US National Archives
National Archives: Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
The Constitution can be broken down into 6 main themes: Limited Government, Federalism, Republicanism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Popular Sovereignty. Learners will study background on the Founding Fathers and use...
iCivics
I Civics: Constitutional Principles
The Founding Fathers created a government based on a set of fundamental principles carefully designed to guarantee liberty. This lesson lets students look at the Constitution from the perspective of its foundational principles and make...
iCivics
I Civics: Limiting Government
Explore the five basic limits on government through the true story of Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, and other fictional cases of government power gone wild.
iCivics
I Civics: No Bill of Rights, No Deal
In the debate over the Constitution, the Bill of Rights was a deal-breaker. In this lesson, students learn why the federalists thought the Constitution didn't need a bill of rights and why the anti-federalists refused to accept the...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?
This lesson introduces students to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the end of the lesson, students...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: What Is the Role of the President?
The president has great power granted to him under Article II of the Constitution, while at the same time extensive limits have been placed to keep that power in check. This source contains extensive background on these powers and...
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Pardon Power
Lesson teaches about presidential pardons, commutations, and the limitations of these powers.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Teaching the Amendments Lesson Plan
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."
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.