The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids
Take a tour of the federal government with Uncle Sam and learn the story of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches of government, and elections. Along the way learn how laws are made, about the Bill of...
Digital History
Digital History: u.s. Constitution and Organization of the National Government
Read about the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the thoughts of the framers behind the formation of each branch.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: How Laws Are Made: The Language of the Law
Learning Adventures from Bensguide summarizes the process of lawmaking outlined in the U.S. Constitution and provides links to a glossary of legislative terms and Congressional Resolution from 2003.
A&E Television
History.com: How the u.s. Constitution Has Changed and Expanded Since 1787
Through amendments and legal rulings, the Constitution has transformed in some critical ways. The U.S. Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified by nine of the original 13 states a year later, is the world's longest-surviving written...
Have Fun With History
Have Fun With History: u.s. Government
Module with numerous videos and links to living history sites on topics in American Government, including the Constitution, the three branches, federalism and an array of other topics.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Tough Issues
Read about the change of plans when delegates to the Philadelphia convention decided to write a new constitution to replace the Articles of Convention. See the ideas delegates had to address concerns of large and small states.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Federalist Stronghold: John Marshall's Supreme Court
John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, but his decisions, especially in Marbury v Madison, set the influence of the Court for the next many decades. Read about Marshall's decisions and why they were so important.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Botswana: Government
A good look at the successful government of Botswana, a country with a stable and free democracy. You can find a list of the current governmental officials. From the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: The Gambia: Government
Take a look at The Gambia's government. After having a relatively stable democracy, you can read about Gambia's current political problems. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Cambodia: Government
A look at the present government of Cambodia. Read about how Cambodia is working to redress the wrongs of the Khmer Rouge regime and establish a working democracy. From the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Mauritania: Government
This article on the government of Mauritania, based on information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes, discusses the difficulties in running a nation which is divided by ethnic tensions.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Namibia: Government
Read about the government of Namibia from its independence in 1990 until the current time. You can find a list of the current government officials. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Madagascar: Government
Read about the development of the current government of Madagascar and the recent political climate. You can find a list of the current governmental officials. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
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.
US Department of Commerce
Us Department of Commerce: Home Page
Homepage for the US Department of Commerce. This page contains many links and current information. Read the top stories on the home page or visit the newsroom for more information. You can also browse the "jobs" link.
US Department of the Treasury
Department of the Treasury for Kids
Click on the U.S. Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing for informative and colorful pages on the Department of Treasury. Site also provides information on other government offices.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Rwanda: Government
A brief account of the government of Rwanda and the problems it is addressing as a result of the 1994 genocide. Find a chart of the current governmental officials and a look at the set-up of the government. Information is from the U.S....
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Supreme Court
This site has a simple explanation of the Supreme Court for kid's to read. You can also access the Official Supreme Court Web site from here.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (9 12)
Summarizes the role of the President as the Head of the Executive Branch and the powers and duties assigned to him by the Constitution. Provides links to further information.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (9 12)
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President of the United States (3 5)
Describes the job and duties of the President of the United States as head of the executive branch. Also discusses how the President is elected and the length of terms of office.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch: The House of Representatives (6 8)
Explores how the House of Representatives was formed, how membership is decided, qualifications, and its special jobs.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: President of the u.s. Requirements & Term
A short paragraph on the requirements for holding the president or vice-president position. There is also a paragraph on the number of terms they can serve.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The President's Cabinet
This is a fun way to teach elementary students about the Presidential Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, 14 secretaries from executive departments and the Attorney General of the United States. Learn about this group's role in...