Curated OER
Order in the Court
Students identify the branches of government, who leads each branch and its responsibilities. They understand the role that John Marshall played in our government system. They research the role of the Supreme Court.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information
This retired site captures historical legislative activity that includes bill summary and status, bill text, public laws by law number, most recent issue, roll-call votes, committee reports, house committees, and senate committees.
Library of Congress
Loc: The u.s. Congress: Resources a to Z
Start your research of the U.S. Congress here! Superb links to any information you may need on history, current profile of Congress, and many other sites.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Legislative Interests and Achievements
Women in Congress had an impact on every critical piece of legislation during the Depression through the Cold War. Examine their impact in Congress during these decades in the following summary of legislative achievements.
Other
Congress.org
At Congress.org, you can read about legislation being debated by Congress, research recent votes, identify your representatives, send an e-mail to your lawmakers and encourage other voters to join your cause. It is published by CQ Roll...
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: Contrasting Procedures of the Senate and House
Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Us House of Representatives: Legislative Interests
The goals of third generation congresswomen were aimed at creating opportunities for women in education and the workplace. Women members continued to play a prominent part in legislation on diverse national concerns, ranging from Cold...
iCivics
I Civics: Legislative Branch
Learners will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of citizens and political parties. Register for a free account to...
PBS
Pbs:the Evolution of Congress
This extensive lesson used in conjunction with the Ken Burns documentary "The Congress" is designed to develop an understanding of how the U.S. Congress functions by examining its evolution. Links and downloadable materials are provided.
US National Archives
National Archives: Representing Congress: Clifford Berryman's Political Cartoons
Political cartoons have informed the public and sparked debate throughout history. This ebook contains political cartoons pertaining to Congress. Students will understand the powers and responsibilities of Congress by analyzing these...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Represented in Political Cartoons
Students will understand Congress through examining political cartoons from different eras. Included is an ebook by Clifford Berryman containing political cartoons [PDF], worksheets, materials, and reflection questions.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: 100 Years of Women in Congress
Explore the women who have served in Congress over the past 100 years.
US Senate
The U. S. Senate: Senators of the 108th Congress
This site from the United States Senate provides a current list of the Senators of the 108th Congress. You can sort by state, name or party, view biographical and contact information and much more.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Lesson Plans
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
Other
Dirksen Center: Resource: How to Communicate Effectively With Congress
Resource provides expert tips for reaching your Congress person. Describes the role of Congressmen and women and what they can and can't do for citizens. Site for students and others to better understand Congress.
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: The Legislative Process: Senate Floor
Watch this video on the unique rules and procedures governing floor debate and amending in the Senate. A transcript is provided, along with a chart of the legislative process. [4:18]
US National Archives
National Archives: What Congress Does and Why It Matters
Students will analyze primary sources related to Congress to learn the specific powers of the Legislative Branch. Included is a chart to download and print, worksheets, materials, and an answer key. Primary sources to be examined are...
Other
The Verge: All the Ways Congress Is Taking on the Tech Industry
After the 2016 presidential contest and years of investigations from intelligence experts, Congress woke up to the power Big Tech holds over democracy - whether it's through collecting data or serving up political ads. For legislators,...
iCivics
I Civics: Congress in a Flash!
Students learn what Congress is, what the Constitution says about the legislative branch, and how a bill becomes law. They analyze some actual language from the Constitution, compare the House and the Senate, and simulate the lawmaking...
US National Archives
National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress, the Great Society, and Today
Students will study the Great Society and the role Congress played in shaping it. This lesson plan focuses on small group research to draw conclusions on the historical significance of each aspect of The Great Society Congress. Sources...
iCivics
I Civics: Voting in Congress
n this lesson, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a bill, including the powers given to Congress by the Constitution, what a member's constituents want, his or her political party's...