National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Interactive Constitution
This is a wonderful way to explore the US Constitution. The actual text of the Constitution comes first, then an excellent explanation of the text follows. In addition, most of the Amendments have essays by scholars on opposing sides of...
A&E Television
History.com: Black History Milestones
A detailed account of the history of African Americans is presented in this article. Divided by main topics or periods of time, the coming of slavery to America is the first focus. Followed by plantation life and escapes to freedom and...
Other
Newseum: Petition Overview
This well-documented resource provides an overview of the right to petition the government, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about this right. Recent cases and expected reforms are also explained.
Illinois Institute of Technology
The Oyez Project: Bigelow v. Virginia (1975)
Brief overview of the Bigelow v. Virginia (1975) Supreme Court case.
Boston College
Boston College: Bigelow v. Virginia
Complete syllabus and decision on the Supreme Court case Bigelow v. Virginia (1975).
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
This resource provides information about the Joseph Burstyn v. Wilson Supreme Court case.
Other
Landmark Cases: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
A fantastic teacher resource site for helping students explore the main issues of the landmark case of Tinker v. Des Moines. It includes background summaries, excerpts of opinions, activities, and in-depth lessons.
Boston College
Boston College: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
Full-text edition of the entire decision in the Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case.
Boston College
Boston College: Dennis v. United States (1951)
Full syllabus and decision from the Dennis v. United States Supreme Court case.
Lectric Law Library
'Lectric Law Library: New York Times v. United States
The 1971 leaking of the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times led to a Supreme Court case in which the government took the newspaper to court over publishing classified information about Vietnam War policy.
George Washington University
Nsa: The Pentagon Papers: Secrets, Lies, and Audiotapes
This site offers an extensive history of the 1971 Pentagon Papers case. Features include transcripts of President Nixon's tapes, White House phone conversations, memoirs, and other primary resources.
Other
U.s. Diplomatic Mission to Germany: Media in the u.s.: Freedom of the Press
Extensive government web site focusing on Freedom of the Press in American history. Many links to video, podcasts, primary documents, text, and case studies are included.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Alien and Sedition Acts
A great description of the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798. See how the Federalists tried to hang on to power by restricting voting privileges and infringing on free speech and freedom of the press.
Other
Student Press Law Center Legal Brief: Libel Law
Excellent site for students that need to know more about libel laws. Includes a definition of libel, a process to go by in order to avoid a lawsuit, and your defense options if you happen to be involved in a lawsuit.
Boston College
Boston College: Schenck v. United States
Read the decision of this landmark Supreme Court decision involving the 1917 Espionage Act Schenck v. United States (1919).
Danuta Bois
Distinguished Women of Past and Present: Antoinette Louisa Brown Blackwell
Antoinette Blackwell was the first American woman to be ordained as a minister. She was a champion of woman's rights and lived to vote at age 95 after the adoption of the 19th amendment into the U.S. Constitution.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: United States Bill of Rights
This encyclopedia article from Wikipedia gives some background history to the creation of the Bill of Rights and contains a transcription of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution in their original form.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: The Slaughter House Cases
Learn about the historically important 1873 Slaughter-House Cases on civil rights, which became the first Supreme Court interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Library of Congress
Loc: Madison's Treasures
Documents presented here relate to two seminal events in which Madison played a major role: the drafting and ratification of the Constitution of the United States (1787-1788) and the introduction (1789) in the First Federal Congress of...
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez: Everson v. Board of Education
Brief account of the Everson v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Gives dates, facts, questions, and conclusion.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Free Exercise of Religion
Information about the Free Exercise Clause and general purpose laws which protect individuals from government interference in their religious affairs.
Library of Congress
Loc: Religion and the Founding of American Rep.: Religion and the Federal Gov
This site from the Library of Congress presents selections of articles, writings, and pictures that summarize the beliefs of the early American politicians that morality and personal independence were essential for the country. Links to...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Censorship in the Classroom
Online lesson that challenges students to examine the past and present practice of censorship in the classroom, in particular the "Banned books," from high school curriculums. Students research reasons for censorship and choose a side of...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Equal Status of Jewish Americans
This 3-page article provides a general overview of George Washington recognizing the equal status of Jewish Americans in 1790.