Deliberating in a Democracy
Globalization and Fair Trade
Have you ever traded something? How do you know you got a good deal? Scholars use case studies and research to determine the role of globalization in fair trade. Class members examine consumer demand and competition bring to light the...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Tyranny of the Majority
In American democracy, majority rules but what prevents the voices of the few from being crushed? Using excerpts from Alexis de Tocqueville's writings, young historians explore cases where minority rights were trampled upon. Extension...
Curated OER
Ensuring Democracy in Iraq
Students explore what democracy means and how it can be spread to Iraq. They create strategies to ensure elections are fair. Students discuss the importance of fair voting conditions and the features of a democracy.
US Department of Commerce
Apportionment: Grades 7-8
One person, one voice ... right? Using a simulation where uneven groups are given the same voice, scholars discover why fair apportionment based on an accurate census is important. Once finished, they use actual data to consider what...
Annenberg Foundation
Actions that Changed the Law
The Fair Play Act of 2009 came about due to the actions of one woman. Young historians research Lilly Ledbetter and what she went through to get pay equal to that paid to men for the same work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The...
US Institute of Peace
Governance, Corruption and Conflict Simulation on Nepal
Can your class help the people of Nepal? Scholars take an in-depth look into the social injustices and struggling economy of a country in turmoil during a multi-day role-playing exercise. After reviewing information on the problems...
Curated OER
We Are the Government
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents lesson, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the Constitution...
Curated OER
World History Fair and Exposition
Students role-play as invitees to the World's Fair to develop a virtual electronic pavilion or poster presentation about the United States, its history and challenges. They act as tour guides giving their presentations and answering...
Curated OER
Don't Miss The Boat
Fourth graders study immigration and what it is like to be an immigrant. They choose immigrant identities, dress appropriately, and role play during an International Fair where each student displays some aspect of his/her "home country."
Judicial Branch of California
Separate But Equal - Is It Black or White?
The story of Ruby Bridges and the case of Brown vs. The Board of Education are fantastic tools for discussing the concept of separate but equal. Kids tackle some big questions about what is fair, what is civil, and what rights or laws...
Curated OER
Development of Democracy
Eighth graders examine the road to the American Revolution. In this Boston Massacre lesson, 8th graders investigate the testimony of Captain Thomas Preston. Students write their own verdicts based on his testimony.
Classroom Law Project
Should we believe everything we read? Becoming a discerning consumer of media
Class members investigate the role media should play in a healthy democracy. As part of this study, groups analyze political advertising, use FactCheck to assess not only the veracity of but the persuasions techniques used in candidates'...
Curated OER
The President's Roles and Responsibilities: Communicating with the President
Students examine the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. president and their own roles as citizens of a democracy. They explore various websites, listen to a State of the Union address, and write a letter to the President of the...
Curated OER
Opportunity for Students in the Parliamentary System
Students explore youth programs which promote Canadian citizenship and democracy. They study Canadian parliamentary institutions.
Curated OER
Democracy in Action: Everyday Farmers
Students experiment with a situation as if they were farmers in a co-op. In this democratic decision making lesson, students role-play as farmers that are members of a co-op and a have a serious decision to make about spreading their...
Curated OER
Analyzing Free and Fair Elections
Students brainstorm the qualities of a "free and fair" elections. They read background information pertaining to the upcoming 2007 presidential elections. Pupils compare the "free and fair" elections list composed by students to the...
Facing History and Ourselves
Standing Up to Hatred on Cable Street
The final lessons in this section of the Standing Up for Democracy unit ask class members to consider ways they can help create a "more humane, fair, and compassionate environment" in their communities. For context, learners study how...
Curated OER
Searching for a New Home
Students investigate pilgrims. For this pilgrim lesson, students read the book If You Sailed on the Mayflower and identify the path from England to Holland on a map. Students write in a journal about how they would feel if they were a...
Curated OER
Preserving and Promoting Democracy
Eleventh graders create surveys to determine whether or not young people have or plan to vote. Using their findings, 11th graders make advertisements aimed at encouraging youth to vote.
Curated OER
Politics: From Royalty to Democracy
Students explore forms of government in the Middle East. In this government systems lesson, students watch videos, listen to lectures, and explore websites regarding the forms of government in the Middle East
Curated OER
Universal Suffrage
Students examine suffrage. They participate in a classroom activity in which some students get to vote and others do not get to participate. Students discuss how they felt and how it wasn't fair. They write a one page essay about the...
Curated OER
Nigerian Elections Critical Analysis
Students examine the recent history of Nigeria and determine how its history and geography have effect current events in the area. They look at the challenges facing Nigeria as a new democracy and a developing nation. They determine...
Curated OER
Civil liberties: Other freedoms
Students expore civil liberties. They identify and define legal rights. Students consider the impact of applying rights in criminal matters. They identify Canadians' political rights and suggest why they are essential to a democracy....
Curated OER
Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy
Students discuss the election of 1960. They examine the political styles of important leaders, the issue of money, and the issue of fair play in American politics. Students explore the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.