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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students consider the importance and influence of congressional committees. They research congressional committee assignments, jurisdictions and responsibilities as illustrations of the basic principles of American federalism.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Legislators and Representation - Executive, Federal and Interest Group Relations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore the interaction between the legislature and other governmental institutions. They watch videos exploring the relationship between the state legislature and two government institutions, and the role of lobbyists on...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Federal Legislative Process

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The instructional activity gives the option of developing other resources for students to use...
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Lesson Plan
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iCivics

Mini-Lesson: Congressional Committees

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
How exactly do both houses of Congress come to a formal decision on an issue? Scholars research the use of congressional committees as part of the legislative process. By using current events to analyze information, they see the role...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Federal Legislative Process: A Mock Session in the House of Commons

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars examine the legislative process in Canada's House of Commons. They simulate the role of being a sitting member of the House of Commons, developing bills, conducting meetings, and voting on the written bills.
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Lesson Plan
Constitutional Rights Foundation

Educating About Immigration The DREAM Act

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Group members role play state legislators, supporters of and opponents to the The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). After listening to the arguments put forth for and against the immigration legislation,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Regents Review Worksheet #1: Principles of the U.S. Constitution

For Teachers 12th
Kids who take the Regents Exam really need to know a lot of information. This is a wonderful exam review tool that includes 26 pages of questions, charts, and suggested readings to help upper graders pass the test. It focuses on all...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Real Work is Done in Committee: A Simulation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the Canadian federal legislative process, and identify the main features of local, provincial, and federal governments in Canada. They simulate the process of a bill going through the legislative process.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study the legal battles involving same-sex marriage. They examine primary sources and a video regarding the 14th amendment and its implications for gay marriage. They analyze a report of a California case that was sent to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Separation of Powers

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Learners examine the separation of powers in local and federal government. Using case studies, they review several instances of separation of powers. After reading the case studies, they write a brief opinion essays supporting their...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Federal and State Laws on Hazardous Waste

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine how laws on hazardous waste is developed and enforced. They work together to discover how statutes are passed as well. They complete an activity to end the lesson plan.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 2: How Taxes Evolve

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine the legislative process of enacting federal income tax laws. They conduct research and report on the Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp) Act of 1934.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Economics: Actions of Government

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars examine the susceptibility of legislators to agricultural lobbyists to support subsidy programs. In small groups, they role-play as members of interest groups that might be affected by inflation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Functions of the Three Branches of Government

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research the branches of government and write summaries about both the state and federal systems. After conducting reaserch in texts and online, students create Venn diagrams displaying the governmental functions of the three...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Federal Political Campaign Pamphlet

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers organize and create a six-panel federal political campaign pamphlet. They research the main Canadian federal political parties, analyze the platforms, and organize the information for their pamphlet.
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Lesson Plan
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School Improvement in Maryland

Building a Pyramid

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Actions that Changed the Law

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
The Fair Play Act of 2009 came about due to the actions of one woman. Young historians research Lilly Ledbetter and what she went through to get pay equal to that paid to men for the same work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simulating the Legislative Process

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research and simulate a debate of an issue. They simulate proposing a bill to the legislature.
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Interactive
Curated OER

Government Spending - Earmarks

For Students 7th - 8th
In this government spending - earmarks worksheet, students research this topic (there are many links listed), examine the issue, write a letter to their congressional representative or a local newspaper, make a video or analyze the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

LEGISLATION: Passing a bill in The House of Representatives

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore how legislation is introduced to the House of Representatives with special emphasis on how issues of national importance arise and how bills move through the chamber. Students debate an urgent bill and direct...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Putting Thought Into Political Action

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Pupils examine the Parliamentary and Legislative functions of the Canadian government. They select an idea they believe should be made into a law, and research the area of the government capable of responding to their ideas.
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Lesson Plan
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iCivics

The Road to Civil Rights

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Here is a fantastic resource on the civil rights movement! It includes reading materials and worksheets, and particularly highlights major legislation and the role of the judicial branch in the federal government in addressing the...
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Lesson Plan
State Bar of Texas

Baker v. Carr

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Environmental Voting Records of Legislators

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars collect and record data on the environmental voting record of their local and state legislators using the Internet. They identify examples of environmental problems or endangered species in their state.