University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Nullification Crisis
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.
A&E Television
History.com: Hurricane Katrina
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...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Protects the Right to Vote
Students will draw conclusions regarding actions taken by Congress when passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They will weigh the balance of power between the federal and state governments when protecting the right to vote. Materials...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?
This unit explores the timeless qualities of The U.S. Constitution, the opportunities to amend it, and how it is a pillar of the American identity, through these activities, videos, and outside resources.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Dirksen Congressional Center:congress for Kids: Introduction to the Constitution
Explore the history of the United States Constitution: information about the writing the Constitution, the Great Compromise, the Constitution's signers, the Bill of Rights, the Amendments to the Constitution, federal powers, checks and...
Other
Us District Courts
This is a comprehensive government site that links you to all of the district courts in the United States. It is easy to navigate and find necessary information. The large map helps you locate the district of your choice.
Scholastic
Scholastic: What Is the Definition of Citizenship?
A brief, easy to read definition of citizenship, with links to closely related subjects like how to become a citizen, the definition of naturalization, the Constitution on citizenship, and the history of citizenship in the United States.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Role of the Supreme Court
This essay describes the power of the Supreme Court to 'check' the actions of both the President and Congress, with some historic documentation.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Alexander Hamilton
This site is provided for by the University of Groningen. Alexander Hamilton represented the growing movement towards a strong national government. Read the beginning stages of the nationalist movement, the conflicting ideas of state...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 42: The Bill of Rights Is a Rockin
Students are aware of most their personal rights and freedoms. However, many have not critically evaluated the significance of the Bill of Rights and are unaware that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government from 1791...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Executive Branch
Article provides a guide to the Executive Branch of Government, its connection to the US Constitution, and its role as the branch that enforces the law and is responsible for the daily administration of the government.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Judiciary Branch
Article covers the Judiciary Branch of Government, the branch that interprets the law, and its connection to the US Constitution.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Legislative Branch
Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.
US Navy
U.s. Military History and National Security
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.
iCivics
I Civics: Nationbuilder in Chief
Students learn about some of the decisions and actions the first presidential administrations took to make sure the United States would be strong enough to last.
Other
Money: What It Is, How It Works: Understanding Government Debt
This article discusses how our monetary system works and the role the government plays. Organized into the following sections: "Government Money," "Treasury Options", "Tax or Borrow?", "Rolling Over Government Debt", and "Net Financial...
Library of Congress
Loc: George Washington to the United States Senate, 1789
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...
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About Poverty
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...
Cato Institute
James Madison's Vision of Liberty [Pdf]
An article by the CATO institute about James Madison's vision for his writing and contribution for the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Includes information on his views of a limited government for citizens' rights.
Curated OER
Etc: United States During the Civil War, 1861 1865
A map of the United Stated during the American Civil War (1861-1865) showing State and territory boundaries, with dates of statehood for the territories from 1796 to 1861. The map is color-coded to show the Union States, Confederate...
Curated OER
Etc: Maps Etc: United States at the Outbreak of the Civil War, 1861
A map of the United States and territories in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. The map is color-coded to show the Union Free States, the Confederate States seceded before April 15, 1861, the Confederate States seceded after April...
Yale University
Avalon Project: Amendments Proposed by Hartford Convention
This is the text of the constitutional amendments proposed by the Hartford Convention in 1814, trying to get the federal government to give control of militias to the states and recognize other New England interests.
Other
Gunston Hall Plantation: "The Great Business Now Before Us"
In 1787, America was having big problems. There was no single type of money, or currency, in the new nation. States were arguing over trade issues and local boundaries. Each state seemed to see itself as independent and self-governing...
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this instructional activity include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.