PBS
Reading Adventure Pack: Government
A reading adventure pack looks closely at government with the help of two books—one fiction, one nonfiction, and a series of activities. Learners craft a mobile to visualize a balanced government, participate in a scavenger hunt around...
iCivics
The Executive Command
Take on the role of president of the United States with this interactive online game, which will acquaint your learners with the various responsibilities of the executive branch of government. While not an in-depth or complex resource,...
Federal Reserve Bank
Piggy Bank Primer: 25 Cents Worth of History
It's all about money. Here's a resource that introduces kids to the Federal Reserve System, different coins produced by the mints, and fun facts about state coins.
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...
PBS
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History—Snapshot Lessons
The Roosevelt family was one of the most influential and prominent political forces in the 20th century, leaving behind a wide-ranging legacy of conservation, progressivism, and economic growth. Learn more about President Theodore...
DocsTeach
Court Packing vs. Reorganizing: The Supreme Court in the New Deal
Travel back in time to understand the effects of FDR's New Deal on the Supreme Court. Academics analyze historical documents to understand FDR's attempts to pack the Supreme Court and the opposition he faced. The activity includes a...
Gatton Park
Magical Maths
A variety of activities take scholars outside the classroom to explore shapes, symmetry, measurement, patterns, sorting, and time in nature. Learners participate individually, and in teams, to measure found objects, go on a...
Cato Institute
Cato Institute: Congress, the Courts, and the Constitution [Pdf]
An analysis of the conflicting views on the fundamental role of the government of the United States, specifically on the relationship between the different branches of the federal government, and what the Cato Institute regards as their...
Library of Congress
Loc: Official Us Executive Branch Websites
This is the official US executive branch site. Provides links to every department of this government branch.
Other
Understanding the Federal Courts
A ten part publication which describes the federal court system, its structure and organization, what types of cases they hear and much more. You can also download a PDF version of the document.
Other
Federal Executive Departments
A complete list of the executive departments and their branches. Clicking on the name of the department will take you to that home page.
Other
Independent Agencies and Government Corporations
A list of independent agencies and Government Corporations with links to their sites.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
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.
Other
Fec: The Fec and the Federal Campaign Finance Law
Sharp critique of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and its role in enforcing campaign finance rules in the United States. Provides good information on the structure of the FEC, its members, its relationship with other branches of...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Separation of Powers
When do the actions of one branch of the federal government unconstitutionally intrude upon the powers of another branch? This article surveys the history of this question in historic Supreme Court cases.
iCivics
I Civics: Who Represents Me?
Do you know who represents you in the federal, state and local government? Do you know how to get in touch with them? This web quest will guide you through a number of web resources that will give you information about your...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Cynthia J. O'Hora
Mrs. O's House: Government Evaluate Your Senator or Representative
How much do you know about your state legislators? Are they living up to their promises? Are they making good choices that represent the wants and needs of the state? This lesson encourages students to do some fact finding on elected...