Curated OER
Legislators and Representation - Executive, Federal and Interest Group Relations
Students explore the interaction between the legislature and other governmental institutions. They watch videos exploring the relationship between the state legislature and two government institutions, and the role of lobbyists on...
Curated OER
"Let us Reason Together" Lyndon Johnson, Master Legislator
High schoolers explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. High schoolers respond to discussion questions...
Administrative Office of the US Courts
US v. Alvarez
Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the...
Curated OER
Mock Congress
Students simulate the legislative process of law-making by assuming different roles. They investigate the process by writing a bill on any subject of his/her own choice
Curated OER
My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C.
Although this legislative process lesson is designed to accompany a specific text, it is valuable independently. Young learners participate in a picture walk (worksheet included) through My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington,...
Curated OER
Regents Review Worksheet #1: Principles of the U.S. Constitution
Kids who take the Regents Exam really need to know a lot of information. This is a wonderful exam review tool that includes 26 pages of questions, charts, and suggested readings to help upper graders pass the test. It focuses on all...
Curated OER
The Scope of Capital Hill: A Pictorial Tour of the US Capital
Students visit Capital Hill to create photographic story boards that tell the story of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the history of Capital Hill. In the process, students must explain the legislative process, define roles of...
College Board
Balance of Power Between Congress and the President
Three branches of government help create a system of checks and balances. A helpful resource provides a series of articles regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. Historians answer...
Curated OER
Legislative Debate: The Importance and Role of Debate within the Legislative Process
Students learn the legislative process as they debate real-life issues that affect students within their age group. To prepare for the debate, students consult newspapers, selected articles, case studies, and other media resources....
School Improvement in Maryland
Building a Pyramid
After reviewing the structure and powers of the three branches of the US government, groups investigate a problem and research what is being done to address this criticism.
Curated OER
Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage
High schoolers study the legal battles involving same-sex marriage. They examine primary sources and a video regarding the 14th amendment and its implications for gay marriage. They analyze a report of a California case that was sent to...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Unauthorized Immigration and the US Economy
As part of a study of immigration and the U.S. economy, class members assume the role of newspaper editors to determine which submitted letters to print on their paper's editorial page to present a balanced view of the debate.
Heritage Foundation
Procedural Amendments: Amendments III, IV, and V
So many US Constitution clauses, so little time. The 17th installment in a 20-part series teaches pupils about the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments. Learning through activities such as group work, connecting to current events, and...
Curated OER
The Importance of Representative Democracy
Students examine the general concept of representative democracy, and compare/contrast the American representative democracy to the monarchical system. They research the role of legislative bodies in serving the government, particularly...
Curated OER
3 Branches of Government
Fifth graders explain the process of making and passing laws within Congress by simulating this as a class. They review the three branches of government and focus on the legislative branch for the purposes of creating a bill.
Curated OER
TE Activity: Pollution Politics
Learners examine how a bill becomes a law in the US Congress. They investigate legislation about global warming. They determine the role of engineers as they educate Congress, the public and other government institutions about global...
Curated OER
The Branches of Government
After reviewing and reading about the three branches of US Government, complete this activity with your class. In groups, they will place their "cards" on the board under the correct branch. This lesson is weak and unclear. I'd make a...
Curated OER
The life of a legislative bill
Middle schoolers investigate bills under consideration by the United States Congress and create a flow chart that tracks the movement of the bills to gain understanding of the legislative process.
Curated OER
A Lesson on Reconstruction Legislation and Amendments
Students study the legislation and Amendments of Reconstruction period in America. In this Reconstruction lesson plan, students work in groups to dissect the Black Codes, an article in the US Constitution, as well as the 13th, 14th, and...
Curated OER
Technology and the Media
Students are introduced to the roles and influence of technology and the media on American representative democracy. They examine the effects of the Internet on citizens' role in government and the role and effects of media on the...
Heritage Foundation
Courts and Judges
If the Supreme Court is so supreme, why do all cases not just start there? High schoolers learn why every case does not start at the Supreme Court as well as the importance of hierarchy in the US judicial system in the 11th installment...
Heritage Foundation
The Senate
Do your learners struggle to understand the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives? Help them develop an understanding of how the US Constitution's clauses affect the Senate's operations. A high-quality social...
Curated OER
Ipm Pesticides And Regulations
Twelfth graders explore the process by which environmental laws and regulations are developed, passed, and enforced. They identify the major agency and office responsible for enforcing pesticide legislation and research the laws that...
Curated OER
How Congress Works
Students study the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as described in the Constitution. In this U.S. government lesson, students watch an overhead about 'public criticisms' in the legislative process and complete a quiz....