The lesson opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their knowledge of famous Supreme Court cases and rulings, the issues that the Court addressed last term and the last term’s impact, and potential issues that the Court may address during this term. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to an introductory video in which Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer talks about the process that the Supreme Court uses to select cases each term. Next, students engage in an activity where they choose to study three cases that will be argued in front of the Supreme Court during this term. Students will conduct additional self-guided research as needed to determine each case’s petitioner(s) and respondent(s), key issue(s), expected outcome, facts of the case, and question(s) before the court, presenting their findings to the class.
The Great Debate on the Constitution
This resource pairs the text of the U.S. Constitution with the Federalist Papers.
Voting Rights in America Timeline Worksheet
This worksheet and the accompanying timeline provides students with the chance to learn and gain a deeper understanding of when different groups of United States citizens gained the right to vote.
Background Overview: United States Election Policy
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of election policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States election policy and examine two graphs to consider how changes to election laws have impacted the electorate and our government.
What Is the National Security Council?
The National Security Council is a group of top advisors tasked with providing guidance on foreign policy matters and implementing the president’s decisions. Learn how the president’s advisors protect U.S. national security and help with foreign policy decision-making and coordination across the executive branch.
What Is Government?
Governments have been around for almost four thousand years. Throughout that time, they have shared the same central function: to lead and protect their people. Despite that similarity, governments do not all look or act the same way. This video explores what government is and to what extent your voice is heard by those in power.
U.S. History Mini Simulations
In this series of historical mini simulations, students step into the shoes of policymakers to advise the U.S. president on how to respond to major foreign policy moments in U.S. history. These eight historical simulations cover crucial U.S. decisions from the 19th to 21st centuries. Designed with a U.S. history survey course in mind, the simulations can fuel a lively discussion to supplement your curriculum and encourage civic engagement.
What Roles Do Congress and the Executive Branch Play in U.S. Foreign Policy?
This Council on Foreign Relations Education resource helps students understand what the Constitution says about foreign policy. Students explore how the powers of Congress and the president protect and advance the country’s interests abroad. Through infographics, charts, and case studies, students will learn how the balance of power between these branches of government might look different in theory and practice.
Learn How to Volunteer at Your Local Election Center
Who are poll workers? And what do they do? Learn how you can take part in the democratic process as a poll worker!
Lesson Plan: Political Parties: Two is Company, Three’s a Crowd
Students explore the two-party system and why it’s been so difficult for third parties to make it. The class then break into groups to study three U.S. elections with major third party candidates: the 1912, 1992, and 2000 elections.