Students give examples to indicate how the franchise was extended and limited in the first half of the 19th century, and cite some differences in the newly enfranchised population that could affect the way they would vote.

Here is an interesting topic. Learners examine the economics that led to the founding of the First Bank of America. They participate in a reader's theater experience depicting the debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson...

Connect global examples of attempted genocide with a well-designed social studies lesson. It includes an excellent informational text with background information on the Holocaust, as well as worksheets, book report guidelines, and...

"I have here in my hand . . ." The war against Communism and Joseph McCarthy’s place in it are the focus of a series of lessons examining postwar America from 1945-1954. Joseph McCarthy takes center stage in this, the final lesson...

Scholars assess how word choice and linguistic patterns affect a presidential debate. They examine candidates' words for repetition and analyze what this repetition means. Then they locate countries that fit the expression free world. In...

Young scholars examine a piece of art to find objects and symbols used by the artist. In this visual art lesson, students look at Jaun Quick-to-See Smith's, "Trade Canoe for Don Quixote." They look for symbols and items that show the...

The benefits and drawbacks of convict leasing following the Civil War are the focus of a lesson that asks groups to examine primary source materials to gain an understanding of the program before individuals decide whether they...

Government classes benefit from examining how a bill passes through Congress, while they focus on the compromises made by Obama's administration regarding health care reform. This includes an online video and a couple of handouts. The...

Calling upon the legacies of Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great, Esther Reed rallied Southern women to support the American Revolution. Using a broadside by Reed and other primary sources, such as poetry, young historians...

Paul Chan's work has been known to show the cycle of change. Learners explore the concept of change by analyzing his work and reading the poem "For Which it Stands." They consider symbolism, communication, art, and society as they use...

Students explore Lincoln's Reconstruction plan. For this Reconstruction lesson, students examine Lincoln's speeches and writings on bringing the country back together following the war.

Class members create a timeline of actions by both the British parliament and the colonists that led to the outbreak of the American Revolution. Groups use the provided Primary Source Analysis Tool to examine and...

How did women use President Wilson's ideals and rhetoric in their bid for suffrage? To answer this essential question, class groups analyze primary written documents and visual images.

As part of a study of post Civil War era, young historians investigate the changes in voting rights during the Reconstruction Era (1863-1876), the fraud involved in the Hayes-Tilden presidential election of 1876, and efforts by Pap...

What does it mean to be an American citizen? Lieutenant Colonel Commander William Barret Travis believed that it meant honor to country first—even above one's own life. Middle and high schoolers read his final letters from the Alamo that...

Students analyze documents to determine the steps taken in the selection of judges.

Students discuss characteristics of an effective leader. They divide into Government and Opposition groups. Students draft and research bills. They run a mock parliament in the classroom to pass/defeat new bills.

Eleventh graders explore the the major phases of the electoral process for president.  In this US Government lesson plan, 11th graders compare and contrast the delegate system of nomination and the electoral college. 

Students solve problems using statistics and probability. In this math lesson, students analyze how many corrupted members there are in a fictional town council. They give real life examples where statistics and probability can be used.

Young scholars examine and discuss the Canadian electoral process. They conduct a simulation of the electoral process, with students running as candidates, holding a convention, campaigning, and voting for Prime Minister of the Day.

High schoolers analyze the Alien and Sedition Acts. In this Bill of Rights lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Alien Act and the Sedition Acts. High schoolers examine...

Eleventh graders explore the purpose of the Alien and Sedition Acts.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary source documents.  Students write an essay using writing prompts. 

Students identify examples of government intervention during crisis. In this New Deal instructional activity, students play a game to place descriptions and names to abbreviations of New Deal Agencies. Students interview a person who...

Young scholars investigate the Sedition Act and George Washington's position on the act. For this United States Colonial history lesson, students read about George Washington's position on the Sedition Act. Young scholars then...