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Search and Seizure in Oregon
Young scholars examine the search and seizure laws in Oregon. Individually, they discover if they can see anything that relates to the own life from a specific case. Using cases, they research the history of the Exclusionary Rule and...
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Constitution Cartoons
Young scholars view series of cartoon overheads that explain Constitution, name branches of government and their powers, define federalism and separation of powers, examine rights and obligations of citizens, and discuss significance of...
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Separation of Powers
Eighth graders explore and explain the responsibilities and limits of our national system of government.  After reading various selections documenting the viewpoints of the federalists and anti-federalists and the separation of power,...
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Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
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The Need for Government—A Cinematic and Literary Perspective
Students examine the philosophy of government. In this types of  government lesson, students explore literature and movie clips to determine the value of rules in lawless societies.
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Government Lesson Plans
Students can learn how their government is organized through these engaging lesson plans.
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Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case
Students examine the balance between civil liberties and protection. In this national security lesson, students explore the Korematsu case which references the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Students draw comparisons between...
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POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Students compare the powers of a U.S. president to those of leaders of other countries. They pretend they are presidential advisors and make decisions as a group as to what the president has the right do in different situations.
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Raptors: Senses and Influences
Middle schoolers compare the traits of humans to raptors.  In this senses and beneficial traits instructional activity students create a newsletter and compare raptors to aircraft. 
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How Ordinary People Can Have an Impact
Students identify three or more ways the Federal Government impacts their daily lives and then explore ways in which citizens can influence political leaders.
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America's Mighty Rivers
Students examine the cultural importance of America's rivers. Using the Mississippi and Hudson Rivers, they examine a story that takes place on each river. They are introduced to the concepts of preservation and stewardship.
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Budget Mania
Students examine several examples of budgets to develop a facility with the components of its formation. Income, expenses, and expenditures are considered and itemized for this lesson.
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The U.S. Constitution and Disability Laws
Students examine the United States Constitution for laws that protect people with disabilities. They discover how the education system provides equal education to all students and how the Federal Government makes sure this is occuring.
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George to George
Students use the internet to research the beginnings of the United States government.  In groups, they examine the presidency of George Washington while they are guided along a museum tour.  They end the lesson by discussing the changes...
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The Judicial Branch
For this checks and balances in U.S. government worksheet, students read a 4-paragraph selection regarding the Supreme Court and then respond to 5 fill in the blank questions.
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American Revolution and Constitution Take-Home Assessment
In this early American history worksheet, students draw diagrams of that feature the responsibilities of each of the 3 branches of the federal government and then create their own original visuals that highlight the formation of American...
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Arguments Against Ratifying the Constitution
Young scholars define federalism, Federalist, and Anti-Federalist, debate issue of ratification in classroom convention, and take vote on whether to add bill of rights.  Three lessons on one page.
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Kill the Indian to Save the Man: Reservations, Assimilation, and Native American Resistance and Persistence in the West
Learners investigate the theory versus the reality of US government reservation policy in the mid to late 19th Century by watching a video. They design a time line that shows how the individual tribes surrendered to the reservation...
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American Bald Eagle - status in your state
In this American Bald Eagle worksheet, students click on the links to learn about the American Bald Eagle and answer short answer questions about it. Students complete 5 questions total.
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Constitution Repatriation Simulation
Learners work cooperatively in groups to present the specific needs of an assigned territory to a mock meeting of government officials in an attempt to amend an existing law.
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The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game
Learners study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
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The Wealth Tax of 1935 and the Victory Tax of 1942
Young scholars explain that during the Great Depression and World War II, the Roosevelt administration implemented new, broader, and more progressive taxes in order to cover the costs of the New Deal programs and the war.
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The Works Progress Administration and the New Deal
Students research the Depression Era and how it contributed to the formation of the Works Progress Administration. After research, they create a skit to illustrate life during the Depression and the role of the Works Progress...
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The Constitution: Drafting a More Perfect Union
Young scholars analyze an unknown primary source document to determine its origin. In this Constitution lesson, students read primary source documents and contrast and compare the evolution of the drafts of the Constitution. Young...