It's hard to believe the abolition movement was once seen as scandalous. Help learners understand how the US Constitution changed everything. A variety of activities such as corresponding reading activities, group work ideas, and...

The House of Representatives has a lot of responsibility  in the United States government. But how did it all begin, and why is it the way it is now? A comprehensive lesson answers all of these questions about the US Constitution and...

How many constitutional clauses does it take to create a bill? High schoolers find out with several activities and  selected clauses about the rule of law and the US Constitution. Various coinciding activities help to strengthen learning.

An informative resource gives scholars a look into why the US Constitution placed certain federal powers over that of the state. A variety of activities about constitutional clauses helps to create meaningful learning.

Declaring war is not as easy as some may think. High schoolers learn about Congress's limits regarding war by reading important clauses in the US Constitution. Various independent and collaborative activities reinforce learning, making...

How does the modern television show House of Cards and its dramatization of a power-hungry congressman in American government illustrate public choice theory—the concept that politicians retain personal interests after being elected into...

A "sleeping giant" through the many German invasions in Europe, America slowly starts participating in the war. First, America sells aircraft to Britain, makes its naval presence known in the Caribbean, and builds its artillery. This...

Young scholars 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.

New ReviewThe 9/11 attacks propelled the United States into a period of low-grade war that has existed from that day all the way to current times. By looking at documents from the decision to send troops to Iraq in 2006, scholars connect the...

New ReviewDid people actually lobby for the enslavement of people? Congress debated this very issue in 1850. Using an excerpt from a Senate speech that advocates for continuing slavery, young scholars evaluate the primary source for reliability....

How are population and political power related? What is the significance of the globalization of English? Why do refugees leave their home countries? Using structured short-answer questions, scholars unravel complicated dynamics with...

What is the role artifacts play in the study of past events and people? As part of an examination of the careers and contributions of women in Congress from 1917 to 2006, groups examine artifacts that symbolize each woman.

No means no! Scholars analyze the impact of one of the president's most powerful tools—the veto—while also finding out ways to properly check facts for validity. They research the power of the presidential veto with paired activities and...

Who determines the structure of voting districts? The concept of gerrymandering brings to light the ongoing issue of how those running for office gain votes. Hands-on activities enable scholars to analyze the re-drawing of voting...

Does the person running for re-election have an advantage over the challenger? Scholars explore the concept of incumbent advantage during elections using an informative mini-activity explaining the legislative branch. In pairs, they...

How long can you speak without stopping? Scholars analyze the concept of a filibuster in the United States Senate using an installment of the Legislative Branch series of mini-lessons. They research recent filibuster attempts in the...

How exactly do both houses of Congress come to a formal decision on an issue? Scholars research the use of congressional committees as part of the legislative process. By using current events to analyze information, they see the role...

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...

Why have a House and Senate and not just one single Congress? Learners research the need for a bicameral Congress in the system of the United States government and politics. They view a short Crash Course video, the second in a 50-part...

Why would Congress freely give up some of their own power under the Constitution? Scholars investigate the concept of the delegation of powers in the United States government and politics in the 12th video of a 50-part unit. Armed with...

How does a member of Congress make a final decision on a bill or law? Scholars view a short video that investigates the process in which members of Congress come to their own conclusions. They analyze the impact special interest groups,...

Scholars investigate the makeup and division in the legislative branch known as Congress by watching a short video outlining the function of committees within both houses. The topic inspires active thought and discussion about the...

Take your classroom debate to the Senate floor! A thorough resource teaches learners about the debate process in the Senate. After watching video clips, pupils conduct research to prepare for a peer debate.

Remember when the entire United States government shut down in 2013? Teach scholars about the causes and effects of such an event with a social studies resource. Learners participate in classroom discussion, view a presentation, fill out...