iCivics
I Civics: Separation of Powers: What's for Lunch?
Students find out how the three branches of government interact with each other and how decisions about laws are made by several parts of the U.S. government.
US Mint
United States Mint: Branches of Power
Save the federal government from Oppressor Sam, and learn about the US Constitution to restore the three branches of government.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Annotation 3: Article I
This resource provides the annotation of Article 1 of the Constitution and the powers held by Congress. Focuses are on the implied, enumerated, inherent, and resulting powers of Congress. At the bottom of the page footnotes are provided.
iCivics
I Civics: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that affirmed the Court's power of judicial review. Students learn how Congress tried to add to the Supreme Court's Constitutional power, how the Supreme Court rejected...
Other
Touro Law Center: William Marbury vs. James Madison
Transcript of the landmark court case that established the constitutional principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the concept that the federal judiciary has final power as to whether an act of the Congress or the Executive...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Article 3 of the Us Constitution
Article 3 of the US Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch (the system of courts and judges), judicial powers, and the crime of treason.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: United States Constitution: Article Ii
Full text of Article II from the U.S. Constitution, as well as detailed annotations that explain the reasoning and subsequent impact of each clause and section of the Article. Content explores everything from the nature and scope of...
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...
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: Mini Lesson: Executive Orders
Students discover how presidents use executive orders to wield power and how the legislative and judicial branches support and challenge these measures.
Other
Certiorari Practice: The Supreme Court's Shrinking Docket
Recent legislation has allowed the Supreme Court discretionary, rather than obligatory powers, in deciding which cases to decide. This in-depth and well-developed essay describes the process and criticizes the new system, while providing...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Income Tax Law: An Overview
A collection of resources for understanding income tax law, including its roots in the Constitution, federal and state statutes and regulations, judicial decisions, and links to the websites of government and tax agencies.
Other
National Council for the Social Studies: Selecting Supreme Court Justices
A panel discusses the questions of whether the Senate or President hold more power in selecting Supreme Court Justices, the impact of interest groups on the process, and whether changes need to be made to the confirmation process. Along...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Federal Court System
Discussion of the structure, purpose, powers and Constitutional safeguards of the Federal Court System.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Supreme Court
Discussion overview illustrating the structure and powers of the Supreme Court as written in the U.S. Constitution.
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.
New York Times
New York Times: Supreme Court Landmark Cases
This site lists, with brief descriptions, major landmark decisions that have been made by the Supreme Court. Links to actual cases as well.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Courts: Our Rule of Law
This unit provides a comprehensive look into the value of the U.S. court system as a means to maintain the safety of American citizens. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Constitution: Eleventh Amendment
This resource gives the text of the Eleventh Amendment. Additionally, annotations are provided, which cite case law and other pertinent information.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez.org: Wesberry v. Sanders
OYEZ.org offers excellent multimedia information on the Supreme Court case, Wesberry v. Sanders, including an abstract, an interactive section on participants, resources, audio, and more.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez.org: Oyez Directory
The OYEZ Directory offers hyperlinks to Supreme Court cases. Choose the topic you'd like to search under, like "Attorneys," or "Civil rights," for example.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Debate and Compromise
The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this instructional activity include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Branches of Government
Introduction to a learning adventure on the Constitution and branches of government. Students click on their age group icon to find information on which part of the Constitution spells out the powers of legislative, executive and...