US Senate
U.s. Senate: Oath of Office
At the start of each new Congress, certain members of Congress perform the constitutional rite of take the Oath of Office. Here is the history of this ritual.
US Senate
The United States Senate
The official site of the United States Senate. Offers many resources for study of current and historical legislation. Also provides forms to contact your senator.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Research Sources
This slideshow lesson focuses on research sources by listing 10 types of sources: books, periodicals/magazines, newspaper articles, scholarly articles, databases, reviews, interviews, lectures, media (film, television), and websites. It...
University of California
Uc Irvine: Distinguishing Between Primary & Secondary Sources
This site has an online quiz to test your knowledge of primary and secondary sources.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Interactives: Historical and Cultural Contexts
This interesting interactive website explains kinds of primary sources and gives you the chance to identify them in some games.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Critical Reading as a Learning Strategy
This tutorial focuses on critical reading using a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, "Critical Reading 101," which includes separating fact from opinion, 6 propaganda techniques, and 6 common fallacies in reasoning. Also provided is...
Duke University
Duke University Libraries: Finding Primary Sources
Finding primary sources can be difficult and confusing at times. This site provides a list of history databases, rare books and manuscripts, and research guides for those looking for primary resources such as diaries, letters,...
University of Sydney (Australia)
The Write Site: Why & How to Use Sources
This University of Sydney reference explains the importance of using reputable sources in academic writings. Then the site provides steps to follow to assist students with using bibliographic sources. Click on the sections list to...
Library of Congress
Loc: Primary Documents in American History: United States Constitution
A compendium of primary resources that are valuable pieces of American history, as well as exhibitions, teaching resources, and bibliographies. Together, this site is a goldmine of materials for studying constitutional history.
American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Communication Journals
This is an index of communication journals and their publishers with links to the journals.
Other
First Gov: Official Portal of the u.s. Government
A launching point for information about the U.S. government and its resources. One can search FirstGov by keyword or phrase, by browsing a topics list, or by selecting a federal branch (executive, legislative, or judicial). State and...
Choices Program, Brown University
Choices: Teaching With the News: Surveying State of the Union Addresses
Learning module with multi-media resources helps students understand the constitutional basis and history of the State of the Union Address, identifying important historic themes and significant topics. Includes video, graphic...
iCivics
I Civics: News Literacy
Use this library of mini-lessons to teach students to recognize high-standards journalism so they can make informed judgments about the information coming at them and to help them identify and deal with misinformation, bias, opinion, and...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Libraries: Library & Archival Exhibitions on the Web
This index of links offers the opportunity to explore important and interesting topics. Visiting links on the desired topic is most likely to provide primary sources or at least point students in the right direction.
US National Archives
National Archives: The Legislative Process
Learners will follow the legislative process for how a bill becomes a law by analyzing primary source documents. Included are worksheets that include a chart to be filled out in small groups, worksheets, materials, and an answer key....
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
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...
Other
Dirksen: Ten Most Important Things About the U. S. House of Representatives
Article outlining the ten most important things one should know about the U.S. House of Representatives.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Judiciary Act of 1789
Act establishing the organization of the U.S. federal court system, which had been sketched only in general terms in the U.S. Constitution. The act established a three-part judiciary-made up of district courts, circuit courts, and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Legislative Branch
Learners will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of citizens and political parties. Register for a free account to...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: News and Media Literacy
This collection, which includes videos, blog articles, student handouts, lesson plans, and tip sheets for families, helps students identify, analyze, and investigate the news and information they get from online sources. Media literacy...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Straight to the Source: Primary and Secondary Sources
Students discover what primary and secondary sources are and how to use them in this lesson from PBS Wisconsin Education. They watch video clips from the documentary "Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Neenah-Menasha," identifying the primary...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: News and Media Literacy Collection
This collection, which includes videos, blog articles, student handouts, lesson plans, and tip sheets for families, helps students identify, analyze, and investigate the news and information they get from online sources. Media literacy...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Themepark: Liberty: Three Branches of Government
Find a large collection of internet resources organized around the three branches of government. Links to places to go, people to see, things to do, teacher resources, and bibliographies.