This list of public policy questions includes such topics as school mascots, regulation of major league baseball, physician-assisted suicide, and violence in video games. A great...
Curated OER
Who's in Charge of This Animal?
Eleventh graders study wildlife management and identify the appropriate government agencies that are in charge. They examine different wildlife management techniques. They write a letter showing interest in the activities of one of the...
Curated OER
Intermediate Activity: Energy Guide Labels
Young scholars explore energy efficient appliances. In this economics and ecology lesson, students compare and analyze EnergyGuide labels of various appliances. Young scholars discuss federal government involvement with consumer...
Curated OER
The Judicial Branch
In this social studies worksheet, students investigate the job of Sandra Day O'Connor in the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Students answer 25 questions, completing sentences with words from the word bank. This page is mainly...
Curated OER
The 3 Levels of Government through Scrapbooking
Eighth graders explore Parliamentary democracy and governance.
Curated OER
Federalism: The Nation and The States
Twelfth graders discuss the division of powers between national and state governments. Groups create a PowerPoint slide representing one of the 3 types of powers.
Curated OER
The Duties of Governments: Dix vs. Pierce
High schoolers examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin, Elder Statesman
Ben Franklin was the only American to sign The Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the US Constitution. An interesting resource explores his role in the latter by comparing the US...
Curated OER
Slavery in the U.S. Constitution
Students examine five sections of the U.S. Constitution to see what the Federal Government has said about slavery, past and present. Then, class members research individuals and interest groups who directly impacted slavery compromises.
Curated OER
Redistricting: Drawing the Lines
Difficult redistricting concepts are covered in a context that will make it understandable to your government scholars. They begin with a KWL on the term redistricting and then watch a video to answer some questions. They analyze...
The New York Times
Understanding the Mathematics of the Fiscal Cliff
What exactly is the fiscal cliff? What are the effects of changing income tax rates and payroll tax rates? Your learners will begin by reading news articles and examining graphs illustrating the "Bush tax cuts" of 2001 and 2003. They...
ProCon
Sanctuary Cities
Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding, or do they defy federal laws? That is precisely the question scholars attempt to answer as they prepare for a class discussion or debate. After reading some brief background information,...
Curated OER
The Federalist Papers
Students identify the Articles of Confederation and explain why it failed. They explain the argument over the need for a bill of rights in the Constitution and James Madison's role in securing its adoption by first Congress. Finally,...
Curated OER
American Revolution and Constitution Take-Home Assessment
In this early American history worksheet, students draw diagrams of that feature the responsibilities of each of the 3 branches of the federal government and then create their own original visuals that highlight the formation of American...
ProCon
Social Security Privatization
Should Social Security be privatized, or is the government program fine just the way it is? Scholars read pro and con arguments and watch videos to learn more about the debate topic. Pupils also have an opportunity to interact with other...
Curated OER
Lobby Groups And Their Role In The Democratic Process
Students explain the role of the different players in the process of lobbying the government for changes in policy and or law. They select an issue of current concern and determine who their contacts would be both inside and outside of...
Curated OER
Political Movement: Political Parties
Students explore politics by researching Australian government law. In this political parties lesson, students define the different active parties in Australia and their roles within the country. Students complete a word bank activity...
Curated OER
Protecting Your Identity - and Helping Others Protect Theirs
Students examine the growing problem of identity theft. Using the internet, they research how it occurs, how to avoid it and what to do if you have been affected. They discover how state governments are dealing with the issue and...
Curated OER
The Right to Remain Resilient
Students examine the Civil Rights Movements in the U.S., both current and historic. In small groups students investigate a specific civil rights group, create an illustrated timeline, noting key events, people, and state and federal laws.