A learning module on federalism. It includes several supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Topics covered include how state and federal powers are defined in...

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following: Identify U.S. budget deficit and surplus trends over the past five decades and Explain the differences between the U.S. federal budget, and state and local budgets.

Explore the ideas and principles of American government including its influences, foundation, and basic tenets (such as checks and balances and federalism).

This site shows charts, graphs, and information from more than 70 agencies in the United States Federal Government that produce statistics of interest to the public.

Read the text of Article II of the Constitution, the four sections of which lay out the powers and duties of the executive branch of the federal government.

Through amendments and legal rulings, the Constitution has transformed in some critical ways. The U.S. Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified by nine of the original 13 states a year later, is the world's longest-surviving written...

The official site for the U.S. Agency for International Development. USAID "is the U.S. federal government agency that implements America's foreign economic and humanitarian assistance programs." Learn all about the work it does around...

This chapter introduction describes the historical context in which the issue of federalism was discussed by our nation's Founders. Discusses the Federalist and Anti-Federalist points-of-view.

The U.S. International Trade Commission administers U.S. trade law and informs U.S. international trade policies, for the U.S. government and the American people.

Learn about the judicial branch of the federal government, how the organization of the federal judiciary is determined, the functions and responsibilities of the Supreme Court, and features of the judicial process.

Provides a summary and full text of Article 4 of the US Constitution that summarizes the duties that individual states have to each other, as well as those the federal government has to the states.

Short, but comprehensive, synopsis of Clinton's two terms as president. Included in the article is the 1992 campaign, successful and controversial legislation, and the scandals that would eventually become part of his presidential legacy.

The making of federal Indian policy in the United States during the 19th century was marked by disagreement among all parties. The areas of disagreement that stood out most were (1) What is the legal/constitutional status of Indians and...

America's interstate highway system cut through the heart of dozens of urban neighborhoods. Congress approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, authorizing what was then the largest public works program in U.S. history. It promised to...

This resource explains the conflict between Jackson and the state of South Carolina over the state's right to nullify federal tariffs. This conflict almost brought armed conflict between the federal government and the state.

Early in the morning on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States. While the storm itself did a great deal of damage, its aftermath was catastrophic Levee breaches led to massive flooding, the federal...

An internet guide to US military history and national security. Includes links to the history of the US armed forces and specific branches as well as information on the different federal organizations involved in national security.

A summary of Washington's task to appoint Supreme Court and other federal judicial officials, appointments which he based on relevant experience, their support for the constitution, and on where they lived. Includes images of a...

Learning module in which students use current and relevant information to take a close look at poverty in America, past and present, and examine how the government should address it. Comprehensive multi-media learning materials include...

Provides answers to commonly asked questions about Native Americans, e.g., how they are defined, the proper terms to use, and what a reservation is, as well as questions about their relationship with the federal and state governments,...

Learners will learn about the federal and state courts and what they do. They will explore the courts' role in fairly settling disputes and administering justice, and the unique role of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the U.S....

Learn about the newest budget cuts being faced by the United States government and American citizens. These cuts may impact the income of many people, including members of the military. Find out more about the cuts scheduled to take...

Essay covers from the Articles of Confederation and the problems of disunity of the new states after the Revolutionary War, internally as well as externally, to the Constitutional Convention, an attempt to address the Articles' problems....

Learn about Malawi's history from its paleological beginnings to its recent elections. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.