Middle schoolers explore various websites featuring the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin. They investigate Franklin's roles in colonial society as well as pictures of his various inventions. They view excerpts of historical...

Use this 5-day lesson to clarify the platforms of the two major parties, comparing and contrasting against students' beliefs. Begin by looking at unlabeled summaries of both party platforms, having learners identify most with one. Groups...

Learners identify factors which lead to the development of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. They examine the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as well. They discuss what elements are needed for an orgainized...

Students read about local accident sites and conduct research of areas of high incidence. They interview police and insurance agents and explore what can be done if a site has multiple accidents. They write a news feature about the...

High schoolers conduct research on the events of the end of the 18th century in order to identify critical factors leading to the development of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican political parties. They summarize the key positions...

Students are introduced to the First Federal Congress. After reading various documents, they answer and discuss questions as a class. They identify the responsibilities and expectations for the First Congress and determine how it is...

Students identify governors of states when they were newly formed. They discuss how a territory becomes a state. They compare the role of officials in the government of yesterday and today.

Eleventh graders study the characteristics of an autobiography. They read from the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and discuss and write an essay regarding some of his quotes.

Students access many pages of unique and interesting people of Mexican/Californios decent/heritage. After reading an insert on one, they can future research that person on the Internet. Students share their findings on a power point...

Learners analyze the effects of Shays' Rebellion. In this Shays' Rebellion lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the rebellion and the events that led to it. Learners respond to...

Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.

Students take a closer look at the election of Abraham Lincoln. For this historical analysis lesson, students analyze letters, political cartoons, and campaign materials from Lincoln's campaign. Analysis worksheets are included.

In this spelling activity, students correct the spelling of the words on the pages and then write them in a sentence. Students have 12 words on 3 pages.

Twelfth graders discuss the elements of effective debating. they debate governmental issues after reseraching selected topics. With student permission, the debate may be videotaped for viewing to other classes or during open house.

Seventh graders begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting the Bill of Rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For each document, they highlight the material that is the same for both and discuss the items that are...

Here one can view the five volumes of The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, which were put together by Jonathan Elliot in the mid-1800s. These debates extend from September 1787 to...

Three of the four volumes of Max Farrand's collection of the records of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Called The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, these documents are a critical part of American governmental history.

Provides a good basic introduction to the Constitution. Explains the founding principles, checks and balances, the rationale for it, the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention, the debate and ratification, the structure of the...

This site is from a unit called 'Writing the US Constitution.' It looks at the documents that preceded the Constitution, and the major issues that were debated while the Constitution was being created.

The original text of a statement by John Tyler, member of the Virginia Constitutional Ratifying Convention, on his opposition to the new Constitution.

One of the most aristocratic delegates at the convention, Butler was born in 1744 in County Carlow, Ireland. His father was Sir Richard Butler, member of Parliament and a baronet.

The original Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union between thirteen states, created in 1777 and ratified in 1781. It preceded the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

This resource from Khan Academy provides a study resource about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, Shay's Rebellion, and the needed call for a new Constitution. These questions are intended for students taking high school...

Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.