Lesson Plan
Curated OER

George Mason and the Constitution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners read various articles about the political beliefs of George Mason. In groups, they describe the major events of his life that formed his beliefs and values. They also analyze his contributions to the Constitution and the Bill...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ratification of the Constitution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders view two resources from the ratification debates and infer the motives and concerns of people in the two states involved. They write a newspaper editorial in favor or opposed to ratifying the Constitution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ratification Debate on the U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the U.S. Constitution and are asked to give a speech about what they have found.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

South Carolina's Constitution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the definition of political culture. After viewing a movie, 8th graders discuss how the political culture of the 1600 and 1700s is reflected in early drafts of the South Carolina constitution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constitution Evolution Research Project

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders demonstrate how South Carolina's Constitution has evolved through a research report. In groups, 8th graders conduct research and write a paper analyzing the historical and social influences that have been associated with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: A SIMULATION

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students discuss two computerized options to change the current U.S. government. In this Constitutional Convention instructional activity, students write a statement advocating for one of the choices and participate in a mock modern...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders research the Bill of Rights and consider which freedoms are the most important for them. They consider the Bill in detail and then write to their Congressperson about something they would like to see done or changed.
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Presidential Illness: Constitutional Crisis?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils use the internet and other sources to explore incidents where the President of the United States has become incapacitated. They research the reasons for the 25th Amendment, and solutions set in place to solve the problem of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bill of Rights and Tracking in the U.S.

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners review and analyze the Bill of Rights document and determine what rights were violated when certain individuals were tracked by the United States government. They briefly look at why it is easier to track alien residents in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

US & Iroquois Constitution Parallels

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a instructional activity that is concerned with the concepts related to comparing the United States and Iroquois Indians while focusing upon the foundations of the ruling documents like the US Constitution. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The President's Role and Succession

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History Mystery Message Challenge

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the US Constitution.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders gather the history and government facts to solve the history message.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Judicial Branch & Supreme Court Questions

For Students 7th - 12th
In this U. S. government learning exercise, students respond to 19 short answer questions about the responsibilities of Supreme Court members in the United States.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Powers of Government

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore and identify the power of national and state governments. They discuss the concept of federalism and the distribution of governmental powers. As a class, they examine the balance of power between the federal and state...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A House Dividing: The Growing Crisis of Sectionalism in Antebellum America

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students trace the development of sectionalism in the United States. They explore slavery, freedom and the Constitution. Students identify influential opponents and defenders of American slavery. They explain different solutions to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Due Process of Law and the Jim Crow Era

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal rights...