Lesson examining the roles, functions and significance of the US cabinet and Executive Office of the President. *May need to be updated to keep up to date with cabinet changes!*
Resources for pupils to write a 45 mark essay examining Obama's presidency drawing on all aspects of the topic they have covered including powers, relationship with Congress, popularity, limitations on powers etc.
Lesson examining the roles and functions of Congress, and how well Congress fulfils them - encouraging analysis of the efficacy of the US legislative brance
Lesson introducing the presidential system including the features of the presidential system and the provisions in the constitution and guiding principles of the US congressional system.
Lesson introducing the separation of powers - building on the knowledge of checks and balances to investigate whether 'separate' institutions is a more fitting description than 'separate' powers.
Lesson introducing the US Constitution - students should have their own copy of the constitution to refer to throughout the study of US government (most textbooks have a copy in the back, but a paper copy is good for annotating and highlighting throughout the course)