Curated Video
Election of 1824: When the House Chose
In the Presidential Election of 1824, five men from one party were up for the job. It was left to the House of Representatives to figure out a winner – and the aftermath led to the modern two-party system.
Curated Video
Election of 1800: Presidential Tie
The 1800 Presidential Election, which ended in a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Burr, presented Congress with a dilemma – how to stop a tie from happening again.
TED-Ed
What is McCarthyism? And how did it happen?
Who was Joseph McCarthy and why is his name synonymous with witch hunts? What were the factors that permitted the political repression of the 1950s to flourish? Could the same thing happen today? An intriguing video traces the rise and...
Curated OER
American Presidents: John Quincy Adams
A skinny-dipping president? John Quincy Adams was a bible reader by morning and a skinny-dipper by late morning, apparently. His strong beliefs and lack of persuasive power ultimately ended his time in presidency, but he did go on to...
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.
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...
Curated OER
US Government Review Part 1 - 3 Branches of Government
A fun and interesting teacher describes the three branches of the US government. His lecture style and ability to explain with good examples could be a really big help to older students needing a tutorial or extra support in...
Other
Fed Net Broadcast Coverage of the u.s. Congress
This page allows the student to get up to the minute information as well as use video to watch actual events as they occur in Congress.