Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Executive Branch

For Students 3rd - 8th
Find out about the office of the president and other aspects of the Executive Branch of the United States Government. Then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: Making Laws

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
Discover how laws are made in the United States, and then complete the trivia questions as a follow-up activity.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives

For Students 3rd - 6th Standards
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Three Branches of Government

For Students 3rd - 5th
Each of the three branches of the United States government is described - the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Writing the Constitution

For Students 3rd - 5th
Read a short synopsis about the writing of the Constitution and then complete the crossword puzzle by clicking on the "show what you know" link.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation

For Students 3rd - 8th
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Independence: Original Thirteen Colonies

For Students 3rd - 8th
Find out about the original thirteen colonies of the United States, and then complete the word search activity.
Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Citizenship: Attitudes/actions of Responsible Citizenship

For Students 3rd - 5th
Understanding how your values and attitudes influence your views as a citizen can be difficult. This activity will help you become aware of your actions, attitudes, beliefs, and values maybe for the first time. So be prepared to...
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Great Compromise

For Students 3rd - 5th
The Great Compromise, which resulted in the formation of two houses in the legislature of the United States government - the Senate and the House of Representatives - is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects,...
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Checks and Balances

For Students 3rd - 8th
The system of checks and balances in place for maintaining the power relationships within the United States government is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links and some activities are...
Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Elections: Political Parties

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Lesson plans on elections and the role of political parties. Find multiple choice quizzes, vocabulary, and a role play of a candidate in a town meeting.
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Declaration of Independence (Part Ii)

For Students 3rd - 8th
At this site from Congress for Kids you can read a short synopsis of the Declaration of Independence and then complete the scrambled word puzzle by clicking on "Show What You Know."
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Elections

For Students 3rd - 5th
Here's a great presentation on Elections for younger kids that includes information on Voting, Candidates, Conventions, the Campaign, and other topics concerning elections.
Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: What Is Citizenship?

For Students 3rd - 5th
Being a citizen comes with rules you must follow and responsibilities towards other members of your community and country. Learn what it takes to become a U.S. citizen, what behaviors are expected of you, what civil disobedience is, and...
Lesson Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress Link: Teaching the Amendments Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This online lesson plan teaches students "The amendments to the Constitution through the use of CongressLink, Internet resources, and creative activities." Students will also gain a sense that "Many rights are limited and controversial."
Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Citizenship: What Is Responsible Citizenship?

For Students 3rd - 5th
This section challenges you to determine for yourself how to act in order to be a responsible citizen. You will develop standards for your own behavior through these activities. You will have the opportunity to conduct a search for the...
Activity
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Supreme Court

For Students 3rd - 8th
An overview of the Supreme Court: how it works, its role, people appointed to it, and more.