Center for Civic Education
What Basic Ideas About Government Are Included in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Young historians explore the meaning of the Preamble to the US Constitution in this upper-elementary social studies lesson. Working with partners or in small groups, children discuss the purpose of government before reading and analyzing...
Curated OER
Protective Agencies
This rare resource is a brief overview of some of our government protective agencies. There is a slide for each of the following: Bureau of Land Management, Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Parks Service, Environmental...
Curated OER
Focus on Economic Data: US Employment and the Unemployment Rate, March, 2012
Read all about the various types of unemployment and the United States is are currently at the low-point of an unemployment cycle. Kids examine what economic factors affect the unemployment rate, and what data shows for different US...
Council for Economic Education
Satisfaction Please! (Part 3)
Understanding the US government's role proves very important in the American economy, especially for consumers. Scholars learn about how varying government agencies help them when facing an issue. The third and final resource in the...
Center for Civic Education
What Basic Ideas Are in the Preamble to the Constitution?
Introduce young historians to the US Constitution with this upper-elementary social studies lesson plan. Beginning with a general discussion about the role of government in society, students go on to work in small groups identifying and...
Curated OER
Citizenship and the Constitution
Young scholars identify government officials and resources on a local, state and national level. They determine the structure of local, state, and national governments.
Curated OER
How was the Constitution Used to Organize the New Government?
How did the United States Congress determine how the new president and vice president would be named when the nation was first established? Who would provide money for the government, and how would the executive branch be organized?
Center for Civic Education
Constitution Day Rap
Engage your class while learning about the US Constitution with this fun primary grade social studies lesson. After viewing a picture of the US Constitution, young learners piece together a US flag using stars and stripes with facts...
Curated OER
Citizenship Worksheet 3 - How the Government Works
In this government and citizenship worksheet, students learn the duties and responsibilities of the three branches of government and the system of checks and balances.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Government Snooping, Different Views
For this current events worksheet, learners analyze political cartoons about the collection of government intelligence and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
We the People: An American Government Project
Students identify key representatives in the legislative and executive branches of the Federal and State governments
Curated OER
"In God We Trust": The Camden Man Who Put the Missing Motto on the Dollar Bill
Here is a fascintating lesson which relates how the motto "In God We Trust" came to appear on all US currency. It turns out that a man from Arkansas came up with the idea and petioned his congressman and President Eisenhower himself to...
Curated OER
US Constitution And Federal/State Relationship
Students examine the Constitution for references to the relationship between state and federal governments. They examine Supreme Court cases for examples of the division of government between state and federal powers.
Curated OER
Biotechnology Regulations
Bio-ethical laws and regulations on the federal, state, and local levels are covered in this Powerpoint discussing genetically modified food. The steps needed to get permits and approval for GMO crops and other foodstuffs are discussed....
Curated OER
The Role of Government
Students are introduced to the economic roles of the federal government. Using the internet, they read information related to government spending and the actual dollar amounts attached to budget items. In groups, they develop their own...
Judicial Learning Center
State Courts vs. Federal Courts
Popular culture often portrays the Feds as the most fearsome of law enforcement agencies. Yet, someone charged with a crime is considerably more likely to end up in a state court. The lesson, one of six covering the Organization of the...
Curated OER
Free Market Environmentalism
Discuss the pros and cons of the the free market system using this resource. Learners read background information, answer questions, and offer their opinion on this topic.
Curated OER
Legislators and Representation - Issue Complexity and Compromise
High schoolers research the web sites of state or federal executive departments, and prepare summaries of the department's functions, locations, and programs. They debate the role of interest groups in government.
Curated OER
The Role of Individuals and Groups in the Census
Young scholars learn why the census makes a difference. In this U.S. Census lesson plan, students describe and explain the roles that individuals, government agencies, and partner groups play in the census.
Curated OER
The Tibet Question
Students participate in a simulation, where they interview members of the Tibetan groups, the Chinese and US government officials, representatives of human rights organizations and Chinese scholars. Each student will be assigned to one...
Curated OER
What Is the Role of the President in the American Constitutional Government?
Students read about the role of the president. In this US government lesson, students read about the role of the president as stated in the US Constitution. Students examine issues of presidential power and identify various checks and...
Curated OER
Economics: Actions of Government
Students examine the susceptibility of legislators to agricultural lobbyists to support subsidy programs. In small groups, they role-play as members of interest groups that might be affected by inflation.
Council for Economic Education
Satisfaction Please! (Part 1)
The topic of consumerism seems easy to those who participate actively in the US economy, but pupils who are new to economics may see the idea as foreign. Help them understand their rights as consumers and what to expect when interacting...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Pollution Politics
Learners examine how a bill becomes a law in the US Congress. They investigate legislation about global warming. They determine the role of engineers as they educate Congress, the public and other government institutions about global...