In this lesson, students examine the historical development, implementation, and opposition to affirmative action, with emphasis placed on a specific Supreme Court cases. A set of discussion questions is provided. In an associated activity, the class will review several affirmative action programs and make a list for each program. Then they will examine these reasons and decide whether they are "compelling" enough to be constitutional.

In this lesson, students will learn about the origins of law, trace the development of law in America, and differentiate between the different types of laws. Students will also learn the different steps in civil and criminal judicial proceedings. To culminate their understanding of the judicial process, students will create posters noting the different steps a particular criminal or civil case would go through in the judicial system.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the federal government created the Department of Homeland Security and tasked it with preventing future terrorist attacks on American soil. The creation of this massive and expensive bureaucracy resulted in a dramatic expansion of government scrutiny over individual Americans' behavior and, critics argue, a decrease in civil liberties. The degree to which these trends have made Americans safer is unclear.

In this lesson, students examine the content of and controversy surrounding Proposition 187, proposed to voters in California as a measure to discourage illegal immigration in the state. A set of discussion questions is provided. In an associated activity, students role play as members of a Citizen Advisory Panel that has been tasked with making recommendations about a proposed law.

In this experiential activity, students will gain an understanding of the role of city councils, the responsibilities of council members, and the relevance of council decisions to individual citizens. Assuming the roles of city council members or special interest groups, students will participate in a city council simulation in which council members must decide whether to pass a curfew ordinance for the city's young residents.

Students participate in activities in which they learn about redistricting, types of legislative committees, types of legislation, and the process by which a bill becomes a law in Congress. Students will apply their knowledge by participating in a legislative simulation in which the House Judiciary Committee determines whether to report a proposed bill regarding punishment for drunk driving as favorable on the floor.

In this lesson, students explore the development of the national park system in the United States and national attitudes and beliefs concerning conservation and preservation. Discussion questions are provided. In an associated activity, students will discuss and debate current controversial dilemmas related to the national park system.

Students learn about the scope of recent attacks and what is being done to counter such threats. Then they consider the broader practical and ethical consequences of preparing for cyberwar.

In this Teaching with the News lesson, students will explore, debate, and evaluate multiple perspectives on U.S. foreign policy regarding drones.

In this lesson, students will explore the governmental power of eminent domain and gain an understanding of its relationship to the Fifth Amendment's protection of private property. Students will watch a DVD about the Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London and then participate in a city council simulation based on the case. By studying the Kelo case and its impact on the nation, students will gain a deeper understanding of the conflicting interests involved in eminent domain cases.

In this lesson, students will examine Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council and learn about regulatory takings. Students will then participate in small group simulations of the Coastal Resources Advisory Council and explore a local issue related to the Lucas case. Teachers may also choose to team up with a science teacher to further study the environmental issues facing coastlines.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Eleven discusses the theory and practice of the lawmaking process, including the sequence of turning a bill into a law, the rules of debate, and the power of the purse.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Four discusses the power of the president and where the limits in power exist.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Three discusses Congress and its power, and how it works and doesn't work for public interest.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Twelve discusses the governmental bureaucracy, social policy, and regulation.

Students will consider whether the nation?s system for addressing crime is effective and consistent with its Constitutional ideals of equality under the law.

In this lesson, students consider juvenile crime and how it has been handled throughout American history. A set of discussion questions is provided. In an associated activity, the students will participate in a teen court and decide if one should be set up in your community.

Students learn about society's legal codes, the differences between common, criminal, civil, constitutional, administrative, and statutory law, and the various law enforcement agencies and their jurisdictions by participating in role plays.

Students discuss the current system of school funding in North Carolina,
examine the pros and cons of state versus local funding, and explore the impact of Leandro v. State of
North Carolina on North Carolina's public schools.

Students consider the implications of the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment by learning about the landmark Supreme Court case Marsh v. Chambers.