This lesson exposes students to the judicial branch and the power of judicial review. They read about an actual Supreme Court case, Torcaso v. Watkins, to see how the judicial branch used its power of judicial review to strike down an unconstitutional state law.
Civics Lessons
Lesson Topic: Constitution
What is the Judicial Branch?
Wanted: A Just Right Government
Students learn how the U.S. Constitution came to exist by looking at the tensions and differences of opinion that existed among early American states and citizens. Students learn about the Articles of Confederation, why the first “constitution” didn’t work, and how compromise led to the Constitution.
Constitution Day Lesson 14th Amendment
The goal of this activity is to introduce 8th grade students to the Fourteenth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution (equal protection under the law).
The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union?
These lessons help your students begin to understand why the Founders felt a need to establish a more perfect Union and how they proposed to accomplish such a weighty task.
The Invaders: A Constitutional Rights Activity
Introduces students to the rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
Responsibility and the U.S. Constitution
In this lesson, students learn about responsibility and apply the concept to segments of the U.S. Constitution.
A Visitor from Outer Space
Students learn about the Bill of Rights and the Importance of Rights
Michigan Court System
The lesson includes a read aloud book to teach students about the Michigan Court System.
The Tired King
Students learn about the three functions of government in this interactive role play.
What Basic Ideas About Government Are included in the Preamble to the Constitution?
This lesson explores some ideas in the Preamble to the Constitution. Students learn that the power to govern belongs to the people who have created the government to protect their rights and promote their welfare.