Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Role of the Lobbyist

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners gain knowledge and understanding of the role of a lobbyist. They utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills through the development of a written proposal.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government: War Powers Limitations

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students examine historic examples of authority during wartime. They interpret the Fifth Amendment. They debate the merits of the Patriot Act.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Issues Close to Home

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils discuss their role in their local government. Individually, they use various types of media to examine and take a position on a topic important to them. To introduce their position, they write a letter to the Board of...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

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

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Find out about the duties of the legislative branch of government. Check out Ben's Guide!
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Legislative Branch

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Learners will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of citizens and political parties. Register for a free account to...
Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Government: The Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Comprehensive learning module with multi-media resources on the Legislative Branch of the American Government.
Activity
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This well-written and well-organized site from The Legislative Branch provides a thorough overview of congressional powers, inherent checks and balances, as well as links to related information.
Handout
State Library of North Carolina

N Cpedia: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
Referred to as the North Carolina General Assembly, the legislative branch is run similarly to the federal government. Check out this brief resource for details about the state legislative system.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
Unit Plan
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
Interactive teaching unit for Grades 5-8 that helps to explain the three branches of government and the the balance of power. Topics covered include balance of government, how a bill becomes a law, the amendment process, the Legislative...
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Website
Other

Govspot: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site has an outline from Govspot of the Legislative Branch of the United States. This site links you to every part of the Judicial Branch of the United States.
Website
iCivics

I Civics: Games: Branches of Power

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Interactive and educational game puts players in control of all three branches of government and tests their abilities to turn issues of concern into full-fledged laws.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: Legislative Branch Congress

For Students 1st - 9th Standards
Kids learn about the Legislative Branch of the United States Government. It's also called the Congress and is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: The Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Intended for early elementary students, ReadWorks provides an information text about the three branches of government. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This retired site captures historical legislative activity that includes bill summary and status, bill text, public laws by law number, most recent issue, roll-call votes, committee reports, house committees, and senate committees.
Website
Utah Education Network

Uen: Themepark: Liberty: Three Branches of Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Find a large collection of internet resources organized around the three branches of government. Links to places to go, people to see, things to do, teacher resources, and bibliographies.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

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

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: congress.gov: Contrasting Procedures of the Senate and House

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (6 8)

For Students 6th - 8th
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (9 12)

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
Handout
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: The Veto

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn about the President's power to veto a bill, and understand how Congress responds when this happens.