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.
Lesson Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress Link: Lesson Plans

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
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.
Website
Other

Dirksen Center: Resource: How to Communicate Effectively With Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: What Congress Does and Why It Matters

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
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...
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.
Primary
Other

President Gerald Ford's Special Message to Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the working relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government through Ford's address to Congress in 1976 addressing the need for improvements to programs for the elderly.
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.
Activity
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Little Legislatures

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site from the University of Groningen clearly defines the role of committees in the legislative process, as well as a brief historical perspective on congressional committees. Essays, text and biography links related to American...
Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: House Journal: Journals of the House of Representatives

For Students 9th - 10th
Link directly to the journals for each of the Congresses containing the minutes of the sessions.
Unknown Type
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Baker v. Carr

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from Khan Academy provides practice questions over Baker v. Carr, a Supreme Court case that addresses equality in voting districts. These questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American...
Website
US Senate

The u.s. Senate: The Senate and the United States Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the United States Senate provides information about the evolution of the Senate as the Constitution was being written by the Constitutional Congress.
Activity
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: The Reach of Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Although short, this article very clearly describes the investigative powers of Congress and their importance. Links to other American History topics are available, as well.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us Senate Facts

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Detailed facts and information on the United States Senate, a part of Congress that has the power to pass, amend and repeal bills that are made into the law of the land.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Us House of Representatives Facts

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Detailed facts and information provide a quick overview of how the US House of Representatives, a part of Congress, works.