Students learn about First Amendment rights as they pertain to school and school newspapers.

Students explore freedom of speech. Individually, they complete a K-W-L chart. Students participate in a "Stand If You Can" activity where they make statements regarding the freedom of speech. Students stand if they agree with the...

Pupils examine the proposition of a country without the Bill of Rights. In a role-playing activity, teams of pupils gather information to build a case for retaining the Bill of Rights and present it before their congressperson.

Students read about the civil rights movement in their textbooks. They engage in a whole-class discussion of how nonviolent direct action can be a powerful tool for bringing about social, economic, or political change.

Pupils perform research in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a debate has begun over augmented security and surveillance, versus safeguards for personal freedoms. This debate is certain to occupy our...

Students study the history of the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students read and use two handouts to learn about the history of the Bill of Rights. Students then work in groups to study the Bill of Rights. Students then...

In this Bill of Rights worksheet, learners listen to a song titled "Bill of Rights," then match amendments to their descriptions. An answer key is included.

Ninth graders examine various Supreme Court Cases.  For this American Government lesson, 9th graders research a specific Supreme Court Case.  Students create a multiple choice assignment based on their assigned case. 

In this James Madison historical term quiz, students define the meaning of several terms relating to the aforementioned topic in order to advance their historical knowledge.

Prepare your English learners for their upcoming citizenship test with this presentation. Addressing common questions about the American government and Constitution, this slideshow could be a good study guide for students who struggle...

Students discuss what free press means and what it would be like without this right. They read the summary from the Near v. Minnesota case. In groups, they analyze a problem and report to the class.

Students investigate the role of and develop opinions of the court in weighing competing interests in making decisions. They examine the power of the courts and legislature to regulate constitutional rights.

Students discuss the affect the Iraq War has had on citizens taking advantage of their right to express themselves through non-violent protests and pledges of resistance. They research and discuss local community and school events and...

Students research on the Web and in other venues to track the Iraq war protests high school students have joined or even led. Students interview students in your community who have joined protests or expressed their views in other ways...

Students explore cases that have occurred in the past in which reporters refuse to reveal their confidential conversations with government sources and investigate the status of the current bills in Congress. Students use this information...

Learners write an article to inform readers about confidentiality with reporters, attempting to find local lawyers and journalists to explain the issues as they relate to them. Students research past cases and the status of the current...

Learners are read-aloud an excerpt from The Friendship by Mildred Taylor. They pick strips of paper, white or brown, and sit according to color drawn. Students are given preferential treatment if their paper is white while the learners...

Students research a straw vote placed on a Florida ballet in 1972 that asked if voters were in favor of prohibiting forced busing to further desegregation. They read primary documents, complete a worksheet and participate in class...

Learners discuss the right and wrong actions of a young Navajo boy. Using that information, they compare and contrast his culture to their own. In groups, they create a newspaper or poster showing the cultural contributions of the...

For this American government worksheet, students respond to 12 true/false, 11 alphabetical order, 15 fill in the appropriate articles, 15 matching, and 1 cryptogram about the structure of the American government.

Students practice their reading comprehension skills by reading about the Bill of Rights. They answer questions after reading to test their comprehension.

Middle schoolers examine the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students write essays for perform plays that feature the importance of the first ten amendments. Middle schoolers imagine the United States without 1 of the...

Students explore the foundations of America. In this early American history lesson, students watch Discovery video segments regarding the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights....

Students explore the Bill of Rights, which rights have limitations on them, and how these rights apply to their personal lives. They write their own Bill of Rights for the class community.