Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs:the Evolution of Congress

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
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.
Unit Plan
Indiana University

Center on Congress: Learn About Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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.
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.
Activity
US Senate

The U. S. Senate: Senators of the 108th Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Interactive
US Mint

United States Mint: Branches of Power

For Students 3rd - 8th
Save the federal government from Oppressor Sam, and learn about the US Constitution to restore the three branches of government.
Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: South Sudan

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides links to numerous documents concerning the government of South Sudan and its executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Links to related articles about the country are also featured.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Three Branches of Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
Each of the three branches of the United States government is described - the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.
Website
The White House

The White House: The Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A brief summary of the the Legislative Branch of government and guidelines for membership. The powers of Congress, the legislative process, and even the oversights made by government, to prevent abuse of power, are discussed.
Handout
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition

For Students 9th - 10th
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Website
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Legislatures: Laying Down the Law

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
This ambitious unit examines the various levels of legislature from federal to municipal, the wants of constituents versus what the legislators feel is right, and the need for compromise. Offers video, activities, and related resources.
Interactive
iCivics

I Civics: Games: Lawcraft

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Interactive game that takes the student through the law-making process. Pick a member of Congress and an issue, then see what is necessary to get the bill passed and made into law.
Whiteboard
SMART Technologies

Smart: Branches of the Us Government

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This interactive lesson can be used to introduce or to review the three branches of the United States government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: Enactment of a Law

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site explains the legislative process of how a law becomes enacted, step by step.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: History of Bills

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
For any legislative actions enacted upon a specific bill, the specific type of action is recorded in the History of Bills section of the Government Printing Office website. This information comes straight from the Congressional Record,...
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.
Website
Other

Gov Spot: u.s. Government, State Government, Congress, Government Jobs

For Students 9th - 10th
GovSpot is a non-partisan government information portal for and about the U.S. government. Content includes top news surrounding the U.S. government, as well as a wealth of information on top political issues, social services, government...
Activity
US Senate

Us Senate: Majority and Minority Leaders and Party Whip

For Students 9th - 10th
From the U.S. Senate itself, find an explanation of the roles of majority and minority leaders and whips. Also find a complete list of majority and minority leaders dating from 1919 to the present.
Activity
US Senate

Explore the Senate's Past

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Covers the workings of the Senate and how it evolved, and includes exhibits of historical photos and paintings. The Oral History section has interviews with people who worked in the Senate, where they discuss their careers and the...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: Congressional Hearings

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Massive directory of the transcripts of all Senate and House committee and subcommittee hearings from the 105th Congress to the 109th Congress. Hearings are typcially open to the public and done for the purpose of attaining information...
Website
US Senate

Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control

For Students 9th - 10th
The Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control provides information on drug policy actions by the caucus and the issues that are highlighted by the members of the Caucus.
Website
Other

House Armed Services Committee

For Students 9th - 10th
Delve into the latest news of the House Armed Services Committee with this site. Hear more from the Chairman, Duncan Hunter, about the purpose of this committee. Read up on recent press releases, too.