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Election Issues '08
Students research the presidential candidates of 2008. In this election lesson, students research both candidates and identify where they stand on major issues. Students choose a presidential candidate.
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Reflections on Judicial Power - Part I
Students research the Constitutional provision for the Judicial branch of government. They examine different U.S. founder's positions on the relative strength of the judicial branch and act as a review court for Marbury vs. Madison.
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The Civil War Era
Fifth graders explore both the causes of and the actual events of the Civil War. They write essays and descriptive paragraphs and explore a variety of websites. They create a series of skits highlighting the key points of the Civil War era.
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The Constitutional Convention: What the Founding Fathers Said
Students critique the Creation of the U.S. Constitution. They list some ideas proposed and debated during the Constitutional Convention. Discussion of the important issues requiring compromise are examined.
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The Social Security Act
Students examine the Social Security Act of 1935. In this U.S. history lesson plan, students research primary sources in order to prepare for a mock debate of the act prior to it becoming legislation.
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Louisiana Purchase
Students explore U.S. territorial expansion. In this Louisiana Purchase lesson plan, students investigate how the purchase was funded and determine how diplomatic actions were part of the land transfer. Students analyze several primary...
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Establishing the Presidency
Students consider how George Washington influenced the presidency. In this presidential history worksheet, students discuss the precedents Washington set and analyze a letter that Washington sent to James Madison.
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Meet the Press: American Presidents
High schoolers interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this presidential history lesson, students research the accomplishments of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frankiln D. Roosevelt, and...
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Constitutional Issues: Watergate and the Constitution
Students take and defend positions on what conditions contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a constitutional government. They debate whether or not the government should have prosecuted Nixon over the Watergate scandal.
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Write Obama's Inaugural Address
High schoolers practice their public speaking skills. In this interdisciplinary instructional activity, students study speeches delivered by Lincoln, Wilson, F. Roosevelt, and Kennedy. High schoolers write the text Obama's...
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The Man Who Made the Presidency
High schoolers explore the contributions that George Washington made to the presidency. In this presidential history lesson, students analyze primary and secondary sources regarding Washington and the precedents he set. High schoolers...
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What's Civil About War?
Students study about the Civil War through primary sources used in the PBS production of "Freedom: A History of US" based on Joy Hakim's books, "A History of US", and the companion PBS Web site.
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The Electoral Process
Students explore the U.S. political system by completing several worksheets. In this government election lesson, students define and describe the two main political parties in detail to one another. Students read a piece written by a...
National First Ladies' Library
Impeachment!
Young scholars investigate the impeachment proceedings against Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and William Clinton. In small groups they conduct Internet research on one of the three Presidents, and present a "brief" on the case,...
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The Gettysburg Address (1863): Defining the American Union
Students explore the Gettysburg Address. For this U. S. history lesson, students examine Abraham Lincoln's speech and it's themes of freedom, equality, and emancipation.
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The Age of Jackson
High schoolers study the image of Andrew Jackson. In this presidential history lesson students investigate the political image that was groomed by Jackson as they examine advertisements. High schoolers compose essays regarding the topic.
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Brutal British
Learners read and predict the outcome of a story set during the Civil War, then map the story. To prepare for the activity, students determine why it is important to look at historical events from all angles by using primary and...
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School Bill of Rights
Students study the Bill of Rights. As a class, they create a "School Bill of Rights," with amendments. Students discuss the difference between rights and responsibilities and examine Supreme Court decisions dealing with the first ten...
National Constitution Center
To Sign or Not to Sign: The Ultimate Constitution Day Lesson Plan
Students examine the ratification process. In this U.S. Constitution lesson plan, students discuss the ratification process and read a play based on the process. Students debate the ratification process and determine whether they...
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The Supremes
Students discuss steps cases go through to reach Supreme Court, examine Bill of Rights, and rank rights in order of importance to them. Students then research Supreme Court case dealing with one of first ten amendments, and write about...
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Civil War Play Lesson Plan
Students act out the Civil War through reader's theater. In this performing arts lesson, students research the Civil War and find costumes, props and scenery appropriate to the time period. They become characters from the Civil War time...
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The Massachusetts 54th Regiment: Honoring the Heroes
Learners use art and images analyze the Civil War. In this instructional activity on the Shaw Memorial, students engage in 3 activities, discussion, and art analysis to better comprehend the events of the Civil War. This instructional...
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The Decision to Go to War
Students examine President Bush's decision to go to war with Iraq. They work together to discuss a topic related to this given to them by their teacher. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
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Federalist 47
Students will analyze and evaluate political propaganda. In this instructional activity on the Federalist movement, students will examine the Federalist papers and analyze the Anti-Federalist argument mage against constitutional...