This collection of legislative branch lesson plans offers PreK-12 educators tools to introduce students to Congress and its critical role in U.S. government. As James Madison wrote in Federalist 51, "The legislative authority necessarily predominates," highlighting the central role Congress and state legislatures play in creating laws and balancing government powers.
These resources encourage students to explore key questions about how Congress functions:
- Who is part of the legislative branch? Students learn about the structure of Congress, the roles of Senators and Representatives, and the importance of state legislatures in the lawmaking process.
- What powers do Congress and state legislatures have? Young learners get a basic introduction to lawmaking, while older students delve into the legislative powers outlined in the Constitution and their role within the checks and balances system.
- How have these powers evolved over time? Through stories, key events, and important cases, students examine how legislative authority has adapted in response to historical and social change.
- What issues face Congress today? Students explore current policy debates, challenges of a divided government, and the importance of civic engagement in lawmaking.
Each resource offers adaptable lesson plans, activities, and multimedia content that help students engage with Congress’s role in democracy, fostering curiosity and critical thinking across grade levels.
