Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: After the Fact: Virginia, New Yok, and "The Federalist Papers"
Read about the necessity for Virginia and New York to support the ratification of the Constitution. See what influenced the vote in Virginia and how the legislature of New York was finally convinced.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Federalists
A brief look at the men who supported the new Constitution and the reasons they supported it.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Bill of Rights
The Constitution spelled out the powers of the national government, but many Anti-federalists felt there should be equally explicit a guarantee of individual rights. Read about the compiliation of what became known as the Bill of Rights...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Cast of National Superstars
A brief look at some of those who served as delegates to the Philadelphia Convention, which morphed into a constitutional convention. Pay attention to the class of people who made up the delegates.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Unsettled Domestic Issues
The new United States government faced many threats to its success. Read this overview of the possible problems.
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.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us Senate Facts
Detailed facts and information on the United States Senate, a part of Congress that has the power to pass, amend and repeal bills that are made into the law of the land.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: New Jersey Plan
New Jersey Plan was presented in the form of eleven resolutions drafted by William Paterson. It detailed a legislature of only one house and featured equal representation in which each state had the same number of representatives thus...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Shays Rebellion
Learn interesting facts about Shays Rebellion whose primary cause was the economic crisis in the country and the taxes introduced to pay the war debts incurred during the War of Independence.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Republican Party History
Article provides a history of the Republican party and details on the eighteen Presidents who have belonged to the Republican Party through George W. Bush.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The Federalists
Fun facts and an overview of the Federalists, the first American political party and formed by Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, John Adams, and Gouverneur Morris.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Democratic Party History
This article contains a summary of the history of the rise of the Democratic Party, its origins, leaders, presidents, and their beliefs.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Free Soil Party
This article contains an overview of the history of the Free Soil Party, its leaders, their beliefs, and eventually joined with the National Union Party to form the newly formed Republican Party in 1854.
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Score: The u.s. Constitution Power Grab Game
Politicians like power, but who actually gets to use their powers in different situations? Take this quiz to sort out the checks and balances that are used on the various power plays.
A&E Television
History.com: When the Supreme Court Ruled a Vaccine Could Be Mandatory
In 1901 a deadly smallpox epidemic tore through the Northeast, prompting the Boston and Cambridge boards of health to order the vaccination of all residents. But some refused to get the shot, claiming the vaccine order violated their...
Other
Why the Fifth Amendment? By Howard Fast
This article, written by Howard Fast in 1954, attacks the government and Senator Joseph McCarthy for leading away from the rights protected by the amendment.
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: Niger
This U. S. Department of State article discusses The Respect For Human Rights Constitution in Niger. Referring to various sections of the constitution, examples are given for violations in each section by government officials. (28...
Ohio Test Prep
Ohio Test Prep: Module 3: Historical Documents
Ohio test preparation material on the important historical documents from which the principles of U.S. democracy are reflected. With video tutorials, practice, and assessment.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Debating Democracy
By the end of this section of a chapter on "Creating Republican Governments," students will be able to explain the development of state constitutions, describe the features of the Articles of Confederation, and analyze the causes and...
American Bar Association
American Bar Association: How the Law Regulates Who May Vote
A lesson plan that includes a handout and various follow-up activities for middle schoolers. The lesson plan is described here and a link is provided for downloading the lesson plan and handout.
Other
Justia: Luther v. Borden
At the period of the American Revolution, Rhode Island did not, like the other States, adopt a new constitution, but continued the form of government established by the Charter of Charles the Second, making only such alterations, by acts...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Iroquois Tribes
The Iroquois were a group of five tribes linked by their language and similar culture. Read about why the Iroquois were such a great example of the elevated role of women in the tribes, the complex lifestyle they had, and their political...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: George Washington: The First Administration
Read about George Washington's presidency. See why his role was so important in setting precedents to be followed by future chief executives. Find out about some of the warts in his personality too, all of which made him more human.
Political Resources on the Net
Political Resources: Azerbaijan
This site provides information on the political aspects of the country, Azerbaijan. Includes many, many useful links.