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How was the Constitution Used to Organize the New Government?

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized? 
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Roe v. Wade: A History of Controversy

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars research what is legal now as far as abortions are concerned. Does it matter what state you live in? Does it matter how old you are? If you are a teen, does the doctor have to notify your parents? Students prepare a panel...
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The age of majority: How old is old enough?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students perform research on the internet in order to create an examineing of World War II. The integration of technology into research gives them access to more information.
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Debate Topics and Ideas

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine both sides of arguments surrounding given debates. They use the internet and other research to collect information to support their stand on the controversial issue. Students debate their chosen topic. This lesson plans...
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March First Independence Movement

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study the pro-independence movement of 1919 in Korea. In this Korean history activity, students investigate the implications of Japanese occupation of Korea and create posters that feature the essence of the Korean...
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Puerto Rico: The 51st State?

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students research the history of Puerto Rico, its culture, and geography. In this Puerto Rico lesson, students find Puerto Rico on a map and find specific regions or cities. Students discuss Puerto Rico's statehood and listen to salsa...
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Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine readings and symbols to learn about the War of Independence and Thomas Jefferson. For this War of Independence lesson, students explore the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration for Independence. Students answer...
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declaration of Independence

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research the Declaration of Independence and its impact. They assemble puzzle pieces of the declaration and create their own declaration of independence including grievances and resolution.
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The Decision to Americanize the War in Vietnam

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students research the major events of the Vietnam War and construct a timeline. They do the same with the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson or the 1960's. They act as an advisor to President Johnson to recommend a course of action...
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Chicago Tribune vs. US (1942): When Does Freedom of the Press Go Too Far?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define freedom of the press in peace and war time. As a class, they identify the need for the public to be informed, but discuss where the line should be drawn to protect national security. They develop their arguments and...
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Presidential Gallery

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify the three branches of the federal government and their role in our government. They identify important events and accomplishments in the life of one president of the United States. Students identify the major national...
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Lobbying

For Teachers 6th - 12th
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.
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Marching For Freedom

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students appreciate the sacrifices that people from across the country made to ensure that all citizens could exercise their constitutional right to vote. They access excellent websites and documents imbedded in this plan to guide their...
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A More Perfect Union: Women's Suffrage and the Constitution

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students reflect on the pros and cons of Women's Suffrage and it was viewed during the late 1800's.  In this history lesson, students will analyze documents on women's suffrage so that they can compare and contrast the rights of...
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On The Home Front

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students write their responses to five questions about their home town. After watching an excerpt from "The War", they work together in groups to identify the characteristics of the four towns in the movie into a graphic organizer. ...
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Decolonization and Self-Determination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define and discuss colonialism and self-determination. After reading the European's view on the topic, they analyze a map of imperialism in 1914. They watch excerpts of a video and take notes on various United Nations...
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US Policy In Somalia

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the US policy for the country of Somalia. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They locate the country and then discuss major geographical features of the areas. Students discuss the present US...
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Tally of the 1824 Electoral College Vote

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders study the parts of the Constitution that address presidential election. They complete a variety of activities designed to spark debate about the flaws in the Electoral College system.
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Social Studies: Campaign Finance Reform

For Teachers All
Students develop arguments for and against campaign finance reform, examine federal and state laws that attempt to limit contributions to political candidates, evaluate various plans for campaign finance reform and formulate their own...
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Gun Control and Terrorism: Laws or Loopholes?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the Second Amendment of the Constitution. They research and organize key arguments and other fundementals of gun control. They participate in a debate defending the wording of the Second Amendment.
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Lesson 2: The Tired King

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to the three functions of government (legislative, judicial, and executive). They read and discuss a story about an overworked king who must handle all the tasks of government. Students give a description of the...
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President Obama's Address to Students Across America

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
Students listen to President Obama's speech, and discuss its meaning. In this President Obama activity students learn about the president, about how to deliver a speech, and the ways they can make a difference. They create posters, write...
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Teaching Activities

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students create a timeline of the important events of John F. Kennedy's presidency. They construct a timeline of the major events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They compare the Missile Crisis events with their presentation in the movie...
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Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election And a Sample Department of Justice Naturalization Test (can You Pass?)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers read several handouts regarding immigration and naturalization. They complete the citizenship practice test and determine whether they would pass the naturalization test given to immigrants. They discuss how the issue of...