Students explore the nature of rules and see how they help in the formation and operation of organizations. Working in small groups, students create their own charter for a new club

Students examine individual rights. In this case law lesson, students discuss the from and function of the Bill of Rights prior to investigating several cases that deal with Constitutional rights. Students discuss the outcome of the...

Learners explore the concept of American imperialism by researching and analyzing historical examples of American imperialism. They draft a set of laws that would govern the actions of powerful nations in other countries.

Pupils identify the elements of child abuse and neglect. Using this information, they relate it to the laws in their home state. They read scenerios and ask questions to determine if child abuse is present. They review the trial process...

Students examine due process and equal protection. In this current events lesson, students read the provided article, "Due Process and Equal Protection for Gays and Lesbians." Students respond to the provided discussion questions and...

Eighth graders explore the effect of the Fourteenth Amendment.  In this US History lesson, 8th graders read and analyze primary source documents.  Students write a three minute paper demonstrating their understanding of the...

Students are taught the differences between totalitarianism and democracy. They discuss the historical roots of the democratic tradition. Students are introduced to the term totalitarianism and are told that it is a form of government...

Whether you are new to the mock trial format or have extensive experience with the program, you'll find much to learn from this teacher training manual that includes strategies for teaching the various aspects of court room trials.

Students compare and contrast Hammurabi's Code and the Ten Commandments. They discuss the purpose for rules. Students examine the first written laws by King Hammurabi and the Ten Commandments. Students discover the inequalities in...

High schoolers explore cases that have occurred in the past in which reporters refuse to reveal their confidential conversations with government sources and investigate the status of the current bills in Congress. Students use this...

Namely through discussion, get your opinionated scholars examining the roles of government- is it even necessary? They analyze the quote: "To be free, one must be chained," writing what it represents and then sharing. Consider...

Students conduct research into looking at a free-speech issue. They role play the events surrounding a court case. The lesson includes guiding questions to help create context and determine areas of further study. The presentation...

High schoolers explore the effects of immigration on the immigrants and on society as a whole. They survey opportunities to understand the complex issues of the immigrant experience, both past and present. Illustrations of immigration...

Imagine a meeting between President Bush and Putin. Get your class thinking about global awareness, democracy, and totalitarian modes of government. They examine how two leaders approach major governmental issues and run their countries...

Students explore how codes of conduct guide our daily lives. After learning about specific codes of conduct, students write articles exploring aspects of different codes and how they affect people in their community.

Learners study the concept of separation of powers. They recognize how the Constitution provides for separation of powers and categorize public officials into one of three branches of government. Students do a role play and see if...

Students analyze eight case studies of Supreme Court decisions regarding due process of law and their impact on American society in the early 20th century. They digest that although the 14th amendment was intended to give federal rights...

Students make connections between nonviolent ideals and art. In this visual arts lesson, students discuss the successes of the American Civil Rights Movement and discuss Gandhi's influence on the movement. Students then examine images of...

Twelfth graders examine the background of democratic and authoritative rule in Haiti. In pairs they conduct a simulated interview, reporting for a news station about the political, personal, and economical life in Haiti. They conduct...

Students explore the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students consider the individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights as they read the provided handouts and complete the provided worksheet activities.

High schoolers, in groups, research various philosophers and the historical context of their work. They discuss the necessity and interaction of laws, regulations and human freedoms and consider the importance of the Canadian government...

Students examine the search and seizure laws in Oregon. Individually, they discover if they can see anything that relates to the own life from a specific case. Using cases, they research the history of the Exclusionary Rule and practice...

Learners examine the history of the United States' immigration policy. They identify events in history that changed policies regarding immigrants. They discuss new possible legislation as well.

Students closely examine several of Hammurabi's laws and compare them to laws and/or values we use today. They consider how laws are made and enforced and complete several worksheets during their investigations.