Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Jefferson Lab: Reading Passages: The Three Branches of Government
Read and fill in the blanks of this passage explaining the three branches of government. Each blank has a drop-down menu with choices. When you finish, click CHECK MY ANSWERS. If you pick a wrong answer, the right answer will be...
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Journey Through Justice: Our Federal Courts
In this tutorial, students learn about the various levels in the federal judicial system and look at a famous Supreme Court case, Tinker v. Des Moines.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Relationship of State and National Legal Systems
This lengthy essay describes the balance between state and federal judiciary courts and touches on independence, integration, power limits and immunities.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Separation of Powers
When do the actions of one branch of the federal government unconstitutionally intrude upon the powers of another branch? This article surveys the history of this question in historic Supreme Court cases.
Library of Congress
Loc: South Sudan
This site provides links to numerous documents concerning the government of South Sudan and its executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Links to related articles about the country are also featured.
iCivics
I Civics: Separation of Powers: What's for Lunch?
Students find out how the three branches of government interact with each other and how decisions about laws are made by several parts of the U.S. government.
Northern Illinois University
Tagalog: Philippine Democracy
This is an exhaustive look at the government of the Philippines with brief biographies of the presidents, descriptions of the branches of government, and a diagram of the court system.
Other
Canada Info: Structure of Canadian Federal Government Chart
The structure of the 3 levels of the Canadian Federal Government is clearly shown on this graphic chart. Useful for anyone researching the Canadian government.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Judiciary Act of 1789
Act establishing the organization of the U.S. federal court system, which had been sketched only in general terms in the U.S. Constitution. The act established a three-part judiciary-made up of district courts, circuit courts, and the...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Anthony Kennedy Biography
Biography of Supreme Court Justice, Anthony Kennedy, appointed by Ronald Reagan and taking his seat as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court on February 18, 1988.
Other
State of Oregon Official Site
Official site from the State of Oregon provides information on state government, resources, economics, business, agencies, education, and general Oregon information.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Debate and Compromise
The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances
Descriptions of the separate powers and functions of the three branches of the federal government. Site explains how the powers of one branch check and balance those of another.
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Checks and Balances in Action
In this activity, students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the...
US National Archives
Docs Teach: Separation of Powers or Shared Powers
In this activity, students will analyze documents that illustrate the relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Using the scale in Weighing the Evidence, students will decide whether the United States...
iCivics
I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]
Students learn the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government and where the checks and balances are located in this role-playing lesson. Requires Adobe Reader.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Learning About Our Government
This lesson is designed to inform students about the organization of our nation's government. Students will be introduced to the three branches of American government and the responsibilities of each. They will discuss the requirements...
Information Technology Associates
Dominican Republic Government
This site provides easy to read information on the government of the Dominican Republic. Topics include the type of government, branches of government, political parties, and more.
Other
Gov Spot: u.s. Government, State Government, Congress, Government Jobs
GovSpot is a non-partisan government information portal for and about the U.S. government. Content includes top news surrounding the U.S. government, as well as a wealth of information on top political issues, social services, government...
Read Works
Read Works: American Government Jury Duty
[Free Registration/Login Required] This first person account explains the topic of jury duty. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and establishes scaffolding for...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Federal Judiciary
Check out this interactive timeline on the federal judiciary in the United States.
Read Works
Read Works: Brazil Today: Brazil's Constitution
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Constitution of Brazil. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Courts of Appeals and District Courts
Overview of the structure and purpose of the Courts of Appeals and District Courts.