Curated OER
Federal Court Systems and Court Cases
Ninth graders investigate the basis for the Common Law Tradition. They examine the organization of the Federal Court System and students identify the various sources of the American Law.
Curated OER
Under Construction
Students examine the concept of 'nation building,' focusing on outcomes of U.S. involvement in nation building efforts in Afghanistan, past and present attempts at nation building and how the U.S. should proceed in the war against...
Curated OER
Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution
Students examine the historical background of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, analyze the role of defense in our world today, and evaluate the repercussions of Article 9.
Curated OER
Who are American Citizens?
Pupils investigate American citizenship. In this civics lesson, students consider the basic knowledge of U. S. government new citizens are required to have. Pupils also examine the 14th amendment that describes U. S. citizenship.
Curated OER
What Is Democracy?
Young scholars explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
Curated OER
By Heart
To memorize, or not to memorize: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the fear and anguish of committing a poem to memory, to endure the heartache, to shuffle off this fear, and face the stares of classmates with the hue...
K12 Reader
The Magna Carta
A passage about the Magna Carta provides readers with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to identify the main idea and supporting ideas in an article.
Curated OER
Civil War
Students explore rules of conduct in a political body, first drafting rules that apply to their classroom, then adapting them to political actions in Congress.
Curated OER
America Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this influence of the Enlightenment on America study guide worksheet, pupils read the notes provided and add notes of their own regarding the frameworks for the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
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The Roles of the President
Young scholars list the many jobs of the U.S. president and explain the reasons for them. They compare current and past roles of the chief executive of the United States.
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John G. Roberts, Jr. -- Nominee, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Students examine the life and work of John G. Roberts, the nominee to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In groups, they use the internet to define the role of the Chief Justice and complete handouts to record their information....
iCivics
Wanted: A Just Right Government
What type of government did American colonists gain and seek after gaining their independence after the Revolutionary War? Here is lesson plan that will guide your young learners through the new nation's progression from the Articles of...
Curated OER
POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.
Curated OER
The Jury System
Students analyze Article III and the Seventh Amendment. In this US Justice lesson, students research the US jury system and complete a Student Jury questionnaire. Students will discuss the impact the implementation of the Jury System had...
C-SPAN
Electoral College Pros/Cons and Alternatives
If every vote counts, why do we need the electoral college? Middle and high schoolers study the Constitutional precedent of the electoral college, as well as its place in historical and modern elections, with an engaging social studies...
Curated OER
Do Suspected Enemies Have Rights?
Students investigate the history of Japanese immigration. They complete an online Webquest, explore various websites, answer discussion questions, and locate and read newspaper articles about enemy compatants.
Curated OER
Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11
Students examine the actions of the executive branch following the September 11th terrorist attacks. In this U.S. government activity, students watch segments of a video titled "Behind the Scenes: The Executive Response to 9/11."...
Curated OER
Executive Orders
Learners interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this foreign policy instructional activity, students examine U.S. foreign policies of Presidents since World War II. Learners...
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The Right to Remain Resilient
Students examine the Civil Rights Movements in the U.S., both current and historic. In small groups students investigate a specific civil rights group, create an illustrated timeline, noting key events, people, and state and federal laws.
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CREATING THE CONSTITUTION
Young scholars engage in a variety of activities aimed at strengthening comprehension of the Constitution. The activities are part of a layered curriculum and students create a portfolio for assessment.
Judicial Learning Center
The Power of Judicial Review
Marbury v. Madison is arguably the most important landmark case in the history of the Supreme Court. A fact-filled lesson provides background information about the case and two others related to the concept of judicial review. Scholars...
City University of New York
Electoral College
A presidential election is a lot like the 2004 World Series, and it's also a lot like choosing an orange in a paper bag. Apply the process of the electoral college to these two analogies with a set of lessons about government...
Curated OER
The Federalist Debates: Balancing Power Between State and Federal Governments
Learners examine the pros and cons of state sovereignty vs. federalism, as argued by the Founding Fathers. They identify the basic positions of each side, complete a worksheet, and write a persuasive essay arguing for Jefferson or Hamilton.
Curated OER
Breaking News English: France Rejects European Constitution
In this English worksheet, students read "France Rejects European Constitution," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.