U.S. G-1

United States Government Standard 1: Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.

WEBSITE: http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/

ANNOTATION: This site is a repository for historical documents that are easily accessed by the user. These key documents represent U.S. political and diplomatic history from pre-colonial times to the present.

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U.S. G-2

United States Government Standard 1: Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.

WEBSITE: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/coredocs.html

ANNOTATION: This site is a repository for all primary documents of U.S. Democracy. Documents from the Bill of Rights to Supreme Court decisions can be viewed or downloaded from this site.

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U.S. G-3

United States Government Standard 1: Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.

WEBSITE: http://eca.state.gov/education/engteaching/pubs/AmLnC/brTOC.htm

ANNOTATION: This site is a repository primary source documents of American democracy. The table of contents is organized by historical period.

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U.S. G-4

United States Government Standard 1: Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.

WEBSITE: http://www.rain.org/~karpeles/

ANNOTATION: This site is a virtual tour of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums. It is the world’s largest private holding of manuscripts and documents from literature, science, religion, history and art. It has a large repository of primary source documents essential to American democracy. WEBPAGE:

U.S. G-5

United States Government Standard 2: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.

WEBSITE: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site provides current government publications, consumer action alerts and current events. A section for teachers gives lesson plans on the constitution.

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U.S. G-6

United States Government Standard 2: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.

WEBSITE: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/en/kids/kids.html

ANNOTATION: This kid friendly site presents statistics from the U.S. census and how it influences the decisions made on a state level.

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U.S. G-7

United States Government Standard 3: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.

WEBSITE: http://future.state.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site is the U.S. State Department's website for youth. It offers lesson plans on terrorism, Vietnam, and the Cuban Missile Crisis and information about more than 50 international issues. "Careers Representing America," games, and "Meet the Secretary of State" are among the features. Links are provided for learning about current events, geography, and the environment.

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U.S. G-8

United States Government Standard 3: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.

WEBSITE: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/diplomacy/index.html

ANNOTATION: This Library of Congress site opens a window into the lives of American diplomats and U.S. foreign policy. It explains how diplomacy is formulated in Washington and implemented at our embassies abroad. Transcripts of more than 1,300 interviews with U.S. diplomatic personnel capture their experiences, motivations, personal analyses, and private thoughts.

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U.S. G-9

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/

ANNOTATION: This site offers an interactive tour of the white house, biography of the presidents and the history of the executive office. Links include a closer look at the First Ladies, the Oval Office and every facet of the executive branch of government.

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U.S. G-10

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101/

ANNOTATION: This site is kid friendly and explores every aspect of the executive office, the white house and even, the presidential pets. This site may be helpful to struggling learners.

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U.S. G-11

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://americanhistory.si.edu/PRESIDENCY/home.html

ANNOTATION: This site explores the history and operation of the American presidency. The exhibit displays more than 375 images of documents, paintings, photographs, buttons, posters, paraphernalia, and objects along with short texts explaining their significance.

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U.S. G-12

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://www.firstladies.org/curriculum/curriculum.aspx?Curriculum=974

ANNOTATION: This site honors the First Ladies and their contribution and support of the executive branch. The global impact of the First Ladies is addressed.

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U.S. G-13

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government

ANNOTATION: This site describes how the federal government works. Topics include the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial), the Constitution, federal agencies and commissions, elections and voting, and state and local governments.

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U.S. G-14

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://oralhistory.clerk.house.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site contains an oral history of the U.S. House of Representatives. This oral history project includes interviews with a wide variety of House employees such as Member aides, committee staff, support staff, technical assistants, and family of Members. Select former Representatives also are interviewed.

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U.S. G-15

United States Government Standard 4: Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

WEBSITE: http://thomas.loc.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site is a searchable database of summary versions of legislation, the status of congressional bills, the text and digest of the Congressional Record, committee information, hearings schedules, related calendars, information about how laws are made and enacted, and historical documents.

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U.S. G-16

United States Government Standard 5: Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

WEBSITE: http://www.oyez.org/

ANNOTATION: This site features abstracts and other materials on Constitutional law cases decided by the United States Supreme Court. Visitors can learn about the Court, search case law, listen to recordings of the Court in session, and order recordings of Constitutional law arguments and decisions.

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U.S. G-17

United States Government Standard 5: Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

WEBSITE: http://www.supremecourt.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site provides information on the High Court's docket, calendar and schedule, opinions and orders, and visitation schedule. It offers advice on how to file a case with the court, court rules, and links to related websites.

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U.S. G-18

United States Government Standard 5: Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

WEBSITE: http://www.fjc.gov/public/home.nsf

ANNOTATION: This site is the education and research agency for the federal courts. Information is provided on how the various courts work, are organized, and fit into the U.S. system of government. Histories are available on the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, district courts, circuit courts, and other courts. There are also units for teaching about notable federal trials.

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U.S. G-19

United States Government Standard 5: Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

WEBSITE: http://www.uscourts.gov/EducationalResources.aspx

ANNOTATION: This site helps students learn about the federal court system. Teachers can use the site to connect court-related issues to students' everyday lives. Visitors can learn about the "Open Doors of Justice Program," and use a lesson plan on the differences between civil and criminal cases.

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U.S. G-20

United States Government Standard 5: Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

WEBSITE: http://www.ncjrs.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site provides information and statistics on drugs and crime, law enforcement, juvenile justice, school safety, courts, and other topics related to criminal justice.

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U.S. G-21

United States Government Standard 6: Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.

WEBSITE: http://government.hippocampus.org/

ANNOTATION: This site can be accessed through Ed1 stop on the Contra Costa County Office of education website or at the above web address. Short narrated videos provide targeted lessons on the essential concepts of U.S. Government. A module on political parties and elections covers the topic of national, state and local campaigns.

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U.S. G-22

United States Government Standard 6: Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.

WEBSITE: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/links2.html

ANNOTATION: This site provides information about the election process. Maps, the electoral college, registering to vote, campaign finance, opinion polls, historical election results, and state elections are other topics addressed by this portal.

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U.S. G-23

United States Government Standard 6: Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.

WEBSITE: http://americanhistory.si.edu/vote/

ANNOTATION: This site looks at the history and variety of voting methods in the U.S. -- the voice vote, "party ticket" (paper ballots listing candidates from just one party), Australian ballot, gear and lever machine, and others. Voting reforms of the early 1900s, when the U.S. electorate doubled, are described. Kinds of voting equipment used in counties across the U.S. are shown on a map.

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U.S. G-24

United States Government Standard 6: Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.

WEBSITE: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/themes/elections/

ANNOTATION: This Library of Congress site explores elections and the electoral process, the voting franchise, and campaign materials as well as first ladies and presidential inaugurations. Lesson plans, primary source materials and classroom activities are included.

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U.S. G-25

United States Government Standard 7: Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments.

WEBSITE: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/government/federalism2.html

ANNOTATION: This site is geared to young people and gives comprehensible input on topics in U.S. government. This particular web page addresses the federal vs. state powers.

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U.S. G-26

United States Government Standard 8: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.

WEBSITE: http://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/identify/digital_monitoring.html

ANNOTATION: This site addresses security concerns regarding internet safety practices. It is a useful guide for teachers, parents and students on safety practices and digital monitoring.

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U.S. G-27

United States Government Standard 8: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.

WEBSITE: http://www.justice.gov/criminal/cybercrime/rules/kidinternet.htm

ANNOTATION: This site addresses cyberspace safety rules, hacking and ethics. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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U.S. G-28

United States Government Standard 8: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.

WEBSITE: http://www.healthfinder.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthfinder.gov is one of the best places to find government-related health and human services information on the Web. Over 1500 health-related organizations are represented here. The use of technology to coordinate and disperse health information is a positive influence of media on society.

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U.S. G-29

United States Government Standard 8: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.

WEBSITE: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/index.html

ANNOTATION: This site has resources for students and teachers including podcasts, news shows and lesson plans. It has both U.S. and international current events on political topics as well as science, economics, health and art.

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U.S. G-30

United States Government Standard 9: Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles.

WEBSITE: http://www.govspot.com/categories/worldgovernment.htm

ANNOTATION: This site has state, national and world government resources. It includes current events, data and resources to analyze the origins, characteristics and development of political systems.

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U.S. G-31

United States Government Standard 9: Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles.

WEBSITE: http://www.geocurrents.info/

ANNOTATION: Geocurrents offers brief, map-illustrated analyses of current events, both major and minor, from all reaches of the world. The blog is based on the proposition that geographical and historical background information can greatly enhance our understanding of what is happening in the world.

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U.S. G-32

United States Government Standard 10: Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.

WEBSITE: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/ftrials.htm

ANNOTATION: This site depicts famous trials. Most of these include background information on the case, biographies and photographs of trial participants, trial transcript excerpt and articles from newspapers that covered the trial.

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U.S. G-33

United States Government Standard 10: Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.

WEBSITE: http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

ANNOTATION: This site allows you to search and view newspaper pages from 1860-1922 and find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress as part of the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

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U.S. G-34

United States Government Standard 10: Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.

WEBSITE: http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

ANNOTATION: This CNN student site addresses current events in U.S. and national politics. The broadcasts are current and a means of generating opinions on a variety of issues in the political spectrum.

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