Observes that the first Congress, 1789 to 1791, was the most important in American history. Discusses the role of individual congressional members, including Oliver Ellsworth, Richard Henry Lee, William Maclay, Fisher Ames, Daniel Carroll, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James Jackson, and James Madison. Suggests that these congressman can stimulate student…

Examines the truth behind commonly-accepted myths related to Jimmy Carter presidency. Looks at belief that Carter was not a politician; at contradictory misconception that he was a liberal democratic politician; and at the belief that Carter presided over a decline in U.S. diplomatic prestige and military strength. Concludes that these myths…

Offers an assignment designed to arouse students' interest in U.S. government. Expounds that students choose a political novel and then must address three topics in their papers: (1) plot and political themes; (2) relevant parts of lecture and textbook; and (3) accurate/inaccurate depiction of politics in their novel. (CMK)

Summarizes the events leading up to and the investigation that followed the Watergate break-in. Presents a lesson plan using primary documents that allows students to explore the workings of congressional investigations, the key figures in the scandal, and the arguments of the different participants. Includes copies of the documents. (DSK)

Presents a basic lesson on the complex problems of judicial interpretation for a high-school government survey. Includes lesson objectives, background on lesson design, overview information for students, a list of student materials, expected time for lesson, procedural outline, bibliography, and two student handouts. (DSK)

Discusses rules used in the House of Representatives from 1836 to 1844 to suppress discussions of slavery. Presents a lesson using primary documents that allows students to assess the role of the "gag rule" in creating sectional tension and to follow the transformation of an individual in the growing dispute. Includes documents. (DSK)

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC/ChESS resources related to the history of the United States Congress. Materials selected include books, academic journals, theme issues, workbooks, and curriculum guides. Includes information on locating, ordering, and reproduction of these resources. Also includes information for contacting ERIC/ChESS.…

Suggests using humor on the first day of class as a remedy for student apathy and to encourage interest in history. Provides 39 humorous anecdotes about famous individuals in history that can serve to initiate class discussions about women's history, Black history, and politics. (RW)

Argues that the documentary history of the Congress offers a compelling source of primary materials for the classroom. Discusses two types of frequently overlooked documents, petitions to Congress from ordinary citizens and political cartoons by Clifford Berryman, and aspects of United States' history illustrated by them. (DSK)

Illustrates the value of comparative history in using the past to understand the present and anticipate the future. Presents a comparison of the 1920s with the 1970s, using the Teapot Dome and Watergate scandals; World War I and the Vietnam War; and Presidents Warren G. Harding and Richard M. Nixon as main points of comparison. (LS)

Presents a lesson in which students use primary sources to learn about the organizing strategies used in the fight for women's suffrage. These sources will provide insights into the past and help students develop appreciation for the hardships suffragists endured. Includes objectives, procedures, and suggestions for activities. (LS)

Uses the text of the Declaration of Sentiments, written at the 1848 women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. Familiarizes students with key personalities and organizations in the women's movement and illustrates the significance of the history of women's rights. Provides discussion questions and related activities. (LS)

Provides a list of teaching materials and general background information from the ERIC database on the Early Republic. Offers directions for obtaining the full text of the materials about "The Federalist Papers," the Bill of Rights, the Constitutional Convention, Thomas Jefferson, and other topics. (CMK)

Summarizes the relationship of President Franklin Roosevelt to Congress and its role in creating New Deal legislation. Presents a lesson plan using primary documents that allows students to explore congressional responsibility for enabling the Great Depression and for legislation to deal with its consequences. Includes copies of the documents.…

Illustrates the relationship between the technology of canal building and the development of national unity prior to the Revolutionary War. Examines George Washington's efforts to build the Potomac canal. Encourages students to consider the interrelationships among technology, resources, politics, and leadership. Includes two student handouts and…