Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners participate in a scavenger hunt to gather information on their governmental officials. Using the internet, they identify and discuss the various political boundaries to determine who their representative is. They complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why or Why Not Law?

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders, in groups, study the law on the Internet.
Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Government: The Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Comprehensive learning module with multi-media resources on the Legislative Branch of the American Government.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
Handout
State Library of North Carolina

N Cpedia: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th
Referred to as the North Carolina General Assembly, the legislative branch is run similarly to the federal government. Check out this brief resource for details about the state legislative system.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Website
Other

Govspot: Legislative Branch

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site has an outline from Govspot of the Legislative Branch of the United States. This site links you to every part of the Judicial Branch of the United States.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Thomas: Legislative Information

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This retired site captures historical legislative activity that includes bill summary and status, bill text, public laws by law number, most recent issue, roll-call votes, committee reports, house committees, and senate committees.
Graphic
Other

Canada Info: Structure of Canadian Federal Government Chart

For Students 3rd - 8th
The structure of the 3 levels of the Canadian Federal Government is clearly shown on this graphic chart. Useful for anyone researching the Canadian government.
Primary
Yale University

Article I of the u.s. Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Read all ten sections of Article I of the Constitution, which lay out the powers of the legislative branch of the federal government.
Primary
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: u.s. Constitution: Article I

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete text of Article I, sections 1-10, of the U.S. Constitution, establishing the Legislative Branch of the Federal government.
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Branches of Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
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...
Primary
US House of Representatives

History, Art, and Archives: Oral History of the House of Representatives

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Through interviews with House officers, aides, committee staff, former Representatives, and others, a rich heritage has been preserved. Audio, video, and transcripts provide a look into legislative processes and procedures, personal and...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Branches of Government

For Students Pre-K - 1st Standards
Introduction to a learning adventure on the Constitution and branches of government. Students click on their age group icon to find information on which part of the Constitution spells out the powers of legislative, executive and...
Website
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Legislatures: Laying Down the Law

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
This ambitious unit examines the various levels of legislature from federal to municipal, the wants of constituents versus what the legislators feel is right, and the need for compromise. Offers video, activities, and related resources.
Unit Plan
Indiana University

Center on Congress: Learn About Congress

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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...
Interactive
US Mint

United States Mint: Branches of Power

For Students 3rd - 8th
Save the federal government from Oppressor Sam, and learn about the US Constitution to restore the three branches of government.
Activity
Cynthia J. O'Hora

Mrs. O's House: Government Evaluate Your Senator or Representative

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (9 12)

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
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....
Lesson Plan
Cynthia J. O'Hora

Mrs. O's House: Government Travel and Staffers

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Who should pay for politicians traveling before it violates ethical codes of abuse of power? Legislators and their staff were offered and accepted millions of dollars worth of free trips. This activity explores the ethics of our...
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch (6 8)

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site from Ben's Guide to U.S. Government 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....
Website
The White House

The White House: Our Government

For Students 9th - 10th
Overviews of the major elements of U.S. government, compiled and published by the White House: three branches of the federal government (executive, legislative, judicial), the Constitution, federal agencies and commissions, elections and...
Website
Other

First Gov: Official Portal of the u.s. Government

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A launching point for information about the U.S. government and its resources. One can search FirstGov by keyword or phrase, by browsing a topics list, or by selecting a federal branch (executive, legislative, or judicial). State and...