This lesson explores Texas v. Johnson, the controversial 1989 Supreme Court decision on flag burning. First, students read about and discuss Texas v. Johnson. Then in small groups, students role play aides to a U.S. senator on the Judiciary Committee. The committee is considering a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning flag burning, and the aides must make a recommendation on whether the senator should support or oppose the proposed amendment.
Juneteenth General Order
In this activity, students will carefully analyze General Order 3 from Major General Gordon Granger which informed the people of Texas that “all slaves are free.” This activity is appropriate as a conclusion to the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction.
Lesson Plan: How States Redistrict – The Case of 2022
This lesson plan explores the Congressional and state redistricting processes in several states, including Texas, Florida, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Illinois, Ohio, and West Virginia. The lesson extends to the legislative, executive, and judicial processes as well as the geographic and demographic considerations of redistricting.
Position Papers: Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt
Two position papers address the question in the 2016 Supreme Court case Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt: Is a Texas law imposing certain requirements on abortion clinics unconstitutional?
U.S. v Texas (2016)
Does DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) violate the Immigration and Nationality Act and therefore the Take Care Clause of the Constitution? The president may have overstepped his authority under Article II by establishing DAPA.
Fisher v. University of Texas II (2016)
Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
Does a Texas law that criminalizes sexual intimacy by same-sex couples violate the Fourteenth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2003.
Fisher v. University of Texas (2013)
Is it unconstitutional for publicly funded universities to use race as a factor of admissions? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2013.
The Rule of Law in Your Life
Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are: publicly promulgated, equally enforced, independently adjudicated, and consistent with international human rights principles. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has created this resource to help your students understand rule of law with an overview of the topic; opening discussion questions; relevant landmark case summaries; and discussion questions to check for understanding. In a Court Shorts video, nine federal judges explain how fair and consistent adherence to the law protects our rights and well-being in everyday situations.
Government Questioning Lesson
The objective of this lesson is to help students realize that the Constitution does affect them and have them come to the conclusion that they have to be an informed citizen and be careful of the sources they use to do the research.