Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Supreme Court

For Students 9th - 10th
The Dirksen Center provides a page of excellent links to information about the Supreme Court including information on Brown v. Board of Education, the Constitution test, a dual court system, equal protection, supreme court judges, the...
Website
Oregon Secretary of State

Oregon State Archives: The Oregon Blue Book

For Students 9th - 10th
The Oregon Blue Book, the official state directory and fact book, provides a wealth of information about Oregon. "FACTS," contains almanac references, economy information, scenic images, capital city information, and state buildings;...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch

For Students 3rd - 5th
This site provides a simple explanation of the Judicial Branch with a hyperlinks to information on the Supreme Court.
Graphic
Other

Govspot: Judicial Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
GovSpot surveys the structure and purpose of the Judicial Branch of U.S. government, which comprises the Supreme Court and the Federal Court System.
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Judicial Branch in a Flash!

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson plan, students learn the basics of our judicial system, including the functions of the trial court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. They also learn how a case moves up through these levels and discover that...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Branches of Government

For Students Pre-K - 1st Standards
Introduction to a learning adventure on the Constitution and branches of government. Students click on their age group icon to find information on which part of the Constitution spells out the powers of legislative, executive and...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (9 12)

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Provides a brief overview of the judicial branch of the federal government. Discusses the origin of the judicial branch, the concept of judicial review, and functions of the judicial branch. Links to more information about the U.S....
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Federal Judiciary of the United States

For Students 9th - 10th
This Wikipedia entry on the Federal government of the United States gives detailed information on each aspect of the judiciary branch.
Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: The American Judicial System

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The New York Times Learning Network has an interactive & printable crossword puzzle on The American Judicial System.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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.
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: The Powers of Government

For Students 3rd - 8th
Students learn how the three branches of the United States government work together and the powers that the Constitution assigns to each branch-legislative, executive, and judicial.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
Lesson Plan
Center For Civic Education

Center for Civic Education: How Constitution Used to Organize the New Govt [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized...
Interactive
US Mint

United States Mint: Branches of Power

For Students 3rd - 8th
Save the federal government from Oppressor Sam, and learn about the US Constitution to restore the three branches of government.
Website
Other

First Gov: Official Portal of the u.s. Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A launching point for information about the U.S. government and its resources. One can search FirstGov by keyword or phrase, by browsing a topics list, or by selecting a federal branch (executive, legislative, or judicial). State and...
Graphic
Other

Canada Info: Structure of Canadian Federal Government Chart

For Students 3rd - 8th
The structure of the 3 levels of the Canadian Federal Government is clearly shown on this graphic chart. Useful for anyone researching the Canadian government.
Primary
University of Chicago

The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan

For Students 9th - 10th
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
Handout
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: History of the Supreme Court

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives insight into both the creation of the U.S. Supreme Court as well as its transformation to its present state. Throughout the text links can be found which lead to various Supreme Court topics and information.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Supreme Court

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion overview illustrating the structure and powers of the Supreme Court as written in the U.S. Constitution.
Activity
University of Missouri

Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Separation of Powers

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
When do the actions of one branch of the federal government unconstitutionally intrude upon the powers of another branch? This article surveys the history of this question in historic Supreme Court cases.
Website
Other

Touro Law Center: William Marbury vs. James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
Transcript of the landmark court case that established the constitutional principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the concept that the federal judiciary has final power as to whether an act of the Congress or the Executive...
Article
Other

New Talk: What Is the Role of the Courts in Making Social Policy?

For Students 9th - 10th
New Talk provides an online forum where non partisan experts in their field can discuss relevant domestic issues of today. This discussion focuses on the role of courts in setting social policy and how judges should be selected.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Judiciary Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
Article covers the Judiciary Branch of Government, the branch that interprets the law, and its connection to the US Constitution.