C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: The Role of the Senate
The framers designed the United States Senate to be a check on the president, to be part of the checks and balances written into the Constitution. A short video introduces viewers to the roles given to the Senate.
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: Powers of Congress Examples
A short bell ringer introduces middle schoolers to the powers and duties of the United States congress. The three clips show congress's role in confirming presidential nominees, in declaring war, and in overseeing legislation
C-SPAN
Bell Ringer: History of the U.S. Capitol
Introduce middle schoolers to the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government with a short video about the Capitol Building and its history. The resource includes discussion questions and a handout.
C-SPAN
On This Day: George Washington's Farewell Address
What would George Washington think about the current state of the United States? One needs to look no further than his Farewell Address, where he offered advice to the new nation. Curated videos include a reading of the address on the...
PBS
Demonstrations of 2006
A brief video examines a demonstration that crossed the nation. After a congressman pushed to criminalize undocumented immigrants, Latino Americans banded together to fight for immigration reform.
PBS
Voter Mobilization in Texas
Henry B. Gonzalez, José Luis Guttierez, and Willie Velasquez are the focus of a video that spotlights the contributions the three individuals made for the Chicano population. Actual footage alongside passionate interviews from family...
Crash Course
How a Bill Becomes a Law: Crash Course Government and Politics #9
"I'm just a bill, I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill." - Schoolhouse Rock. Scholars analyze how a bill becomes a law in the United States government and political arena. They view a short video clip, the ninth lesson...
Crash Course
Congressional Leadership: Crash Course Government and Politics #8
Other than talking, what is the role of the speaker of the House of Representatives? Learners research, via a short video clip, the leadership positions in the United States government and politics. They use their knowledge to discuss...