Lesson Plan
Curated OER

FDR and the Lend-Lease Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze primary source documents and photographs to analyze the implications of the Lend-Lease Program. In this research lesson plan, students read and discuss letters and speeches related to the Lend-Lease Act, evaluate FDR's...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Chapter 1 – The Constitution

For Students 9th - 12th
In this colonial America instructional activity, students read assigned textbook pages detailing the U.S. Constitution and respond to 46 short answer questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Reconstruction Word Search Puzzle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this social studies activity, middle schoolers look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. Spelling skills are worked on.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

FDR's Fireside Chat on the Purposes and Foundations of the Recovery Program

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss how they get information on important events or activities that occur in the national government today. They evaluate the New Deal, utilizing document analysis worksheets imbedded in this plan.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Constitution Word Search Puzzle

For Teachers 4th - 8th
In this social studies worksheet, students find the words that are related to the concept that is the theme of the word search puzzle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Debate Lesson Plan: Slavery in the U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars examine the U.S. Constitution to see what has been writte about slavery. Then, students, in groups, research the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to explore slavery compromises.
Worksheet
Curated OER

1876-1920 Word Search Puzzle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this literacy worksheet, students look for the words in the puzzle that are related to the theme of the word search. Spelling skills are worked on.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Voting and the U.S. Constitution (Past, Present, and Future)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the 26th Amendment, then write letters to a future guest speaker. Students listen to the guest speaker and ask them questions about voting and voter turnout. Students then create handbills urging citizens to vote.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Law: War Powers

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Find the reasoning behind the War Powers Act, passed over President Nixon's veto in 1973. Presidential actions taken during the Vietnam War were the impetus for Congress to make a declaration of war more codified. See the times...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
Primary
Yale University

War Powers Act

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the original text of the 1973 War Powers Resolution that requires the President to consult with Congress before committing U.S. troops abroad.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress's First Declaration of War Under the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The War of 1812 was the first war in which Congress used its power of declaring war. Using primary sources such as the Constitution and the War Manifesto of June 3, 1812, students will understand why and how Congress decided to declare...
Activity
University of Missouri

Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: War and Treaty Powers

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
War and treaty powers are given to both the President and Congress. How have these powers in the Constitution been interpreted? Here's an easy-to-understand guide along with examples of various cases, Articles I and II, and questions at...
Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides extensive information regarding several American constitutional issues such as: impeachment, war powers, interstate commerce, and the amendment process. Hyperlinks can be found throughout each constitutional issue to...
Graphic
Boise State University

Boise State: World at War: Set the Stage

For Students 9th - 10th
This 1815 map of Europe is a result of the Congress of Vienna creating a balance of power between the five most powerful countries in Europe. The countries competed in nearly everything, which made it almost inevitable that war would come.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: A Guide to World War I Materials

For Students 9th - 10th
A web guide of links to World War I resources throughout the Library of Congress web site and beyond.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Great War & Jazz Age (1914 1928)

For Students 3rd - 8th
This Library of Congress time-line series surveys World War I and the Jazz Age. When World War I broke out in Europe, many changes were going on in the United States. Women were voting for the first time and African-American culture was...
Website
Digital History

Digital History: America Goes to War [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
President Woodrow Wilson tried to maintain American neutrality in World War I. Find out why he decided that the U.S. needed to join the war and read a portion of his message to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany....
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: u.s. Entered World War I April 6, 1917

For Students 5th - 8th
A very brief look at the United States' entrance into World War I and a cursory explanation of the background of the war.
Handout
Other

Fas: Proposals to Enhance Congressional Oversight

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is provided for by the Federation of American Scientists. After the Clinton Administration's experiences with Bosnia and Somalia, Congress sought to increase its legislative powers in military involvements and peacekeeping. The...
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Ww I Ended, Treaty of Versailles

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site describes how the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I. Includes photos.
Website
US House of Representatives

History, Art, and Archives: Us House of Representatives: Onto the National Stage

For Students 9th - 10th
Women gained the right to vote and began to become active members of Congress as the United States faced many challenges. Early congresswomen served during the Great Depression, WWII, and the start of the Cold War. They had a voice in...
Website
Other

Center for Strategic & International Studies

For Students 9th - 10th
"The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact." Site gives student information and research on topics of national and international security.
Website
Other

Foreign Policy Association

For Students 9th - 10th
The FPA is an "organization founded in 1918 to educate Americans about significant world issues that have an important impact on their lives." Gives students an opportunity to take part in activities through the Great Decisions program.