ALEX Resources

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Lesson Plans (1) A detailed description of the instruction for teaching one or more concepts or skills. Classroom Resources (11)

ALEX Lesson Plans  
   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Subject: Social Studies (3)
Title: That's Not Fair! There Should Be a Law Against That! Discovering How a Bill Becomes a Law
Description:

Students will choose a topic that they think should be a law.  As a class, they will re-enact the steps necessary to make a new law.



ALEX Classroom Resources  
   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
[SS2010] CIV (7) 5 :
5 ) Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government. (Alabama)

•  Locating political and geographic districts of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government (Alabama)
•  Describing the organization and jurisdiction of courts at the local, state, and national levels within the judicial system of the United States (Alabama)
•  Explaining concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances among the three branches of state and national governments (Alabama)
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 7)
Title: The Interactive Constitution
URL: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution
Description:

Since its launch in 2015, this nonpartisan tool has allowed learners of all ages to engage with the text of the Constitution, discover how experts agree and disagree about its history and meaning, and explore arguments on all sides of the constitutional debates at the center of American life.

 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT2 (2) 1 :
1 ) Relate principles of American democracy to the founding of the nation.

•  Identifying reasons for the settlement of the thirteen colonies
•  Recognizing basic principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the establishment of the three branches of government, and the Emancipation Proclamation
•  Demonstrating the voting process, including roles of major political parties
•  Utilizing school and classroom rules to reinforce democratic values
[SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 8 :
8 ) Identify major events of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

•  Describing principles contained in the Declaration of Independence
•  Explaining contributions of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, George Washington, Haym Solomon, and supporters from other countries to the American Revolution
•  Explaining contributions of ordinary citizens, including African Americans and women, to the American Revolution
•  Describing efforts to mobilize support for the American Revolution by the Minutemen, Committees of Correspondence, First Continental Congress, Sons of Liberty, boycotts, and the Second Continental Congress
•  Locating on a map major battle sites of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown
•  Recognizing reasons for colonial victory in the American Revolution
•  Explaining the effect of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 on the development of the United States
Subject: Social Studies (2 - 5)
Title: What You Might Not Know About The Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis
URL: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-you-might-not-know-about-the-declaration-of-independence-kenneth-c-davis
Description:

A historian breaks down the signing of the Declaration of Independence, talking about the struggles and visualizing the start of America's start as a new country.


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Subject: Social Studies (3)
Title: How a Bill Becomes a Law
URL: https://kids-clerk.house.gov/grade-school/lesson.html?intID=17
Description:

Website for students that walks students through the process of how a bill becomes law. There are clickable links to the glossary, lesson plans, and annotation tools. 


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 5)
Title: Ms. Information Games - The Constitution
URL: https://mrnussbaum.com/ms-information-games-the-constitution
Description:

In this online interactive game, Ms. Information is traveling the country trying to re-write history with her false information! Can you stop her? She has traveled to the National Archives in Washington D.C. to change the history of the Constitution. Use your knowledge of this great document to foil her plan once and for all!


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 5)
Title: We the People
URL: https://www.civiced.org/images/stories/Resources/Curriculum/Presidents_Day_Lesson/Lesson_Downloads/ExecutiveLesson_2009WTP_ElemStudLsn14.pdf
Description:

The president of the United States is among the most powerful political figures in the world. In the international realm, the president speaks for the country and is the symbol of America. At home, the president suggests the policy agenda for Congress and is the leader of his or her political party. Americans look to the president for leadership, while at the same time fearing the concentration of political power in the executive branch. Each of these activities introduces students to the executive branch and explores the ways that checks and balances limit presidential power.


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
[SS2010] CIV (7) 5 :
5 ) Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government. (Alabama)

•  Locating political and geographic districts of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government (Alabama)
•  Describing the organization and jurisdiction of courts at the local, state, and national levels within the judicial system of the United States (Alabama)
•  Explaining concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances among the three branches of state and national governments (Alabama)
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 7)
Title: The Pomp and Circumstance of Presidential Inaugurations/Politics on Point
URL: https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/pomp-and-circumstance-of-presidental-inaugurations/wviz-politics-on-point/
Description:

In this video from PBSLearningMedia, students learn the peaceful transfer of power from one U.S. president to the next takes place during their inauguration ceremony. Nick walks us through traditions surrounding the big day, including the new president's address and ball.


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 5)
Title: Electoral College/Civics 101
URL: https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/electoral-college-civics-101/electoral-college-civics-101/
Description:

In this video from PBSLearningMedia, students learn the Electoral College is the process by which we elect the President of the United States. When a voter casts his/her vote for President, they’re not actually voting for them directly. Instead, they are telling the state which party’s designees should serve as the state’s electors.

More About This Resource:

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. Nebraska has a different approach. There are only 2 states that can split votes based on congressional districts (Nebraska has 5 electors). This creates multiple popular vote contests in these states, which could lead to a split electoral vote. In the past two decades, Nebraska has split the vote twice; 2008 and 2020.

 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] LWT2 (2) 1 :
1 ) Relate principles of American democracy to the founding of the nation.

•  Identifying reasons for the settlement of the thirteen colonies
•  Recognizing basic principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the establishment of the three branches of government, and the Emancipation Proclamation
•  Demonstrating the voting process, including roles of major political parties
•  Utilizing school and classroom rules to reinforce democratic values
[SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 8 :
8 ) Identify major events of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

•  Describing principles contained in the Declaration of Independence
•  Explaining contributions of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, George Washington, Haym Solomon, and supporters from other countries to the American Revolution
•  Explaining contributions of ordinary citizens, including African Americans and women, to the American Revolution
•  Describing efforts to mobilize support for the American Revolution by the Minutemen, Committees of Correspondence, First Continental Congress, Sons of Liberty, boycotts, and the Second Continental Congress
•  Locating on a map major battle sites of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown
•  Recognizing reasons for colonial victory in the American Revolution
•  Explaining the effect of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 on the development of the United States
Subject: Social Studies (2 - 5)
Title: Declaration of Independence/Civics 101
URL: https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/d5f71833-4f9f-4d29-895b-4d50f023f240/declaration-of-independence-civics-101/
Description:

This video from PBSLearningMedia explains that the Declaration of Independence was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government. The document was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
[SS2010] USS5 (5) 9 :
9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
•  Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions

•  Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
•  Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
[SS2010] CIV (7) 5 :
5 ) Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government. (Alabama)

•  Locating political and geographic districts of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama's local and state governments and of the national government (Alabama)
•  Describing the organization and jurisdiction of courts at the local, state, and national levels within the judicial system of the United States (Alabama)
•  Explaining concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances among the three branches of state and national governments (Alabama)
Subject: Social Studies (3 - 7)
Title: Separation of Powers/Civics 101
URL: https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/separation-of-powers-civics-101/video-civics-101/
Description:

In this video from PBSLearningMedia, students learn about the constitution. To protect the rights of the people—the Constitution says it takes three parts of the government to make or change a law or make other important decisions. This separation of powers is the process by which states govern. The state's government is divided into branches, each with separate, independent powers and responsibilities so that the powers of one branch are not in conflict with other branches. They serve as checks and balances to each other.


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Subject: Social Studies (3)
Title: Branches of Government Quiz-Apprentice Level
URL: https://bensguide.gpo.gov/games/206-branches-of-government-quiz-apprentice-level
Description:

This is an interactive game/quiz on the three branches of government from Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government for ages 4 to 8 years old. The quiz is multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions with a word bank. Players receive immediate feedback and a score at the conclusion. The quiz contains ten questions.


   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] GHS (3) 10 :
10 ) Recognize functions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

•  Describing the process by which a bill becomes law
•  Explaining the relationship between the federal government and state governments, including the three branches of government (Alabama)
•  Defining governmental systems, including democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship
Subject: Social Studies (3)
Title: Government and Citizens
URL: http://www.c3teachers.org/inquiries/government-and-citizens/
Description:

This learning activity is an exploration into government, beginning with the historical roots of democracy in the United States and focuses on New York State Government. The learning activity features a particular case study of legislation pioneered by a group of elementary students in New York State with the end result of yogurt becoming the official state snack of New York. The activity has students analyze the idea that we all have a voice in government. Click on the Download PDF or DOC button to access additional resources including videos, illustrations, articles, and charts.


ALEX Classroom Resources: 11

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