Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Students will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
Article
Constitutional Rights Foundation

Constitutional Rights Foundation: Proposed Changes in the Way the Federal Government Operates

For Students 9th - 10th
Examine amendments made to aid the government in balancing the budget and income tax as well as the debate over term limits.
Primary
University of Groningen

American History: Documents: The Marshall Cases: Cohens v. Virginia

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the text of the Supreme Court decision, Cohens v. Virginia, which was limited states' rights.
Handout
US National Archives

Nara: The Magna Carta

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the historical events that led to the creation of the limited government of the United States, the Magna Carta was written in 1215 as a promise from King John of England to his demanding barons. It put English kings under the rule...
Website
Other

Third amendment.com: A Brief History of the Third Amendment

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion of the text of the Third Amendment to the Constitution and it's limited history in legal cases.
Lesson Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress Link: Teaching the Amendments Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This online lesson plan teaches students "The amendments to the Constitution through the use of CongressLink, Internet resources, and creative activities." Students will also gain a sense that "Many rights are limited and controversial."