Delegating Authorities

What functions do laws serve in our society? Your learners will be guided through several interactive activities to address this question, and to consider the impact of rule of law in American society.

How does the Bill of Rights, created over 200 years ago, still apply to the lives of American citizens to this day? Here is a fantastic resource that includes several resources on approaching the Bill of Rights with your class. After...

Your learners will be excited to take part in this simulation where, acting as members and stake holders at a City Council meeting, they will determine whether or not a curfew for youth ages 17 and under should be instated. They will...

How can the decisions of local government impact each individual citizen? Your class members will take on the roles of shareholders and consider a proposal to build an airport in their community. Working in groups, they will make...

Should city government be allowed to limit the size of sugary drinks? Class members read and analyze an article from the Huffington Post examining former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed soda ban in 2014.

Class members stage a mock public hearing on the question of whether or not Cardinal City should build a skate park. This carefully crafted resource includes complete directions, role cards for council members, proponents, opponents, and...

Here is a fantastic, comprehensive resource on the roles and powers assigned to the president of the United States. It includes several critical thinking exercises and engaging activities, from cartoon analysis and the opportunity to...

Assuming the roles of city council members or special interest groups, your young learners will simulate a situation in which they must decide how to spend an $800,000 grant allocated for local environmental improvements. They will...

Get into the nuts and bolts of a key element of the checks and balances system in the United States: the presidential veto. Not only will your class members learn about the mechanisms of the veto, but they will also review the major...

Through role playing as one of the three branches of government regarding a congressional decision made in 2000, learners explore the concept of separation of powers and checks and balances.