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Economic Recessions
Students examine the characteristics of recessions and explore the role of government in encouraging business investment. They discuss why the services segment of employment has increased and list companies in their area that qualify as...
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The Constitution: the Head of State
Young scholars participate in a constitutional convention to debate whether Australia should become a republic. They form small groups to represent various sides of the debate such as parliamentary republicanism, popular republicanism...
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The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation?
Learners take a close look at the foundations of American government. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students analyze the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Learners participate in a...
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What is a Court?
Learners examine and discuss the judicial branch of the U.S. government. They define what a court is, list three characteristics of a trial court and an appellate court, and analyze various trial and appeal situations.
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Fractured Facts for Civics
In this fractured facts for civics learning exercise, 9th graders correct 24 sentences by replacing certain phrases if they are incorrect, but not all need to be corrected, answers are included.
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Roles of the President
Students read a document which explains the roles and responsibilities of the President of the United States. In groups, they tour the George Bush Presidential Museum and participate in a Presidential scavenger hunt. Once back in the...
National First Ladies' Library
Mrs. Wilson's Alley Bill
Learners read and understand Ellen Wilson's bill. They review the federal law-making procedure and understand the implications of an appropriation bill to redress housing concerns during a time of looming war. Classmates are split...
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The Constitution: The Country's Rules
Learners become aware of the Constitution and why it is important. In this early government lesson, students compare the Constitution to the class rules. They are both set in place so that we all stay safe and have fun. Learners draw...
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Geography and Artifacts of Mexico
Students review the structure of government in Mexico and discuss how it is different than the United States. Using artifacts, they must label and identify the city or state in which the artifact originated. They use the artifact clues...
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Political Movements: Political parties
Students list current federal parliamentary parties, consider the role of political parties, practice party based representation, state the relationship between parties, elections and Australian policy, and define specific parliamentary...
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Justice in America
Eleventh graders analyze primary sources for evidence of intent and purpose. In this American government instructional activity, 11th graders compose a one-page response explaining their understanding of "justice." Students read and...
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Seeking Civil Rights
Learners explore the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In this social justice lesson, students examine the case, Jim Crow laws, and non-violent forms of protest. Learners write essays to persuade the government regarding unjust laws.
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The Bill of Rights
Seventh graders determine why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, 7th graders discuss the first 10 amendments and any vocabulary they may be unfamiliar with. Students then read different...
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How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Learners describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
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What's in the Water?
Students examine the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts. Using the text, they identify examples of how the federal and state governments implement public policy. They discuss how citizens can make sure that all levels of government...
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The Constitution: Drafting a More Perfect Union
Learners analyze an unknown primary source document to determine its origin. In this Constitution lesson, students read primary source documents and contrast and compare the evolution of the drafts of the Constitution. Learners analyze...
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The Articles of Confederation
The purpose of this lesson is to assist students in discovering the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the foundation for creation of the United States Constitution. Students will investigate the events leading up to the...
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Who Gets the Job?
Students examine the Cabinet, and match Cabinet positions with current secretaries. They evaluate the qualifications of each secretary, then develop sets of qualifications for two Cabinet positions.
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Balancing the Budget
Students identify the different components that make up the federal budget. They discuss the relationship between government revenues and spending and between budget deficits and the national debt. Students predict how changes in...
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Taxes in U.S. History: Evolution of Taxation in the Constitution
Students receive an overview of the role and purpose of taxes in American history. They identify different types of taxes implemented by the US government and explain the origin of the federal income tax.
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The Need for Laws
Students consider the presence of authority in their lives. In this law lesson, students compare forgotten laws that function in their lives to forgotten instructions in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
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Introduction to the Constitution (Enumerated Powers)
Students continue their examination of the United States Constitution. Using the text, they discover where the power for the government came from and why it was needed. They are introduced to the concept of Federalism and discuss the...
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Uniform Blues
Fourth graders explore what the U.S. Constitution is and why it is important, the purpose of the state constitution, and its relationship to the U.S. Constitution and the similarities and differences among federal, state and local...
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Services, Services, Services+++ Who You Gonna Call?
Students research various services (agencies) provided by the government. They prepare a written report about the agency and also about an individual service it provides. They list steps involved in gaining a specific service provided by...