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Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution: Reynolds v. United States (1878)
High schoolers examine the impact of court decisions. In this Supreme Court lesson, students read the Reynolds v. United States (1878) case study regarding first election decided by the House of Representatives. High schoolers take...
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Eminent Domain: Should Private Property Be Taken for Public Use?
Learners explore the concept of eminent domain. In this eminent domain activity, students analyze positive and negative consequences of Supreme Court rulings in three cases pertaining to the public good.
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The Supreme Court
Students examine the Fourteenth Amendment. In this Supreme Court lesson, students define due process and equal protection as they analyze the impact of the amendment and the Supreme Court on workers' rights in the early 20th century....
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FDR Tries to Pack the Supreme Court
Young scholars analyze the Court Reform Bill of 1937. In this Supreme Court lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details Frankin Roosevelt and his attempt to pack the Supreme Court. Young scholars...
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The Illustrated Bill of Rights
Students shoot Bill of Rights videos. In this Bill of Rights lesson plan, students film digital segment that illustrate the meaning of the first 10 amendments. Students integrate the video clips into PowerPoint presentations.
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The Impact of Hazelwood on School Publications
Ninth graders explore the Supreme Court Case Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. For this American Government lesson, 9th graders research the recent history of censorship and how the courts have been involved in either protecting...
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iCivics: Court Quest
Students explore the responsibilities of the Supreme Court. In this judicial branch instructional activity, students play an online game that requires them to respond to questions regarding the Supreme Court's responsibilities.
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Congress - Courts Keeping the Balance
In this checks and balances in U.S. government worksheet, students read a 5-paragraph selection regarding Congress and the Supreme Court and then respond to 3 short answer questions.
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The Judicial Branch
In this U.S. branches of government worksheet, students respond to 5 fill in the blank questions regarding the powers of the judicial branch of government.
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The Judicial Branch
In this checks and balances in U.S. government worksheet, students read a 4-paragraph selection regarding the Supreme Court and then respond to 5 fill in the blank questions.
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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.
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Washington, D.C.
In this Washington, D.C. government facts instructional activity, students read ten facts associated with the United States and determine if they are true or false.
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What Makes a Good Judge?
Learners define qualities that should be considered when selecting judge, evaluate costs and benefits of two methods of selecting and retaining judges, decide whether methods provide for judicial independence
and judicial accountability,...
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In Search of Rights
Seventh graders research Supreme Court cases. They formally debate court rulings, write a scenario portraying a possible futuristic America and participate in a field practicum for media production, while evaluating various social,...
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Selecting a Chief Justice For The United States Supreme Court: The Senate Confirmation Hearings of Judge John Roberts, Jr.
Students review the procedures for selecting a new Supreme Court Justice. In groups, they determine which questions the nominee should be asked and practice asking the questions with a classmate. They watch the confirmation hearings...
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Functions of the Three Branches of Government
Students research the branches of government and write summaries about both the state and federal systems. After conducting reaserch in texts and online, students create Venn diagrams displaying the governmental functions of the three...
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You and the Judicial System
Students explore how the structure of the state and federal judicial systems affect them. They select an appropriate media and create a presentation on the structure of the judicial system, the criminal judicial system and a guide to the...
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Moot Court
Students research and discuss court cases in preparation for Moot Court. Student attorneys research precedents involving their cases, while student justices research political ideology of Supreme Court Justices. Student attorneys then...
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Zen and the Art of Murder
Students describe the importance of citizen involvement in the judicial system. They play the role of a witness to a crime scene by watching the video clip. Students discuss how differing eyewitness accounts can affect a police...
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Brown v. the Board of Education: Success or Failure?
Learners identify reactions to Brown v. Board of Education. They evaluate the extent to which Brown was successful in desegregating American education. Students evaluate the role of the judiciary in affecting societal change.
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Charting the Three Branches of Government
Students review CongressLink on the internet and study the branches of government. They work in groups to create charts showing the structure and functions of the three branches of government as outlined in the first three articles to...
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Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
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Chief Justice Roberts Goes to Court
Students gain an introductory into the branches of government. Students research all parts of government and use Frames to create a public service announcement to teach others the parts of government and how they work.
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The "Big Four"
Pupils identify the four individuals who are identified as the "Big Four", examine the years they were on the bench together, and look and the impact they made in key cases.