Government & Politics Unit 5 – Activities + Essays
15 items
The Judiciary Branch | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment
Video
Video
4 Min
What happens when individual rights come into conflict with school policies—or government actions? In this video, explore how the judicial branch interprets the Constitution and settles real-life disputes that shape how we live, work, and learn.
Learn how the federal court system is structured, what powers judges hold, and how landmark cases help define the meaning of liberty and justice in a constitutional republic. Discover why judicial review, the rule of law, and an independent judiciary are essential to protecting the rights of all Americans.
4 Min
Infographic: Levels of Federal Courts
Activity
Activity
An infographic outlining the structure and jurisdiction of the three levels of federal courts: District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
Levels of the Courts Handout
Activity
Activity
A student handout that details the responsibilities of the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861
Activity
Activity
The text of Lincoln's speech and corresponding analysis questions.
The Original Design of the Court
Essay - 676 Words
Essay
676 Words
What was the Founders vision of for the courts?
Primary Source: U.S. Constitution, Article III
Activity
Activity
The text of Article III of the U.S. Constitution and corresponding comprehension questions.
Founding Documents Graphic Organizer
Activity
Activity
Help students define and understand judicial review by analyzing Federalist #78, Article III of the Constitution, and the Marbury v. Madison (1803) decision.
Supreme Court Decisions Comparison Worksheet
Activity
Activity
Compares two Supreme Court cases through the lens of judicial review and a single founding principle.
The Judiciary Act of 1789
Activity
Activity
40 Min
Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.
The Court over Time
Essay - 1332 Words
Essay
1332 Words
Explore the limits, powers, and expansion of the Court's interpretations over the course of U.S. history.
The Supreme Court is the Final Authority on the Meaning of the Constitution
Essay - 1056 Words
Essay
1056 Words
Is the Supreme Court the final authority on the meaning of the Constitution?
The Supreme Court is not the Final Authority on the Meaning of the Constitution
Essay - 1098 Words
Essay
1098 Words
Is the Supreme Court the final authority on the meaning of the Constitution?
Precedent and the Supreme Court | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment
Video
Video
4 Min
What happens when earlier court rulings shape decisions in today’s most pressing legal battles? In this video, explore how the judicial branch uses precedent to interpret the Constitution and resolve real-life disputes that influence how we live, work, and learn.
Learn how the principle of stare decisis—standing by things decided—guides judges in applying consistent standards, ensures fairness, and helps people and institutions rely on the rule of law. From landmark decisions like Mapp v. Ohio to Brown v. Board of Education, see how precedent can both preserve and reshape justice in a constitutional republic.
4 Min