Literacy tests, poll taxes, grandfather laws? Scholars study the systematic ways African-Americans were kept from voting even after it was made a law. They analyze a series of primary source documents, complete a worksheet, and engaged...

Students explore democratic practices in China. In this global studies activity, students compare and contrast democratic values of the Chinese government with the American government. Students read provided articles and conduct...

Students read an essay by H.D. Thoreau as analysis of his philosophy on government. In this Thoreau analysis lesson, students work in groups to paraphrase two of Thoreau's criteria for his beliefs about government. Students write a...

Students explore public opinion of presidential decisions.  In this history lesson plan, students examine various graphs that depict overall American approval of U.S. Presidents and government decisions then answer questions about...

Students take a closer look at presidential elections. In this election process lesson, students discuss the roles of the primary, caucus, polls, Electoral College, delegates, and lobbyists in the process. Students then access the listed...

Students practice critical thinking skills by defending their beliefs orally in a "hot seat". In addition, they communicate their feelings about an inssue in writing.

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...

Learners read "Public Is Wary but Supportive on Rights Curbs," at the New York Times online. They explore how opinion polls are created and conducted, focusing on the wording of questions and the methods of sampling a population.

Can word choice affect a candidate's likeability? Use a New York Times lesson to explore how a presidential candidate's likeability factor can fluctuate in public opinion polls. Young readers choose a presidential election from...

In groups, learners review one of four selected Supreme Court cases. The whole class watches a video introducing the four cases, and then small groups dive into Internet research in an attempt to write a two-paragraph summary of the...

Examine the results of recent opinion polls on where people stand on the issue of the death penalty. In groups, middle schoolers examine various cases dealing with this issue and discuss the judgments. They write their own argument for...

Do school vouchers for private schools improve public school education, or do they lead to worse academic performance? Scholars read the top four pros and cons to decide if school vouchers are a good idea. They also participate in an...

Former President Barack Obama reformed the United States' health care system with Obamacare, but is the new legislation good for America? Scholars read a historical timeline about the passage of health care reform laws and compare United...

Students study democracy, levels of Canadian government and the responsibilities of elected officials. They write letter's to the Prime Minister about their pride in Canada.

Students trace the United States' involvement in Iraq from 1991 to today. They interpret a map of Iraq, evaluate possible causes and effects of events. They participate in, collect and analyze a poll regarding the next steps the US...

Students define democracy and distinguish representative from direct or pure democracy. Then, with the focus on representative government, students will discuss and trace voting patterns in the United States.

Is health care a right or a privilege? Scholars review pro and con arguments to decide if all Americans should have the right to health care. They also watch informative videos and review information on the United States and...

Students research Canadian election procedures, identify candidates and corresponding political platforms for current elections and hold mock elections. They develop a written report about a specific political party.

Students identify healthy and unhealthy foods while considering a bill that would ban certain foods in schools. Through survey and discussion, they discuss a proposed legislative bill that would ban certain types of food in schools....

Tenth graders experience first hand the complexity of the political process. They analyze the relationship between party policies and the political spectrum and develop an understanding of how Canada's laws are debated and passed.

Students examine the voting practices of the past several presidential elections while using data to determine the influence of different factors. They identify the reasons for high or low voter turnout and then display the outcome of...

High schoolers discuss the Afghan elections and times when they have voted, i.e. student council, American Idol. Cooperatively, they create definitions for election, local council election, national government election, candidate,...

Tenth graders examine the United States Constitution.  In this American Government instructional activity, 10th graders read excerpts from President Johnson's speech to Congress and parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ...

Eighth graders examine the current amendments and discuss any change they would like to make. With a partner, they develop a proposal and an advertisement to redo at least two amendments. They also compare and contrast the amendments...