Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Our Courts: Constitution Day Lesson: Checks and Balances [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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.
Graphic
Other

Us District Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: Bleak House by Charles Dickens

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the full text of "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens. Written as a satire of the English judicial system, "Bleak House" helped lead to legal reforms in the 1870's.
Handout
Other

Canada's Penitentiary Museum

For Students 9th - 10th
This unique museum aims to preserve the history of Canada's penitentiary system, believing you can learn a lot about a society by understanding its correctional system. You can read some of this history here.
Handout
Lectric Law Library

'Lectric Law Library: Sentence

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief summary of the legal term "sentence."
Unknown Type
Soft Schools

Soft Schools: Branches of Government Quiz

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Take this twelve question quiz to test your knowledge of the three branches of government.
Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: A New Nation

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart reviews the 3 main branches of government and its system of checks and balances. Web links and 3tudent assessment items are included.
Activity
Cornell University

Cornell University: Law School: Jurisdiction Explained

For Students 9th - 10th
Site provides an overview of jurisdiction with links to recent case law and constitutional references.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Virginia Plan

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the Virginia Plan that was based on a national and state government system with a separation of powers consisting of legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also contained a resolution for proportional...