Curated OER
Puppet Show
Students explore politics by defining several jobs in the government. In this House of Representatives lesson, students identify several important roles men and women have in the House as well as the Senate. Students identify what it is...
Curated OER
Civics and Economics: The Occupation of Japan
Students compare the American political and economic systems to the Japanese systems. They interpret maps, tables, charts and political cartoons in analyzing the economic and political issues involved.
Curated OER
Reviewing Rumsfeld
Students use the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, or SWOT, institutional analysis method to evaluate Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's performance to date. They write formal recommendations based on their analyses.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Government
Interactive teaching unit for Grades 5-8 that helps to explain the three branches of government and the the balance of power. Topics covered include balance of government, how a bill becomes a law, the amendment process, the Legislative...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Like Father, Like Son: Presidential Families
In U.S. history, two families have had a father and a son hold the office of President. Young scholars can use research skills to look into the office of the President and the two families that have followed the old adage - "Like father,...
Tramline
Tramline: The American Presidency Field Trip
Use this site to learn all about the history behind the office of the President of the United States and some interesting facts about past administrations. There is a complete list of teacher resources and a virtual tour of the American...
iCivics
I Civics: Three Branches
A web quest looking at how a law gets passed as it moves through the three branches of the United States government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each page has a question to answer, and a link to a site with information specific...
The White House
The White House: Our Government
Overviews of the major elements of U.S. government, compiled and published by the White House: three branches of the federal government (executive, legislative, judicial), the Constitution, federal agencies and commissions, elections and...
iCivics
I Civics: Curriculum Units
A large collection of Social Studies units, WebQuests, and games that focuses on teaching students how government works and the importance of being responsible, informed American citizens. Units are linked to state standards. A teacher...
Other
Data: Empowering People
Find, download, and use datasets generated by the executive branch of the U.S. federal government to learn about our nation and the world.
Other
Stennis Center for Public Service
For students with an interest in Public Service, this provides program information. There are links to other government sites and a biography on Senator John C. Stennis.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government
Benjamin Franklin teaches kids from kindergarten through 12th grade all about the Federal Government.
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this lesson include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This instructional activity explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Preparing for the Oath: u.s. History and Civics for Citizenship
This site from the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a great site for citizens and those learning to become citizens alike. Review the fifteen themes that deal with U.S. history and civics,...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
The White House
The White House: Welcome to the White House
The official site for The White House and the Executive Branch of government. The site offers current as well as historical events, speeches, documents, and more. Includes up to date information about the Obama administration, current...
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: From Bullets to Ballots
An electronic version of From Bullets to Ballots: The Election of 1800 and the First Peaceful Transfer of Political Power by John Zvesper. The text presents the beginning of the United States government system.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
DOGO Media
Dogo News: Week of 10 21 13: Leaders Finally Reach a Deal to Reopen Government
Article reports on the deal made in Congress to end the government shutdown. Article also reports on the debt ceiling and the issues that lawmakers will face regarding the funding of the government in the coming months.
iCivics
I Civics
Explore games and teacher resources on American forms of government, democracy, and civic life.
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...
Other
Department of Commerce United States of Government
Explore the United States Department of Commerce through this site in English and Spanish. This is a comprehensive site providing information about the US Department of Commerce.
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...