RESOURCES ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ConSource
The first ever comprehensive collection of Constitution-related source materials that is available online, digitized, indexed, and searchable. Born just two and a half years ago, ConSource is already being piloted from the 6th grade to the Supreme Court. On September 17th, 2007, the ConSource will be launched via a live event in Philadelphia which will include the largest online gathering of students and high-level representatives from all three branches of government. http://consource.kma.net/register.asp?

FindLaw Annotated Constitution
The FindLaw Annotated Constitution is just that - a complete copy of the United States Constitution, explained almost line by line. Prepared by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, the public policy research arm of the United States Congress that “works exclusively and directly for Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential, nonpartisan basis,” this site provides relevant sources, precedents, analysis, and interpretation for all. An excellent resource for both professional development background reading and student overviews. Highly recommended.
http://www.findlaw.com/casecode/constitution/

The Founders’ Constitution
For anyone not familiar with this extraordinary resource, you are in for a treat. Edited by Philip B. Kurland and Ralph Lerner of the University of Chicago and first printed in 1986, this unique anthology features “the writing of a wide array of people engaged in the problem of making popular government safe, steady and accountable.”  Documents range from the early seventeenth century to the 1830’s and include philosophical reflections, popular pamphlets, public debates, and private correspondence.  Selections are arranged, first, “according to broad themes or problems to which the Constitution of 1787 has made a significant and lasting contribution,” and then by article, section, and clause of the U. S. Constitution, “from the Preamble through Article Seven and continuing through the first twelve Amendments.” If you can’t afford [or are physically unable to lift] the original printed version, this is a must.  Highly recommended.
http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/

Madison's Treasures
"Madison's Treasures" offers documents from our fourth President, James Madison. Most relate to two events: the drafting and ratification of the Constitution (1787-8) and the introduction in the First Federal Congress of the amendments (1789) that became the Bill of Rights. Other documents relate to the freedom of religion and the burning of Washington, D.C. by the British in 1814 -- perrhaps the major embarrassment of Madison's career.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/madison

ELECTION/VOTING RESOURCES

Voices for Votes
"Voices for Votes" involves students in examining primary source documents related to the women's suffrage movement. Students identify methods used to change attitudes about suffrage for women and then create original documents encouraging citizens to vote in current elections.
http://www.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/lessons/00/suffrage

Election Central
This is an exciting new web resource to provide teachers, students, and community members a balanced, up-to-date web resource site on elections.
http://www.crf-usa.org/election_central/election_central htm

The Classroom Law Project in Oregon has put together a series of lessons that focus on being an informed voter, with the emphasis on informed. The lessons, for middle through high school students, include materials on the debates, political polling, media, campaign advertising, and more. Check it out!
http://www.classroomlaw.org

Lesson Plans
Upper elementary lesson plans for teaching about the elections.
http://wwwmnpower.com/kidsvoting/curriculum.htm

The Living Room Candidate: Presidential Candidate Commercials 1952-2004
Seeking to enliven classroom discussion of historical and contemporary presidential campaigns? Looking for examples to show that American politics didn't get "rough" overnight? Trying to explain how Adlai Stevenson could ever have said "The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal is the ultimate indignity to the democratic process" [after explaining how Adlai Stevenson was, of course]? Then run - do not walk - to this web site.
http://livingroomcandidate.movingimage.us/index.php

We the People
"We the People" features drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address, papers of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, an Emancipation Proclamation timeline, slave codes, images of presidential inaugurations, how elections have changed, documents on policies aimed to keep peace between white settlers and Native Americans (1783-1815), duties of the President and other governmental officials in 1825, the role of religion in the founding of the colonies, and more.
http://www.memory,loc.gov/learn/community/cc_wethepeople.php

LAW DAY 2005, THE AMERICAN JURY SYSTEM

The American Jury - Bulwark of Democracy
"The American Jury - Bulwark of Democracy" is an online resource guide provided by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. This is an excellent teacher resource.
www.crf.org/americanjury/index.html

OTHER

Witness and Response: September 11 Acquisitions"
This resource presents photos, prints, eye-witness accounts, headlines, books, magazines, songs, maps, and videotapes related to September 11, 2001. Photos of ground zero taken during and after the attacks by news photographers in New York City are included, as are press reactions from arouind the world. The role maps played in the recovery effort is examined.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/911/

Legislators Back to School Program at