Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Role of the Supreme Court
This essay describes the power of the Supreme Court to 'check' the actions of both the President and Congress, with some historic documentation.
Other
Usa Gov: Three Branches of Government
Lesson plans for students to learn about the three branches of government. They can find information about the origins of the Constitution, separation of powers, and details about each of the three branches.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Trial of Gaius Verres: An Account (79 Bc)
The records of the trial of Gaius (sometimes spelled Caius) Verres reveal--far better than any other extant source--the corruption of the last years of the Roman Republic. Through a series of orations and witnesses, Verres's prosecutor,...
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez Project: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
The U.S. Supreme Court case that established the precedent for judicial review is detailed, with an abstract providing a concise summary and a record of the justices that sat on the court at that time.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Bishop
This article looks at the history and use of the office of Bishop in the Roman Catholic tradition. Please note that ?The Catholic Encyclopedia? is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context of resource material dated...
Other
Independent Institute: Alexander Hamilton on War and Free Government
This is a review of a book by Kurt-Friedrich Walling. The review discusses how Hamilton wanted to create a republican empire based on consent but able when threatened to generate enormous military power, and how this was in dispute with...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: The u.s. Supreme Court: Fdr Tries to "Pack" the Supreme Court
Lesson and activity in which students learn about the importance of the Supreme Court, balance of power, and judicial reform.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez Project
The OYEZ Project is a vast multimedia relational database on the U.S. Supreme Court that contains abstracts for all leading constitutional decisions of the Court, authoritative oral arguments in streamed media format, and a 360-degree...
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Ii: Recess Appointments
Explains Clause 3 of Article II, Vacancies during Recess of Senate. It outlines various situations where a vacancy may occur and what rules are in place to deal with it.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Virginia Constitution: 29 June 1776
The complete original text of the revolutionary state constitution of Virginia adopted in June 1776.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Massachusetts Constitution: 2 March 1780
The complete, original text of the Massachusetts State Constitution as adopted in March, 1780.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: American Revolution: Revolution and State Constitution Making
A full-length essay on the formation of new state constitutions by the 13 newly independent states.
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Jurisdiction Explained
Site provides an overview of jurisdiction with links to recent case law and constitutional references.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in Action. Federalism: u.s. V. the Sates
U.S. v. the States delves into the ongoing constitutional dilemma between the federal government and individual state governments illustrated through Video on Demand, activities, readings, etc.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Themepark: Liberty: Three Branches of Government
Find a large collection of internet resources organized around the three branches of government. Links to places to go, people to see, things to do, teacher resources, and bibliographies.
Other
University of Alabama: Government
Overview in note form on social and political philosophy comparing Plato, Locke, and Hobbes. Scroll to "natural rights" which the author discusses in context for understanding the political and social philosophies of these political...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Cause for Debate
The Constitution creates separate institutions that must share power, there will always be disputes over the basic principles. Check out some of the hot issues (term limits, electoral college, judicial review) that are in dispute even to...
Digital History
Digital History: u.s. Constitution and Organization of the National Government
Read about the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the thoughts of the framers behind the formation of each branch.
Other
Texas Transparency: Texas State Government at a Glance
A quick, organized look at the history and organizational structure of the three branches of Texas state government.