C-SPAN
The Role of the Executive Branch in Policy Making
Although the president of the United States does not have the power to pass laws, they can propose legislation, veto bills passed by Congress, and issue executive orders that bypass Congress. Six video clips show middle schoolers these...
Curated OER
Lesson 2: The First Inaugural Address (1861)—Defending the American Union
High schoolers explore the content of Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address. For this Abraham Lincoln lesson, students analyze the text of the speech to determine how Lincoln sought to preserve the Union from secession attempts.
Curated OER
The United States Flag
Students study the United States flag. In this American history and government lesson, students define and give examples of familiar symbols. Students design a classroom flag. Students identify and describe the American flag.
Delegation of the European Union to the United States
The Geography of Europe
What is the European Union? Where is it? Why is it? To begin a study of the EU, class members examine the physical geography of Europe and the size and population density of 28-member countries in comparison to non-member countries...
Smithsonian Institution
Cold War
The Cold War was not necessarily always cold in temperature, but the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union sure was frigid! Scholars read various passages, view exhibition graphics, and observe an artifact from the...
University of California
The Civil War: Secession of the South
Was the Southern states' decision to secede from the Union protected by the United States Constitution? Eighth graders discuss the constitutionality of the South's justification for secession, particularly the secession of South...
Curated OER
European Union Map Quest
Sixth graders identify countries of the European Union. They locate countries of Europe on a map and pair with a student to complete a blank map of Europe. They label each country and complete worksheets for the European Union. They...
Curated OER
Social Protections and the European Union
Sixth graders take on the role of social welfare systems in the European Union. In this European Union (EU) activity, 6th graders discover social programs in the EU and compare them to the social programs in the United States.
Curated OER
European Union Overview II
In this European Union worksheet, students respond to 6 matching and 15 fill in the blank questions that provide an overview of the European Union governing body.
Curated OER
European Union Governance
Students explore the government functions of the European Union and how legislation is passed. As a class, students define the European Union and their interests in economic, political and social issues. Using the internet, students...
Curated OER
Astronomy and the Cold War: How the United States Used the Moon to Target the Soviet Union
Students examine how astronomical observations were used to help target sites in the Soviet Union during Cold War and why such targeting was needed. Students then make predictions and observations of same astronomical events for their...
Curated OER
European Union Overview I
In this European Union (EU) worksheet, students respond to 7 short answer questions about the history and functions of the EU.
Curated OER
European Union: Myths and facts
Young scholars examine the difference between myths and facts presented about the European Union. They read and discuss articles about the EU and its role in European politics by evaluating a referendum to the EU constitution.
Curated OER
Immigration in the United States from 1880-1910
Eleventh graders explore, examine and study immigration in the United States from 1880-1910. They identify different aspects of the American immigration movement. Each student also shares where their ancestors are from and their...
Curated OER
US Constitution And Federal/State Relationship
Young scholars examine the Constitution for references to the relationship between state and federal governments. They examine Supreme Court cases for examples of the division of government between state and federal powers.
US Mint
The Growth of a Nation
Young historians explore the identity of the early United States in this four-part lesson series. Working in groups of three, students research the political, economic, and cultural atmosphere of each member of the...
Curated OER
Recreating Marriage: The Same-Sex Union Debate
A debate continues regarding same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. This instructional activity requires learners to define marriage then formulate an argument that reconstructs the national debate perspectives. Many standards are...
Curated OER
Principles of Government
American Government students will appreciate the clear review in this learning exercise after learning about the principles of government. Ten questions challenge students to consider the rights of sovereign states, as well as the social...
Delegation of the European Union to the United States
Cultural Identity
How does cultural diversity impact political identity? That is the question researchers face as they continue their examination of the European Union and the programs it has developed in its attempt to achieve unity in diversity. To gain...
DocsTeach
Apollo-Soyuz: Space Age Detente
The Space Race saw the Soviet Union and the US go from competitors to partners. Scholars read a letter regarding the first docking of the US and Soviet space craft. Young historians also complete a written assignment and participate in...
American Battlefield Trust
Civil War Battle Strategy
But for a fluke, 1862 could have gone differently during the Civil War. When Union troops found Robert E. Lee's battle plans for critical engagements in Maryland wrapped around cigars and tossed aside, history changed forever. Class...
Curated OER
Chapter 3 Test: Civil War
Although specific to a certain book, this test and review relating to the Civil War could used in any classroom. The questions asked are appropriate for students learning about this era in U.S. History. Questions could be altered, or...
Curated OER
Simplified United States Constitution and Bill of Rights
A good handout is a great find. Print this resource and hand out a simplified version of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights to your US government or US history class. The powers of the president, Congress, and the Senate are...
Read Works
American Government Preamble to the United States Constitution
Observe Constitution Day with a instructional activity that delves deep into the who, what, why, when, where, and how of the U.S. Constitution. Scholars read a short informational text then answer 10 questions—short answer and multiple...