Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The First Amendment: Freedom of Expression

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore First Amendment rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine the freedom of expression as they view a PowerPoint presentation and listen to the lecture that accompanies it.
Lesson Plan
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What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain in what ways the American experience in self-government can be called an adventure in ideas. They evaluate positions on a number of issues related to the fundamental principles and values of government and individual...
Lesson Plan
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Should Voting in the United States be Mandatory? Research Activity

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research how many voters actually vote in the U.S. and nine other nations. They create a spreadsheet using this information and write a persuasive essay.
Lesson Plan
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No Taxation Without Representation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils consider colonial rights. In this Bill of Rights instructional activity, students complete an activity guide that requires pupils to analyze taxation without representation. Students respond to discussion questions pertaining to...
Lesson Plan
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The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the intent  Bill of Rights. In this American government lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "The Bill of Rights."  Students discuss and debate the 4 Supreme Court cases featured in the video.
Lesson Plan
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Loyalists

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explain why some colonists remained loyal to England during the American revolution. In this social studies lesson, students write a letter to an editor about their reasons for remaining loyal to England.
Interactive
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What Do You Know About Massachusetts?

For Students 4th - 6th
In this online interactive Massachusetts worksheet, students respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Interactive
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What Do You Know About New Jersey?

For Students 4th - 6th
In this online interactive New Jersey worksheet, students respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Interactive
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What Do You Know About North Carolina?

For Students 4th - 6th
In this online interactive North Carolina activity, students respond to 10 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about the state. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Lesson Plan
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The Government and Natural Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the conclusion of the lesson, they know...
Lesson Plan
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Who Has Power?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discuss abuse of power in government and examine the Constitution for specific powers in each branch. They create a crossword puzzle utilizing terms and information regarding division of government powers and federalism
Lesson Plan
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Debate On Ratification

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.
Lesson Plan
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Supreme Court: Background

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explain the role of the Supremem Court under the Constitution. They explore current evetns related to the Constitution and read about the roles of the Senate and President in selecting the next justice. They create a chart about...
Lesson Plan
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The Conficts of the Founders

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the often conflicting viewpoints of the framers of the Constitution. One Framer in particular, George Mason, strongly objected to the creation of the Constitution. His objections are explored and the Constitutional...
Lesson Plan
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Supreme Court Rulings

For Teachers 10th
Become familiar with the constitution and amendments with an in depth opportunity to utilize media center resources. Groups of students focus on an amendment then make a presentation to the class.
Lesson Plan
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What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students apply the principles and ideas suggested by the Constitution to a contemporary issue or problem, and work through the issue to reach their own conclusions.
Lesson Plan
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Government: Missouri Bar Civics Library

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students visit the Missouri bar Website to examine information about the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments. They complete a variety of activities from the provided lessons including the judiciary, Fourth Amendment issues, civil law,...
Lesson Plan
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Judging Acts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research Canada's political history by analyzing the country's constitution. To display their understanding, students write essays.
Lesson Plan
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World War II Alien Enemy Control Program

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students become familiar with the concepts of human rights and constitutional rights. They have an increased awareness of the historical record as to the cessation of these rights, especially in regards to children during WWII. It is...
Lesson Plan
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"Martial Law in Hawaii After the Attack on Pearl Harbor"

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students explore the concepts of martial law, writ of habeas corpus, due process, discovery and human and constitutional rights during World War II. They assess the roles and responsibilities of government leaders and citizens during...
Lesson Plan
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Anne Frank: Citizenship Laws

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students study early civilizations and the contributions they made to the foundations of human culture. They discuss why citizenship is valuable and the Constitutional Amendments that are associated with it.
Lesson Plan
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You and the Law -- Beating the Odds

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the rate of institutional racism in the United States. Individually, they write in their journals about how they can make better choices and increase their self-esteem. Using historical documents, they identify the...
Lesson Plan
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Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.
Worksheet
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Powers of Congress: The Scope of Congressional Powers

For Students 11th - 12th
Use this as a quiz or to guide reading. There are five true/false and five multiple choice questions for the class to answer. Topics covered relate to the type of power Congress has and the constructionists movement.