Judicial Learning Center
The Judge and the Jury
Unless you are a lawyer, you might not understand just how unrealistic Law and Order and other legal dramas actually are. Here's a great resource to help scholars of criminology gain a more realistic perspective. The lesson outlines the...
National Endowment for the Humanities
George Washington: The Precedent President
Everyone knows that George Washington was the first president, but do your scholars know why that was so important? The lesson plan, the third in a sequence of three, allows learners to understand how George Washington set a precedent...
Curated OER
Who Gets the Job?
Students explore the process for presedential Cabinet appointments. They determine common characteristics found in members of the Cabinet.
Curated OER
A Dream and an Idea: Searching for a Roadmap to Create a Country
Students compare and contrast opposing visions of government held by the founding fathers. They evaluate the roles of historical leaders in shaping the U.S. as an emerging nation.
Curated OER
A Day as President
Youngsters identify the President as the leader of the United States government, as well as learn about the jobs and responsibilities of the head of the executive branch. Including a simple printable and detailed instructional points,...
Curated OER
Checks and Balances in Supreme Court Nominations
Learners discover the system of Checks and Balances related to recent events prompting action by one or more of the three branches of government. They study the process for selecting and confirming a Supreme Court justice. They examine...
Curated OER
Veterans Day
For this Veterans Day worksheet, students fill in a crossword puzzle as they figure out the answers to fourteen facts about Veterans Day.
Curated OER
Graphically Speaking
Students discover the links between population and Congressional representation. In this government lesson, students research population statistics and create spreadsheets that compare population to the number of Congress members per state.
Curated OER
The Constitution
Eighth graders watch as their teacher presents information on the Constitution, government and laws through a PowerPoint presentation. In groups, they discuss the importance of government and laws and identify the main ideas in the...
Administrative Office of the US Courts
Nomination Process
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." Scholars investigate the nomination process of Supreme Court justices when assuming office. Through examination of primary and secondary...
Curated OER
Mueller v. Allen
Students investigate a First Amendment legal case involving religion, education, and reimbursement of tuition payments. They research the background of the cases and its precedents.
Curated OER
Understanding The Work Of The Legislature
Students participate in a lesson plan that is about the operations of the legislature and how it operates on a daily basis. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use focus questions to help create the context for the...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
Curated OER
Ethnicity, Gender and the Courts
Eleventh graders explore their own beliefs about the qualities that make someone qualified to sit on the Supreme Court. In this American Government activity, 11th graders write about and debate the ethnic, religious, and gender makeup...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Constitution
Eighth graders explore the processes, purpose and components of a good and just constitution. They focus on the Constitution of the United States of America. Students discuss the purpose of a constitution and reasons why the Constitution...
Curated OER
Marriage Equality: Different Strategies for Attaining Equal Rights
Students examine gays rights issues in the United States. In this gay marriage lesson, students investigate how people have made their cases before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to secure their civil...
Curated OER
History Mystery Message Challenge
Eleventh graders examine the US Constitution. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders gather the history and government facts to solve the history message.
Curated OER
Presidential Powers
In this Presidential Powers activity, students answer five questions about the various powers of the president by writing short responses.
Curated OER
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
Students examine state rights and the commerce clause. For this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Gibbons v. Ogden and discuss the implications of the decision.
Curated OER
Taking From the Giving Tree
Students explore the ways in which various American cities negotiate the protection of their "green infrastructure," gaining a broader understanding of proposed and enacted legislation as it relates to preserving and planting trees in...
Curated OER
Supreme Court Shake-Up
Learners examine the role of the Supreme Court through an interactive program. They analyze the history of the Court and its members. They finally explore how the Supreme Court works.
Curated OER
Scavenger Hunt
Students participate in a scavenger hunt to gather information on their governmental officials. Using the internet, they identify and discuss the various political boundaries to determine who their representative is. They complete a...
Curated OER
A More Perfect Union: Barack Obama's Race Speech at the National Constitution Center
Eleventh graders explore the process of perfecting the Union through changes made to the Constitution, and through the powers delegated to each branch of government. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders research various...
Curated OER
Who Are Your Local Officials?
Students identify the names and positions held by local public officials. In pairs, students research the requirements and duties needed to hold office. A brief presentation of their research will include the names and positions of...