Other
The American Interest: China's Place in u.s. Foreign Policy
China's remarkable aggregation of national power over the past 35 years has been a source of wonderment: to economists, who have been surprised by that country's consistently high rate of growth; to political scientists, who are at a...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Our Government
This slide and the six that follow it (use the advance button near the bottom of the screen) offer an explanation of each of the three branches of government and the duties they perform, including discussion of the tensions arising from...
Other
Usa Gov: Three Branches of Government
Lesson plans for students to learn about the three branches of government. They can find information about the origins of the Constitution, separation of powers, and details about each of the three branches.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government
A brief overview of the origins of the three branches of the federal government, with links to more in-depth information about each branch. Also discusses the concerns of the Founding Fathers about creating a government that had...
iCivics
I Civics: Six Roles of the President (Infographic)
Infographic helps keep track of the many hats worn by the president.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Article 2 of the Us Constitution
Article 2 of the US Constitution deals with the establishment of the Executive Branch, the election of the President and Vice-President, the powers and responsibilities of the President, and the process of impeachment.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Games
Test your knowledge of U.S. geography and government with these games and printable activities. In one game, see if you can place all 50 states in their correct location. In the second game, see if you can recognize the powers of each...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Sioux Treaty of 1868
The National Archives and Records Administration highlights the Sioux Treaty of 1868. The instructional activity provided here relates to the power granted to the president and the Senate in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, of the U.S....
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Making the Constitution Terms
Read about Checks and Balances, Balance of Power, the Electoral College, and much more in this informative lesson about the making of the Constitution.
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...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (9 12)
Provides a brief overview of the judicial branch of the federal government. Discusses the origin of the judicial branch, the concept of judicial review, and functions of the judicial branch. Links to more information about the U.S....
Tour Costa Rica
Costa Rica Government: Overview
This site gives an overview on the government of Costa Rica. Includes information on the courts, executive and legislative powers, and the provinces of Costa Rica.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Fdr and World War Ii
Discusses how Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the United States through World War II and laid the groundwork for Harry Truman to assume the role after his death.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Ii: Recess Appointments
Explains Clause 3 of Article II, Vacancies during Recess of Senate. It outlines various situations where a vacancy may occur and what rules are in place to deal with it.
Other
President Gerald Ford's Veto of Railroad Retirement
Text of the message that President Ford wrote to the House of Representatives in 1974 stating his reasons for his veto of the Railroad Retirement Benefits Legislation.
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: Rice on Iraq, War and Politics
Transcript of an interview of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in September of 2002, discussing President George W. Bush's ideas about moving the US into war against Iraq.
US National Archives
National Archives: The Constitution in Action: Article Ii
This activity can be used during a unit on the U.S. Constitution. Middle schoolers will analyze the Senate Journal of the First Congress and identify how the document demonstrates content contained within Article II of the Constitution...
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
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.
Other
Center for Strategic & International Studies
"The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact." Site gives student information and research on topics of national and international security.
Other
Foreign Policy Association
The FPA is an "organization founded in 1918 to educate Americans about significant world issues that have an important impact on their lives." Gives students an opportunity to take part in activities through the Great Decisions program.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: American Diplomacy
An on-line magazine that provides "Commentary, Analysis, and Research on American Foreign Policy and Its Practice." Also contains articles from actual ambassadors and diplomats in the Foreign Service.