Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 5

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the process of writing a case brief. They analyze the case McCulloch v Maryland. After a lecture/demo, students utilize a case study worksheet imbedded in this plan to help them explain the process of performing a case...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Illustrated Bill of Rights

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students shoot Bill of Rights videos. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students film digital segment that illustrate the meaning of the first 10 amendments. Students integrate the video clips into PowerPoint presentations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The My Lai Courts Martial of 1970

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils research the My Lai Massacre and trial. Students discuss the events and the trial, reviewing the constitutional amendments and concerns related to the massacre. Pupils write an analysis of photographs related to the incident.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Worksheet #49 - Constitution

For Students 8th - 9th
In this historical quiz worksheet, students test their knowledge on multiple historical references about the Constitution as they answer the ten fill in the blank questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Documents and Symbols and American Freedom

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students complete a unit of lessons on the documents, symbols, and famous people involved in the founding of the U.S. government. They create a personal bill of rights, write a found poem, design a flag, conduct research, and role-play...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Church and State Separation: The Challenge and the Debate

For Teachers All
Students describe the basic elements of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment as it relates to the separation of church and state and freedom of religion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Michigan Law Affects You

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how the laws in Michigan affect their lives. They use primary source documents to analyze the state's history. They discuss laws pertaining to women as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supreme Court

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the redistricting process.  In this American Government instructional activity, 11th graders examine the electoral map.  Students write an essay posing an argument for the redistricting process. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Democratic Village Elections in China: Comparing Governments of China and the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore democratic practices in China. In this global studies lesson, students compare and contrast democratic values of the Chinese government with the American government. Students read provided articles and conduct their...
Lesson Plan
Heritage Foundation

Exercising Judicial Power

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
We should all do more exercising, but should the judicial branch as well? High schoolers develop their understanding of what powers the judicial branch carries because of the US Constitution, as well as where their limits lie in the...
Worksheet
Constitution Facts

U.S. Constitution Crossword Puzzles: Basic #1

For Students 5th - 6th
Reinforce U.S. Constitution facts with a crossword puzzle. Scholars show what they know by completing the 53 prompts. 
Worksheet
Constitution Facts

U.S. Constitution Crossword Puzzles: Basic #2

For Students 5th - 6th
Fifty prompts make up a crossword puzzle that challenges scholars to show what they know about the U.S. Constitution. 
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Constitution and the Right to Vote: Ch 6

For Students 11th
The US Constitution dictates which members of society have the right to vote. After reading about amendments extending voting rights, your class answers these questions on the 15th, 14th, and 23rd amendments. Use as a quiz or to guide...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The First Amendment: What's Fair in a Free Country

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students describe the contents of the First Amendment while telling about an example of speech that is protected by the Constitution and that which is not. They attempt to apply the First Amendment to situations that could occur in their...
PPT
Curated OER

Whose go the Power: Checks and Balances

For Teachers 5th - 6th
After introducing the three branches of US government, test the class' understanding of government powers. They are asked a series of questions regarding a federal act and then, answer which branch has the power of decision making....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Woodrow The White House Mouse

For Teachers K - 4th
Inauguration Day is January 20. Implement an entire week's worth of mini activities to help young historians become knowledgeable of the President's job, the executive branch, and the White House. The worksheets focus on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Just Say It

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the initial Supreme Court decision to regulate commercial speech, and then analyze the legal precedents and principles underlying a recent case contesting this regulation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment: A Primary Document Activity

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore Latinos and the Fourteenth Amendment. In this government and law lesson, students analyze the ruling in Hernandez v. Texas. Students predict how the United States would be different if the court had made an alternated...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Defining moments from the past with lessons for a post-9/11 world...

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine extension ideas concerning 9/11, Defining Moments. They analyze a variety of Supreme Court cases, the U.S. Constitution, Mass Media Interpretations, Racism, Immigrant groups and U.S. geography. Many questions are asked...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Do Ask? Do Tell?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore debates regarding gay rights following the Supreme Court's Lawrence v. Texas decision. They participate in a fishbowl discussion, exploring questions on marriage, adoption, custody, employment, and military service.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Can I Have a Jury Trial?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial. They discuss any protections that the Indiana and United States Constitution offers its citizens. They use the internet to research any current press of jury trials.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Paul Conrad's Perspective on Civil Rights

For Teachers 11th
 Students review a political cartoon and discuss desegregation.  In this cartoon analysis lesson, 11th graders discuss the impact of a political cartoon and its relation to a Supreme Court case.  Students read additional...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Government Lesson Plan: Lesson Plan 8

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students analyze the Fourteenth Amendment. They discuss Reconstruction, read the provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment, define the provisions, and in small groups analyze a Supreme Court case that was impacted by the due process clause.