This resource presents the challenges and accomplishments of President Andrew Jacksn. He was the only Southerner in Congress who firmly supported the Union throughout both the secession crisis and the Civil War.

In this activity, the students can do a variety of activities connected with the seal of the Presidency of the United States. This activity is connected with the Smithson Museum.

Students will understand the role women played in the Civil War. They will also appreciate the
ways in which museums use objects to study how people in the past did their jobs.

Students will understand who fought the War of Independence and how their lives and the lives of their families were affected by the war. This lesson focuses on the leadership skills of George Washington.

In this resource, students will understand who fought the War of Independence and how their lives
and the lives of their families were affected by the war.

In this exercise, students examine a portrait of George Washington painted in 1796 by Gilbert Stuart. The portrait is highly symbolic and presents a grand, heroic image of Washington. Students examine a close-up of one symbol in the portrait as well as the portrait as a whole and then answer the following questions: What do you notice about the symbol? What questions do you want to ask about the symbol or the portrait? After discussing these questions, students learn more about the historical context of the early republic and draw conclusions about how the portrait presents George Washington and his legacy as president. (This activity is a professional development module that could be modified to serve as an activity for students.)

In this activity, students will select one person listed from the American Revolutionary War Era whom they will research then create a visual of the person and present knowledge gained about the historical figure to the class.

In this lesson, students create a list of the characteristics, qualifications, and skills that make an effective President of the United States and then apply it to George Washington to determine if he was the right choice for President. Students will also compare and contrast the changing needs for the job of President of the United States.

Students will play the role of newspaper reporters in order to research, write, and publish an article about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner. This is connected with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

This resource provides information about the accomplishments of Susan B. Anthony. On March 8, 1884, Anthony testified before Congress supporting women's suffrage (right to vote).

students will learn about the debate about if the state of North Carolina should remain in the Union after the election of Abraham Lincoln.

Students learn about the political, economic, and geographic regional differences that led to conflict in the United States through map sketches, primary sources, problem-solving and points of view.

This bookmark prompts students to consider how they can make change happen in their school or community and consider the civic efforts of Esther Morris to determine how her characteristics compare with other well-known leaders.

In this lesson, students identify important people who were part of the Revoluntionary War and who helped in the writing of the Constitution. Students explain how the discussions and decisions at the Constitutional Convention became part of American politics today.

Students will study what are the qualities of a hero, what historical figures do students consider to be heroes, and what contemporary or local figures do students consider to be heroes.

Students will develop criteria for evaluating what makes an effective political ad by viewing and analyzing selected presidential campaign advertisements. Students will also be able to explain how key historical figures have exemplified values and principles of American democracy.

In this resource, students can explore the American presidency and elections in these four activities from Smithsonian Education’s Art to Zoo. Each of the four activities focuses on a different skill in social studies: examining maps, using timelines, studying collections, and using primary sources.

Students can explore an online resource which focuses on famous women. In "Women on Stamps: Part 2", it features women who pioneered in the fields of health, science, education, philanthropy, aviation and athletics. This is the second virtual exhibit in a series of four.

Students can explore an online resource, "Women on Stamps" virtual exhibit series, it explores the women on postage stamps and the contributions they have made to America. In "Women on Stamps: Part 3" it focuses on women who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature.