Heritage Foundation
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has a lot of responsibility in the United States government. But how did it all begin, and why is it the way it is now? A comprehensive instructional activity answers all of these questions about the US...
Curated OER
Government Mobile
Fourth graders, after studying the three branches of state government and gathering together a variety of art materials, create a mobile explaining all three branches of the government. They display their mobiles inside the classroom for...
Curated OER
Utah's Legislative Branch: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Seventh graders discover how a bill becomes a law in Utah. In groups, they decide on a law they would like to see enacted and discuss its chances of being passed by the legislative branch in Utah. They hold elections in which each...
Curated OER
Early Presidents and Politics
Students investigate early presidents of the United States. Students complete a series of lessons in which they research the contributions and political climate during the terms of U.S. presidents from George Washington to Andrew Jackson.
Curated OER
What Can You Find in the Cabinet?
Looking in the cabinet can be fascinating! Examine the various departments of the Executive Cabinet in this group research project, which jigsaws so each small group has a different department and presents to the class. Groups create...
Curated OER
Presidential Database
Ninth graders research the Presidents of the United States. They develop generalizations about the nature of the Executive Branch using the researched information. Students complete a Query worksheet about the Presidents.
Administrative Office of the US Courts
US v. Alvarez
Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the...
Curated OER
Three Branches of Government
Fourth graders brainstorm of what they think of when they think about the word state government and list their suggestions on the board. They listen to lecture about the three branches of government understanding how each branch is...
Curated OER
Painting Presidential Portraits
Eleventh graders examine the duties and powers of the president. For this American Government lesson, 11th graders research to find information on the role of the president. Students practice reading and listening skills.
University of Wisconsin
BEAM: Background, Exhibit, Argument, Method
Thinking of assigning a research paper? Get writers off on the right foot with a lesson that introduces the BEAM research model. Writers brainstorm the background of their topic, explicate the aspects of their topic, consider the...
California Department of Education
Exploring Military Career Options
A whole world of career options await in the armed forces! Lesson three in a six-part career and college readiness series introduces eighth grade scholars to military careers. Individuals research the entry requirements for the armed...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Starting a Government from Scratch
Young historians have an opportunity to experience the challenges of starting a new government. After watching a short video about the Articles of Confederation, class members generate a "to-do list" of actions that a new government...
Curated OER
Building the Foundation
Students understand the purpose of the judicial branch of government. In this judiciary lesson, students participate in exercises to understand how the court system works. Students complete activity sheets to develop understanding of...
Curated OER
Is Government Necessary?
Students investigate the purpose of Congress and determine how it affects them. They explain what life would be like without government.
Curated OER
Past and Present
Providing an interesting way to discuss the U.S. presidency, this lesson has learners compare George Washington to the current president. They listen to books about George Washington, discuss the current president, and complete worksheets.
Judicial Learning Center
Judicial Independence
Most people support the idea of an independent judiciary in theory until they hear about a court case that violates their principles. An informative resource explains why the concept is important. It also provides scholars of criminology...
Curated OER
The Civil War
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...
Curated OER
Everyone Wants to Be President
How can you help your class understand the breadth of duties and the challenges of being the leader of the United States?
Curated OER
Chief Justice Roberts Goes to Court
Students gain an introductory into the branches of government. Students research all parts of government and use Frames to create a public service announcement to teach others the parts of government and how they work.
Curated OER
Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Simulation
Students research the Supreme Court judicial selection process while role playing. They examine the political nature of the process and discuss merits of Supreme Court nominees.
Curated OER
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
Students examine executive and legislative powers. In this federal powers instructional activity, students determine who has the power to wage war in the U.S. government. Students analyze the Constitution and research historical...
School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.