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Investigation of the Warren Court
Learners study period of Supreme Court history when Earl Warren was the Chief Justice and how the cases of this era effected American society.
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Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Simulation
Students research the Supreme Court judicial selection process while role playing. They examine the political nature of the process and discuss merits of Supreme Court nominees.
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I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugurations
Students examine the process of presidential inauguration. They examine and discuss primary source documents and complete worksheets.
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Individual Rights
Students study the individual rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. They determine where these rights come from, and why we value them as we do. They consider that our individual rights are not absolute, and may be limited by other...
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Democracy in Action
Young scholars consider words that reflect their knowledge and opinions about democracy. They work in groups to research countries that have recently transitioned to democratic forms of government.
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Participating in Democracy
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
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Inner Workings of Cabinet
Ninth graders explain the relationship of the Cabinet within the Canadian Government structure through video, worksheets and spreadsheets.
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US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
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I Didn't Do It! (Is Anyone guilty Anymore?)
Students explore the concept of "reasonable doubt" in our criminal court system and compare it to "preponderance of the evidence" in the civil court system. They discuss the trials of OJ Simpson and other historical criminal defendants.
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Lesson 28: Introduction to Illinois Government
Fourth graders research and compare the United States and Illinois Governments. They play the game Who Wans To Be A Millionaire.
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When is Humanitarian Intervention Justified?
Students analyze different foreign policies to derive their own idea of what constitutes appropriate intervention by a government. They complete a detailed proposal for their own Declaration of Human Rights.
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Governance- Grade 12
Twelfth graders discover the plight of Aboriginal people in Canada in trying to gain human rights. In this self-governance lesson plan, 12th graders participate in talking circles that require them to compare and contrast the visions of...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Learners explore what it means to be American. For this American identity lesson, students consider the contributions of Americans throughout history that have protected the promises of the U.S. Constitution.
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Presidents
Students identify the qualities needed to become President of the United States. Using the internet, they discover the differences in character of past presidents and draw conclusions about their time in office. They relate a piece of...
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"Disapproved": Censorship of Film in Pennsylvania
Students analyze primary source documents of the 1920s to find the roots of film censorship and understand Pennsylvania's leadership in this movement. They analyze government censorship documents that banned a film in Pennsylvania and...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Students consider how African American responded to social injustice. In this social injustice lesson, students compare and contrast the visions of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois for obtaining civil rights for African Americans.
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Ninth graders investigate specific individuals involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and working backward to stories from World War II. In this US History lesson, 9th graders read documents that depict the conflicts faced by...
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Fighting for Democracy, Fighting for Me
Students explore the contributions of African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Mexican Americans in World War II. In this World War II lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the...
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Citizen's Role
Students discuss the role of citizens in the United States. In groups, they evaluate how the role of citizens is important when selecting Supreme Court Justices. They read articles about internest groups and complete worksheets to end...
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Hatchet Job
Students explore the difference between temperance and prohibition. After reading a story, students explore the difference between a vigilante action and a protest. They explore social and political factors that may cause social...
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Prepare for Class Hearing
High schoolers participate in a simulation of a class hearing. In groups, they use the internet to research the topic for the hearing and answer specific discussion questions. During the simulation, they present their views on their...
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Social Studies: Native american Tribal Sovereignty
Students examine the issue of tribal sovereignty for Native Americans. Following a mock trial simulation based on the case of Johnson v. McIntosh, they write opinion papers based on the results of the Supreme Court decision in 1823.
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A Study of Alaska
Students explore Alaska. This lesson is gearing mostly for students who live in Alaska.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: The Federal Budget and the Constitution
What responsibilities belong to the U.S. President and the Congressional houses when it comes to establishing the federal budget? Take a look at these resources and incorporate this instructional activity into classroom learning.