Seventh graders discover details about the responsibilities of the 3 branches of government in the United States. In this checks and balances instructional activity, 7th graders view a SMART Board supported lecture that reveals the jobs...

Students examine the role of lobbyists in Washington, D.C.  In this Legislative Branch lesson, students watch video segments and read excerpts about lobbying. Students write essays that explore the pros and cons of lobbying.

Students study the executive branch of the Michigan government through online research and by answering questions. They discover the difference between the legislative and executive branches through class discussion.

Students read case studies about the leaders in the legislative branch of government. After reading the studies, they discover how the leaders have compromised on issues to best serve their states. They answer discussion questions and...

Students research structure, function and primary responsibilities of each office of the Executive branch, create a chart displaying their research.

Learners explore how the Constitution provides for separation of power and limited government, as evidenced by the three branches of government. They participate in role-playing situations, group discussions, and complete worksheets to...

How long can you speak without stopping? Scholars analyze the concept of a filibuster in the United States Senate using an installment of the Legislative Branch series of mini-lessons. They research recent filibuster attempts in the...

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution expressly lists powers given to Congress. Over the years, lawmakers have expanded the enumerated powers to include powers implied by the list. To better understand the significance...

Here is a fantastic resource on the civil rights movement! It includes reading materials and worksheets, and particularly highlights major legislation and the role of the judicial branch in the federal government in addressing the...

Trailblazers forge the path into uncharted territory, they establish a precedent for others to follow. Young historians research trailblazers in Congress using primary and secondary sources to profile outliers that changed the face of...

According to Article III, Section1 of the United States constitution, the only qualification one needs to be appointed to the Supreme Court is to demonstrate "good behavior." The president and Congress are given the power to determine...

Seven steps are required for a bill to become a United States law. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) is used as a model for the process of how a bill becomes a law.  Class members work independently through a...

How reliable is oral history? The resource uses the oral history website to help academics understand the pros and cons of using recollections to teach others. Scholars complete a worksheet, draft a letter to a representative, and...

Young scholars analyze Article 1 of the Constitution. They respond to the Public Criticism E-Learning module.

Pupils explore the interaction between the legislature and other governmental institutions. They watch videos exploring the relationship between the state legislature and two government institutions, and the role of lobbyists on...

Learners research the Executive Branches role in making a law. In this law making lesson plan, students study the history of the Constitution and see how much power the President has in making a bill into a law. Learners then research on...

Fourth graders explore the executive branch of government; in particular, Florida's executive branch of government.

Students discover the powers of Congress. In this legislative branch instructional activity, students examine the legislative process as they analyze Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Students consider the powers of Congress as they...

Students discuss the influence of foreign languages in their everyday speech after reading an article from The New York Times on language legislation in Brazil. Students are divided into 4 groups in order to research languages spoken...

Young scholars explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees...

Same-sex marriage is the hot topic discussed in this New York Times article. Upper graders read the article and then answer eight comprehension questions. Note: This article is more about the Senate and legislation than about same-sex...

What is the difference between foreign and domestic policy? What are the primary differences in what the United States hopes to accomplish through foreign aid, the military, and the creation of treaties? Your class members will examine...

Have an engaging class discussion on the Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution, and the Supreme Court. Learners examine multiple aspects of the Marbury v. Madison case and the impact that case had on the judicial system in the U.S. Web...

Fourth graders study the three branches of government. In this politics lesson, 4th graders list the three branches of government, understanding what each branch does, and compare and contrast how government is run with how the...