Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Government and Natural Rights

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils are introduced 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 conclusion of the lesson plan, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Has Power?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discuss abuse of power in government and examine the Constitution for specific powers in each branch. They create a crossword puzzle utilizing terms and information regarding division of government powers and federalism
Lesson Plan
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The Beginnings of Constitutional Government

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students examine excerpts of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. For this early American history lesson, students read Paine's pamphlet and analyze the information according the rubric provided.
Worksheet
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Breaking News English: France Rejects European Constitution

For Students 5th - 10th
In this English worksheet, students read "France Rejects European Constitution," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Lesson Plan
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Public Demonstrations - Lesson Plan

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Students examine various handouts to determine the value, necessity and potential limitations of assembly and public demonstrations. They then select a side and debate pre-provided questions.
Lesson Plan
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The Legislative Branch

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students identify and describe the key terms as they relate to the Legislative Branch. Students describe how members of Congress are selected, how laws are created, and two of the limits on powers of Congress.
Lesson Plan
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A "Clear and Present Danger"

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Pupils define what is meant by clear and present danger. For this First Amendment lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Sedition Act of 1798. Pupils consider the constitutionality...
Lesson Plan
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Freedom of Expression in Special Places

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify at least three places presenting First Amendment problems. They analyze how the First Amendment applies to school newspapers. Students argue for and against limiting First Amendment rights in school. They analyze th...
Lesson Plan
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Teaching about the First Amendment

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students defend the Constitution against a group of Senators who decide that all media must be approved by the government, all Americans must take a loyalty oath, join an official U.S. religion and subscribe to approved clubs.
Unit Plan
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Whose Business Is It Anyway? McCarthyism and Its Effect on Individual Rights

For Teachers 8th
Students explore the concept of individual rights. In this McCarthyism lesson, students determine how government may affect the rights of individuals as they examine the Constitution, participate in class discussions, and research the...
Worksheet
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The American People, “Creating a Nation”

For Students 8th - 12th
In this early American history worksheet, students read noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 7 short answer questions regarding the U.S. Constitution and its formation.
Lesson Plan
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Your Map of Rights

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students explore the Bill of Rights, which rights have limitations on them, and how these rights apply to their personal lives. They write their own Bill of Rights for the class community.
Lesson Plan
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The Civil War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Although we currently focus on Abraham Lincoln's positive contributions in creating a more equal society, the truth is that Lincoln was actually a controversial character in his time! After studying the Civil War, give your high...
Lesson Plan
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University of Arkansas

Assessment and Discussion

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
"Without concerned citizen action to uphold them (human rights) close to home; we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. . ." Eleanor Roosevelt's comment is used to set the stage for the conclusion of a five-lesson unit...
Activity
Sharp School

The Bill of Rights and Supreme Court Cases Project

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Social media and United States history combine as your young historians design a Facebook page for two major defendants of landmark Supreme Court cases. The resource includes a detailed rubric for research and page design, as well as a...
Lesson Plan
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Developing Characterizations by Creating Stereotypes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine past and present cultures through theater. They interpret how theater reflects society. Students engage in the process that constitutes creation and performance in the theater. Students explore the forces that shape...
Lesson Plan
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The First Amendment

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the First Amendment.  In this US Government lesson, 11th graders analyze the scope and meaning of the first amendment.  Students conduct a survey on First Amendment freedoms.  Student evaluate the...
Lesson Plan
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Government: The Mystery Epidemic

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to identify some roles of government in dealing with the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. They are able to list two reasons why the occurrence of skin cancer in youths has increased.
Lesson Plan
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The Nonlegislative Powers

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the powers of Congress.  In this American Government lesson, 11th graders read about Congress.  Students complete a worksheet on their findings.  
Lesson Plan
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Government: War Powers Limitations

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students examine historic examples of authority during wartime. They interpret the Fifth Amendment. They debate the merits of the Patriot Act.
Lesson Plan
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Law Day: Constitutional Law Outline

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students receive information about laws. Some of the categories include powers of the federal government, federal powers vs. state powers, and the Bill of Rights. It is in an outline form that looks like the student follows along with...
Lesson Plan
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Foundations of the Constitution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the Magna Carta and the Mayflower Compact.
Lesson Plan
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Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution: Reynolds v. United States (1878)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the impact of court decisions. In this Supreme Court lesson, students read the Reynolds v. United States (1878) case study regarding first election decided by the House of Representatives. Young scholars take...
Lesson Plan
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Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution: National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the impact of court decisions. In this Supreme Court lesson, students read the National Socialist Party of America v. Village of Skokie (1977) case study regarding First Amendment Rights. High schoolers take notes...