Curated OER
It's Your Right: A Civil Rights Brochure
Learners examine the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court cases in order to broaden their understanding of the US Judicial System. They research a variety of textual and Internet resources to create a tri-fold brochure,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 4 James Madison: Internal Improvements Balancing Act—Federal/State and Executive/Legislative
Who has the power? The founding fathers asked the same question when the United States was formed. Learners explore issues that arose during Madison’s presidency that raised constitutional questions. Through discovery, discussion, and...
Curated OER
Leaders & Leadership: A Political Power Structure from Washington to West KY
Though outdated (the presentation names members of the Bush Administration as current political leaders), these slides could be useful to an industrious teacher who is willing to update the information in the Executive, Judicial, and...
Curated OER
Is Government Necessary?
Students investigate the purpose of Congress and determine how it affects them. They explain what life would be like without government.
Curated OER
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Middle schoolers learn basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court.
iCivics
The Fourth Branch: You!
Take time to remind your young learners of the valuable understanding that each branch of the United States government is really composed of other citizens. The reading material and worksheets of this resource cover the importance of...
Curated OER
Citizens of the Future
Young sociologists explore how local, state, and federal governments work. This very impressive and ambitious lesson requires pupils to contact government officials who represent them and their families. They research elections, and hold...
Curated OER
Separation of Powers
Eighth graders explore and explain the responsibilities and limits of our national system of government. After reading various selections documenting the viewpoints of the federalists and anti-federalists and the separation of power,...
Curated OER
Is it Legal? - The Judicial System
Fourth graders explore the judicial branch of government; in particular, Florida's judicial branch of government.
iCivics
Governing Communities
The government at the local level acts as perhaps one of the most relevant government systems to many in their communities. Learners discover how the local government shapes their lives and the similarities and differences between the...
Judicial Branch of California
Where We Fit In: The Judicial Branch
An interesting resource addresses the role of youth in civic participation and community events. It also explains the role of the justice system in creating boundaries and how citizens play a part in the judicial process. Pupils...
Curated OER
American History Through the Len of the Supreme Court Decisions
Students examine the historical background of Supreme Court decisions and the basic principles behind legislation. As part of the activity, students discover legal concepts and terms and write sentences using the vocabulary they have...
Judicial Learning Center
Do You Know Your Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights is much more than an important piece of paper! The rights cover everything from freedom of speech to the right to remain silent if arrested. Scholars find out their own rights by answering the questions in the form of...
Curated OER
How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Young scholars describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
Curated OER
Exploring the Three Branches of Government
Students 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...
School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
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.
Curated OER
Indiana Courts: How Do They Work?
High schoolers identify the branches of Indiana's judicial system and determine the differences between the different courts and different types of cases. Students create a flow chart showing how a court case works its way through the...
Curated OER
Three Branches of Government+++A Visual Representation
Third graders identify the three branches of government, describing their functions, and the important people in each branch. They construct models of the buildings and people to visually represent the Legislative, Executive, and...
Curated OER
The Plan of Government under the U.S. Constitution
Students explore the U.S. plan for federal government. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students investigate a chart on the responsibilities of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches of governments. Students complete a...
Curated OER
With Liberty and Justice for All
High schoolers examine the role of Supreme Court justices. In this judicial branch lesson, students consider the civil rights and civil liberties as they investigate Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) and West Virginia State...
Ohio Center For Law-Related Education
Four Activities: Thurgood Marshall and the Nomination and Confirmation of Federal Judges
The process of nominating and confirming federal judges can sound like a lot of bureaucratic hoops, but a resource breaks down the steps of the Supreme Court nominations in a simpler manner. Learners participate in four activities that...
Curated OER
Geography of the Hill
Students explore the basic functions of Canadian government, who is responsible for each function and where the officials associated with each function work.
Curated OER
Makers of the Law, The Legislative Branch
Students, in teams, research the legislative branch and complete a "Legislative Information List." Teams research different parts of the list and jigsaw teach the other groups about each part. One group researches names of state officials.
Curated OER
The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game
Learners 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...