Who Can Influence Legislators?

As part of the study of the legislative process, scholars research redistricting and gerrymandering and the effects of these activities on lawmaking. On day one of the two-day plans, individuals redistrict the state of Elbonia so that...

Students consider the importance and influence of congressional committees. They research congressional committee assignments, jurisdictions and responsibilities as illustrations of the basic principles of American federalism.

Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...

Where did the cherished ideals enshrined in the Bill of Rights originate? While history gives the Founding Fathers much of the credit, laws in colonial America influenced the Bill of Rights. An interactive web-based activity allows...

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.

Through reading materials, worksheets, and a primary source activity, this resource provides an overview of the structure and powers of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Readings review how a bill becomes a law,...

A visit to Washington, DC inspired Congressman John Lewis; a video visit to Congress and the Constitutional Convention just might inspire your learners. Using an intriguing video, viewers learn why and how the Founding Fathers created a...

The process of a bill becoming a law is rarely predictable and can vary from bill to bill. For a general overview of this process, watch the following video which explains the path most bills take to become laws. [5:10]

Students explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress activity, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. Students respond to discussion questions connected...

Students examine laws that have benefited the nation in a variety of ways. The congressperson in the legislative branch of the government primarily responsible for the passage of the law and the current representatives are sought in this...