Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
A set of activities that link to a mobile app called "Congress Creates the Bill of Rights." The materials used in the app can also be downloaded in PDF format. There is also a free ebook in epub format that is incorporated into the...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Debates the Fate of the Nation

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will use a copy of the Wilmot Proviso and a map used by President Polk in an address to Congress to debate whether territory acquired through the Mexican War should be free or slave states. This debate in Congress served as a...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Exploring the Western Frontier With the Records of Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners will analyze the impact of the frontier on American life and the role Congress played in settling the frontier. Included are worksheets, Turner's Thesis, and reflection questions. Primary sources provided are petitions for...
PPT
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iib

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the 3rd section of a PDF entitled Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. This section focuses on the articles debated in Congress that eventually formed the Bill of Rights. Background on each article is given as well as a picture...
PPT
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iii

For Students 9th - 10th
This PDF is the last in the series called Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. Imagine you are in Congress in 1789 and have to vote on these proposed amendments. Which way would you vote? This source provides background on each amendment...
PPT
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights Iia

For Students 9th - 10th
Ths is the second PDF is in the series Congress Creates the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists on questions surrounding passage of the Bill of Rights. Short biographies, pictures,...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress Protects the Right to Vote

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Young scholars will draw conclusions regarding actions taken by Congress when passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They will weigh the balance of power between the federal and state governments when protecting the right to vote....
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

Docsteach: The Legislative Process: Congress at Work

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Students will analyze historical records of the House and Senate to understand the sequence of steps in the legislative process. The students will work collaboratively to study documents and identify the step in the process that each...
Activity
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This well-written and well-organized site from The Legislative Branch provides a thorough overview of congressional powers, inherent checks and balances, as well as links to related information.
Website
US House of Representatives

History, Art, and Archives: Legislative Interests and Achievements

For Students 9th - 10th
Women championed many pivotal pieces of legislation in the early 1900's. They pushed for prohibition, payment of a bonus for WWI veterans, federal money for prenatal, maternal, and infant care, and many more progressive issues. The...
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us Congress Facts

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article provides an overview and interesting facts about the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Legislation Related to the Attack of September 11, 2001

For Students 9th - 10th
Exhaustive resource of legislation related to September 11th. Legislation is categorized, with its title. By clicking the link, you can go to a page with a summary, you can read the legislation in its entirety, etc.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

Nara: Teaching With Documents: Petition From Susan B. Anthony to u.s. Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
See Anthony's 1874 petition to Congress in complaint against her arrest and fine for having voted in an 1872 election. From the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Activity
Other

Library of Congress: Copyright

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Library of Congress provides the homepage of the United States Copyright Office. The information provided on this page is very helpful on the subject with many links to frequently asked questions, as well as laws and...
Primary
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: Address to Congress Following Kennedy's Assassination

For Students 9th - 10th
Full text of the speech given by President Johnson after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. In his speech, he pledges to pursue Kennedy's legislative goals.
Primary
Curated OER

History Matters: "And We Shall Overcome": Johnson's Special Message to Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
Read President Lyndon B. Johnson's speech before the the Congress in support of the Voting Rights Act. Feel the passion in his address and his desire to further racial equality.
Article
Columbia University

Cu: What Did the Direct Primary Do to Party Loyalty in Congress? [Pdf]

For Students 11th - 12th
This scholarly paper examines the relationship between the adoption of the direct primary and its effect on party loyalty in Congress. Because individual states adopted the direct primary before the 17th amendment was adopted, the...
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: Legislative Branch Congress

For Students 1st - 9th Standards
Kids learn about the Legislative Branch of the United States Government. It's also called the Congress and is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Congress Oversight Power

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This excellent site from the University of Groningen provides a clear overview of the oversight function of Congress. Related American History links include text, essay, and biographical resources.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Congress and Harriet Tubman's Claim for a Pension

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Harriet Tubman is best known for the Underground Railroad, but she also served critical roles in our federal government during the Civil War and requested a federal pension for her work. Congress debated whether or not to extend to her a...
Website
Other

Govspot: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site has an outline from Govspot of the Legislative Branch of the United States. This site links you to every part of the Judicial Branch of the United States.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The President and Congress

For Students 3rd - 5th
A brief description of the interaction between the president and Congress. Also includes information about the process for signing a bill into a law and take a quiz to test your learning.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.