This lesson asks students to examine recent proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution, analyze them for public policy triggering mechanisms, and compare and contrast them to amendments that have been ratified.
Civics Lessons
Grade Level: Grades 9-12
To Amend or Not to Amend, That’s Been the Question…Many Times
Who can Vote for Student Council President?
Students review hypothetical scenarios and decide who may vote for student council president. Students review constitutional principles states must follow when deciding who can vote.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
This case summary provides teachers with everything they need to teach about McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). It contains background information in the form of summaries and important vocabulary at three different reading levels, as well a review of relevant legal concepts, diagram of how the case moved through the court system, and summary of the decision. This resource also includes seven classroom-ready activities that teach about the case using interactive methods.
People v. Morgan Phillips
Case developed for the 2008 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament:Criminal Case-Murder
The Exchange: Should the United States Reduce Immigration?
Through research and deliberation, students are encouraged to look at the issue of immigration reform from different points of view.
What is the Role of the President in the American Constitutional System?
This lesson examines sources of presidential power and ways that checks and balances limit presidential power. Students explain the president’s constitutional responsibilities, identify checks on the president’s power, and defend positions involving the exercise of presidential power.
Appreciating Democracy
This lesson is designed to teach students to appreciate the most basic practices of democracy in the United States: The lesson can be taught in three or four 45-minute class periods. At the heart of the lesson are three easy-to-teach activities (or simulations).
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
This case summary provides teachers with everything they need to teach about Gideon v. Wainwright (1963). It contains background information in the form of summaries and important vocabulary at three different reading levels, as well a review of relevant legal concepts, diagram of how the case moved through the court system, and summary of the decision. This resource also includes nine classroom-ready activities that teach about the case using interactive methods.
Brooks v. Lawrence and the Clearwater Police Department
Case developed for the 2007 Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament
Civil Case-unnecessary force
2nd Amendment and the Courts
After reading and discussion of federal gun policies and proposals, their pros and cons, and the Second Amendment, students debate the merits of different gun policies.
