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
The Powers That Be
Students investigate past energy legislation, then write letters to Congress from the perspective of citizens trying to influence the original passage of these bills. Each small group does their research using a website imbedded in this...
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The Many Powers of the President
Students become familiar with the many roles of the president. They are given various scenarios. They must decide which of his "hats" he must wear given the specifics of each situation.
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Separation of Powers
Eighth graders research the three branches of government and examine the effect that the separation of powers has on the presidency. They explain the importance of the rule of law in establishing limits on both those who govern and the...
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Asking and Answering Questions Using the Balance of Powers
Learners complete a diagram showing the relationship between the executive, legislative and judical brances of the government. They form sentences using the question words. They restate who and what questions as well.
Safe Drinking Water Foundation
How Water Pollution Is Cleaned Up
As a follow-up from the previous lesson, young environmentalists discuss the benefits of water filtration and whether or not it's the best option. Other alternatives including air stripping, bioremediation, and phytoremediation are...
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Driving Safety and Distractions
High schoolers research process necessary to add local or state law limiting such driving distractions as cell phones or other technological devices, interview city leaders or legislators, research areas that already have such...
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Congress and the Creation of the Bill of Rights
Students participate in inquiry activities to explore powers outlined in the Bill of Rights. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students creation of a class Bill of Rights, evaluate and propose amendments, and analyze primary source...
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The President's Role and Succession
Fourth graders examine the role the President of the United States plays in American government and the order of succession of cabinet members. They explain about presidential qualifications and the path to becoming President.
K12 Reader
Branches of Government
Set down the basics of the three branches of government with the reading passage included here. After reading, class members answer five questions related to the passage.
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Nadine Gordimer's Town and Country Lovers
Students are introduced to Nadine Gordimer's Town and Country Lovers in the context of the acts of apartheid. They analyze Gordimer's depiction of racist legislation at its most intimate levels. Students assess how to weave a political...
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Harlem Renaissance Research Project
Students complete a group research project on the Harlem Renaissance. In this Harlem instructional activity, students pick from a list of topics all related to the Harlem renaissance. They create a PowerPoint presentation, topic outline,...
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How Did That Get There?
Learners evaluate the role of government in addressing land use and other environmental issues. They analyze the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of elected and appointed officials in the national legislative, executive, and...
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The Panama Canal Treaties: How Treaties Are Ratified
Students gain an understanding of how the executive and legislative branches, influenced by popular opinion, work toward the ratification of a treaty. They examine the influences and impact of lobbying and special interests in the...
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Successful Deaf Leaders in Government
Students create a "Who's Who" compilation of local, state, national and international leaders that advocate, introduce legislation, and lobby for the deaf. They use internet research to create a catalog of biographies and then conduct a...
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The Duties of Governments: Dix vs. Pierce
Students examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of government.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Cultural Change
High schoolers research the passage of the 19th Amendment as an illustration of the mutual influence between political ideas and cultural attitudes. They also read the Seneca Falls Declaration and explore the cultural shifts it both...
Curated OER
Civics Test for Citizenship: History and Government, 100 Questions
Use this thorough presentation to help your English Learners prepare for their citizenship. Covering questions 1-51 from a History and Government practice test, these slides could be a great resource for those who are working to become...
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Dictation: Violence
In this dictation worksheet about violence, students take dictation from a passage about violence.
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English Vocabulary Skills: AWL Sublist 1 - Exercise 2c
In this online interactive English vocabulary skills worksheet, students answer 10 matching questions which require them to fill in the blanks in 10 sentences. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
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Teen Drivers With Passengers
Students research the current driving laws. They investigate what has happened in states that do have tougher laws to restrict passengers with teen drivers. Students discuss the pros and cons of making a change in their state.
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Vocab-u-lous! Build a Fabulous Vocab
In this vocabulary learning exercise, students decipher the best word choice to complete the sentence. All words begin with the letter "F."
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4-H Citizenship Activity Page
In order to understand how our government works, students need to delve into the intricacies at both the local and federal level. Using this 20 question activity learners explore how government affects their daily life.
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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...