Judicial Learning Center
How to Create a Law
Laws affect everything from a scholar's favorite public park to rules in the classroom. Express the importance of lawmaking and teach how they relate to every facet of life with a resource on how a bill becomes a law.
C-SPAN
14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause
Two Supreme Court cases, Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education take center stage in a lesson about the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Class members research both cases to compare and contrast the rulings.
Curated OER
Building the Foundation
Students understand the purpose of the judicial branch of government. In this judiciary lesson, students participate in exercises to understand how the court system works. Students complete activity sheets to develop understanding of...
Curated OER
Bill Of Rights
High schoolers examine Supreme Court cases. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch a video about the Bill of Rights and then research 4 Supreme Court cases using the noted web site. High schoolers analyze the presented...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers Between the Three Branches of
Students investigate the concept of the three branches of government by dividing into three teams. They record the powers of the three branches.
State Bar of Texas
Marbury v. Madison
Who has the final say in matters dealing with the rules under the United States Constitution? The case Marbury v. Madison brings to light the issue of judicial review. Learners investigate the Supreme Court's opinion in the case with a...
C-SPAN
Middle School Checks and Balances
Seven video clips reveal how the checks and balances built into the constitutional framework of the United states' government are designed to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. After watching each clip, groups identify the...
Curated OER
Landmark Supreme Court Cases And The Constitution
Have an engaging class discussion on the Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution, and the Supreme Court. Learners examine multiple aspects of the Marbury v. Madison case and the impact that case had on the judicial system in the U.S. Web...
Curated OER
US Government: Supreme Court
Learners explore the powers of the Supreme Court. In this Judicial Branch lesson, students define vocabulary regarding the branch's responsibilities, take notes on a video regarding the branch, and discuss the powers of the branch in a...
Curated OER
Exploring the Three Branches of Government
Learners view a PowerPoint presentation to explore the three branches of government. Using this infromation, they identify the people, buildings and responsiblities of each branch. They complete a worksheet using the internet and take a...
Curated OER
Sandra Day O'Connor
No unit on important women in history would be complete without a lesson on Sandra Day O'Connor. After reading background information about the first female Supreme Court justice, middle schoolers engage in several activities addressing...
iCivics
The Road to Civil Rights
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...
Bill of Rights Institute
Celebrate Constitution Day
September 17 is a great day to focus on the US Constitution for on this day in 1787, the Constitution was signed. Through a series of activities, high schoolers get a chance to look closely at this famous document and the rights and...
Curated OER
The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game
Students study the powers and limitations of the three branches of the American government. They explain how the system of "checks and balances" protects the individual citizens. They explain how the amendments to the Constitution...
Curated OER
iCivics: Court Quest
Learners explore the responsibilities of the Supreme Court. In this judicial branch lesson, students play an online game that requires them to respond to questions regarding the Supreme Court's responsibilities.
Curated OER
Law Day: Constitutional Law Outline
Students receive information about laws. Some of the categories include powers of the federal government, federal powers vs. state powers, and the Bill of Rights. It is in an outline form that looks like the student follows along with...
Curated OER
Comparing Constitutions
Students compare and contrast plans for government. In this government systems instructional activity, students compare and contrast the U.S. Constitution to the constitutions of selected countries using the provided checklist as a...
Curated OER
Studying Florida's Constitution: State's Rights
Students examine the basic rights in their state's constitution. They vote on a class issue, analyze how an amendment is passed, develop a flow chart to demonstrate the steps, and write and illustrate a booklet about their basic rights.
Curated OER
The Powers of Mom: Understanding the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Power
Tenth graders examine the powers of each branch of the government. They analyze the causes and effects of relationships within the government. They participate in activities to help them comprehend the material.
Curated OER
3 Branches of Governement
Sixth graders use the "Making the Grade" books, citizenship packets, and the "Ben's Guide" website to create a poster and a report on their assigned government branch. They then present their poster and report to their classmates.
Curated OER
The Constitution: Our Plan for Government
Learners investigate the importance of separation of powers, checks, balances, and judicial review. They also investigate how national and state governments are linked.
C-SPAN
Choice Board: Expressed and Implied Powers
Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution expressly lists powers given to Congress. Over the years, lawmakers have expanded the enumerated powers to include powers implied by the list. To better understand the significance...
Curated OER
All Talk, No Action
Learners act as senators to negotiate a compromise on judicial filibusters. For homework, they write letters to their senators analyzing the filibuster debate and making recommendations for the future.
Curated OER
U.S. Constitution and Amendments
Students explore the framework of government and examine the Constitution to see its impact on their lives.