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Help students learn about the duties and powers of the three branches, the amendment process, and the role of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
In this federalism lesson plan, students learn where the federal government gets its power and that government power in the United States is split between states and the federal…
Need to teach the legislative branch in a hurry? This lesson is designed to cover the basics in a single class period. Students learn what Congress is, what the Constitution says…
Students learn that you can't take constitutional language at face value. Those phrases we read in the Bill of Rights, such as "cruel and unusual punishment" or being a "witness"…
Follow the grievances of the American colonists from oppressive British policies to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Stamp Act primary source extension included!
Look at the tensions and differences of opinion that existed among early American states and citizens.Learn about the Articles of Confederation, why the first “constitution” didn’t…
Students learn the role of the executive branch in creating and carrying out laws. Through role-play, the class models the legislative and execution processes as they create a new…
Students find out how the checks and balances of the three branches of government work. Through the process of creating a healthy school lunch menu, students role-play each…
How do members of Congress decide whether to vote yea or nay on a bill? In this lesson, students learn what factors members of Congress consider when deciding whether to vote for a…
Students learn the primary responsibilities of the president and how those duties connect to the powers the Constitution grants to the Executive Branch. Students also learn about…
Students learn the role of citizens and how they can influence the government.
(This lesson was formerly "Bill of Rights: You Mean I've Got Rights?") Students learn about the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and other important constitutional…
In this lesson, students compare Ben Brewer’s fictional case in “Supreme Decision” with a real-life case involving a student. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions…
Need to teach the judicial branch in a hurry? In this lesson, students learn the basics of our judicial system, including the functions of the trial court, the Court of Appeals,…
Students discover that states have their own governments and powers separate from the federal government. They learn what those powers are, how they’re different from the federal…
Where do laws come from? This lesson teaches students about the sources, types, and unique systems of law that exist in the United States. Students learn about sources of law from…
In One Big Party, students learn about the role of political parties in the United States and the influence parties have in our political system, including the role of third…
Prepare students for persuasive writing by introducing them to the concept of making an argument. Students discover there’s a difference between “arguing” and making an argument in…
Students meet Ben Brewer and find out what happened the day he decided to wear his favorite band t-shirt to school in violation of a new dress code rule. Students read a summary of…
In order to build arguments for their essays, students examine evidence about whether band t-shirts were disruptive at Ben’s school. Students think critically to filter out…
Lesson Plan
