Curated OER
The Man Who Made the Presidency
High schoolers explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history lesson, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set. High schoolers...
Curated OER
Looking at Constitutions
Students work in groups to research and examine Constitutions from various countries. In this government and public interests lesson, students analyze primary and secondary documents to make a comparison between constitutional documents...
Curated OER
Adult Criminal Justice System
Twelfth graders examine the procedures and protections involved in processing an accused person through the criminal justice system. They view a Powerpoint presentation, conduct research, and write a paper describing a crime they have...
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Social Studies
In this social studies worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about the Constitution, natural resources, economics, and more. Students complete 25 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
Federalist and Antifederalist Papers
Students debate the Federalist and Anti-federal Papers after using the Internet as a research tool.
Curated OER
It's Time to Put Our Money Where Our Mouths Are
Eighth graders choose a person who should be honored on our currency. They write a letter outlining the reasons for their choice.
Curated OER
Social Studies: Campaign Finance Reform
Students develop arguments for and against campaign finance reform, examine federal and state laws that attempt to limit contributions to political candidates, evaluate various plans for campaign finance reform and formulate their own...
Curated OER
Immigration in the United States
Students explore how recent immigration and migration patterns impact social and political issues. They apply affective learning techniques
Curated OER
The U.S. Trade Embargo on Cuba
Students examine perspectives for and against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, develop a position on the embargo and articulate viewpoints in a public forum.
Curated OER
Vietnam Trade Pact
High schoolers explore world trade issues. In this economics instructional activity, students read "Opening Doors to Vietnam," and discuss the trade negotiations between Vietnam and the Untied States. High schoolers conduct further...
Bill of Rights Institute
The Bill of Rights Institute: Free Lesson Plans
Free lesson plans concerning the Bill of Rights and the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Included are lessons on important news stories occurring today, as well as lessons on famous Americans and how they executed their rights.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: The Bill of Rights
In this lesson, 5th graders learn about the bill of Rights, why it was added to the Constitution, and its importance to the freedoms and liberties that Americans have today. Student resources are included.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Justice Thomas on National Identity
An examination of a speech Justice Clarence Thomas delivered in 2009 highlighting his thoughts on the Bill of Rights as well has his views on the importance of American civic responsibility.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The Creation of the Bill of Rights: "Retouching the Canvas"
In this lesson plan, students will consider "The Creation of the Bill of Rights: "Retouching the Canvas"." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Other
Lesson Plans for Teaching the First Amendment
This FreedomForum.org site lists the three English documents that were precursors to the American Bill of Rights.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Religious Liberty
Use these lesson extensions to help your students understand the historical context of American religious liberty.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: A Nation Conceived in Liberty [Pdf]
In this instructional activity, 11th graders examine the events and political philosophy that laid the foundations of the American government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They also look at what role religion played in...
iCivics
I Civics: Colonial Influences
Where did the American colonists get their ideas that lead to a revolution and a whole new kind of government? This lesson explores the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, Cato's Letters, and Common Sense.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Who Will You Back? (The First American Political Parties)
Students will produce an illustrated documentary on one of the first two American political parties.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: The Alien and Sedition Acts: Defining American Freedom
Lesson with activity in which students study and analyze the challenges surrounding constitutional rights and national security by focussing on the Alien and Sedition Act, 1798 and definitions of American freedom. Links to primary...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: This Great Enterprise: Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal
Lesson and activity on American enterprise and intervention with a focus on Theodore Roosevelt and the Pananma Canal. Includes class activity and questions for discussion and writing.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Constitution Used to Organize the New Govt [Pdf]
This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized...
US National Archives
National Archives: From Dred Scott to the Civil Rights Act of 1875
The Dred Scott case decided that African Americans were not citizens of the United States. However, 18 years later they would have citizenship and many other rights. Students will examine the following documents to understand how and why...
US National Archives
National Archives: The First Amendment
Young scholars will look at documents and cases throughout American history to understand the effects of the First Amendment on our nation.