Library of Congress
Loc: The New Nation 1783 1815
The creation and growth of the new nation of the United States is the focus of this article. Being divided into time periods makes this site easy to understand.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: John Locke
The University of Groningen provides information about the 17th century British liberal philosopher. Includes concise biographical information and a link to the text of "A Letter Concerning Toleration." Read about what part of his...
Other
The Federalist Papers:convention, Constitution,& Debates
A clickable index of the 85 Federalist Papers. The text of each letter (paper) sent to New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 is easily accessed.
US Senate
Explore the Senate's Past
Covers the workings of the Senate and how it evolved, and includes exhibits of historical photos and paintings. The Oral History section has interviews with people who worked in the Senate, where they discuss their careers and the...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Courts: Our Rule of Law
This unit provides a comprehensive look into the value of the U.S. court system as a means to maintain the safety of American citizens. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Bill of Rights Institute
The Bill of Rights Institute: The Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties, the Bill of Rights lists specific...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Do Executive Orders Work?
The framers of the American Constitution made the executive power available to the executive branch. But what exactly is this tool, how does it work, and what's the extent of its power? Christina Greer explains.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Mc Martin Preschool Abuse Trial (1987 90)
"They're putting on witnesses who they know are lying. They concealed exonerating evidence. Don't we have enough criminal conduct by the prosecutors to put them behind bars?" "It doesn't work that way," the lawyer laughed. "The law is...
Other
University of Alabama: Government
Overview in note form on social and political philosophy comparing Plato, Locke, and Hobbes. Scroll to "natural rights" which the author discusses in context for understanding the political and social philosophies of these political...
Other
U.s. Courts: About u.s. Courts
This site provides a description of the purpose of the federal courts and of the powers granted to them by the Constitution.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Supreme Court: Landmark Cases: United States v. Lopez (1995)
PBS features details on the landmark Supreme Court case of United States v. Lopez which set limits to Congress's power under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Trial of Gaius Verres: An Account (79 Bc)
The records of the trial of Gaius (sometimes spelled Caius) Verres reveal--far better than any other extant source--the corruption of the last years of the Roman Republic. Through a series of orations and witnesses, Verres's prosecutor,...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Zande
The Zande, whose homelands lie within three modern African states (Republic of the Sudan, Zaire, Central African Republic), constitute a large and complex amalgam of originally distinct ethnic groups, united by culture and, to a...
Cato Institute
Buying Justice: Plaintiffs' Lawyers Reap Huge Dividends
This writer discusses the buying of justices' impartiality by trial lawyers and calls for tort reform.
Other
Texas Transparency: Texas State Government at a Glance
A quick, organized look at the history and organizational structure of the three branches of Texas state government.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Articles of Confederation, 1781
Gives a nice history of the Articles and also a summary of what they were and the problems that developed with their adoption. Includes links to the actual document.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: A Nation's Voice
A Nation's Voice is a lesson plan that uses internet sites, magazines and books, electronic encyclopedias and databases to understand the policy making of the U.S.
iCivics
I Civics: Six Roles of the President (Infographic)
Infographic helps keep track of the many hats worn by the president.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Government Glossary
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson Activotes are used to access student's prior knowledge of the principles of the US constitutional government. Student knows the essential principles stated in the US Constitution-...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Sioux Treaty of 1868
The National Archives and Records Administration highlights the Sioux Treaty of 1868. The lesson provided here relates to the power granted to the president and the Senate in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, of the U.S. Constitution, the...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) presents the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a Constitutional issue. The lesson provided relates to the power granted to the President and the Senate to make treaties with foreign...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: United States Government for Kids
Study the United States Government on this webpage. Learn about the balance of powers, the three branches, and the Constitution.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Eminent Domain, What Is Eminent Domain?
This site is provided for by FindLaw.com. "Eminent domain," often called "condemnation," is the legal process by which a public body [is] given the legal power to acquire private property for a use that has been declared to be public by...
Other
Furman University: John C. Calhoun's Address of 1849
This speech by John C. Calhoun was directed at the South, describing their problem, and what the North has done with the Government without the nation's consent. It was signed by the Congressmen from twelve southern states.