This resource examines the creativity and inspiration that went into the creation and writing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

As part of this 'Creating the United States' interactive resource, this section deals with creating The Bill of Rights. Connect particular phrases and ideas set down in The Bill of Rights with texts that preceded it.

The complete text of the Constitution can be read here. Each section is accompanied by an explanation of what it means in lay language.

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.

Article covers the history and origins of the US Constitution.

See the original copy of the United States Constitution! This interactive page lets you point to the part you would like to see. Along with background information, you can also link to larger images, a typed transcript, and downloadable....

The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 essays that promoted the ratification of the United States Constitution and the nature of a Republican government.

El Paso Independent School District in El Paso, Texas created this US Government text for its high school course using OER, CC, and public domain content from a variety of sources curated by educators in the district. The course is...

A detailed description of the United States Supreme Court decision on the appeal of the case Escobedo v. Illinois, which ruled on the right to have counsel under the 6th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution.

Students learn how the three branches of the United States government work together and the powers that the Constitution assigns to each branch-legislative, executive, and judicial.

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.

For this lesson plan, students will consider "The Constitutional Convention: What the Founding Fathers Said." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.

From 1774 to 1789, the Continental Congress served as the government of the 13 American colonies and later the United States. The First Continental Congress, which was comprised of delegates from the colonies, met in 1774 in reaction to...

[Free Registration/Login Required] See the results of how users have highlighted Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "The Declaration of Sentiments." Details that show unjust treatment are blue while details that show feminism are red, and details...

Objective of this lesson is to understand the provisions of the Alien and Sedition Acts within their political and constitutional contexts.

The Declaration of Independence, made by the second American Continental Congress and adopted July 4, 1776, announced the separation of the original thirteen North American British colonies from Great Britain making them into the United...

This lesson teaches students about the sources, types, and unique systems of law that exist in the United States. They learn about sources of law from the Constitution to local ordinances and also compare and contrast civil and criminal...

Discusses the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, an action that resulted from Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066. The constitutionality of the order was challenged all the way to the Supreme Court by Fred...

"Ronald Reagan and Executive Power" examines the use of presidential powers by Ronald Reagan, the fortieth president of the United States. It explores Article II of the Constitution, which grants the president executive powers.

Comprehensive facts about James Madison and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.

Article covers the Judiciary Branch of Government, the branch that interprets the law, and its connection to the US Constitution.

Article covers the Legislative Branch of Government, the branch that makes the laws, and its connection to the US Constitution.

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.

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...