The Role of the Federal Courts

The Role of the Federal Courts will introduce the concepts needed to understand why we need a judicial branch of government, and how it developed into what it is today.

To understand the role of the federal courts in interpreting the U.S. Constitution, it’s important to understand what a law is, and where our laws come from. This page will help you and your students explore more about law and the rule of law. This page also provides provides historical background on the creation of the Constitution, the three branches of government, and the Bill of Rights.

The student material for The Role of the Federal Courts can be found in our Online Student Center.

Lesson Plans for The Role of the Federal Courts:

Law and the Rule of Law

Use this section to teach about laws and the meaning of the rule of law. The lesson plans below use current events and technology to help your students gain a deeper understanding of these important concepts.

Lessons Plans:

"How to Create a Law" (Grades 4-12)
"Rule of Law WebQuest" (Grades 6-12)

Video Activity:

"Rule of Law Activity Sheet" (Grades 9-12)

The Constitution

Use this section to teach about the Constitution. Younger students will explore the text and the meaning of the Preamble to visualize the intentions of the Framers, while older students will explore the text of Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution to compare the three Branches of Government.

Lessons Plans:

"A More Perfect Union Drawing Activity" (Grades K-3)
"Separation of Powers/Qualifications of Office" (Grades 9-12)

Video Activity:

" Separation of Powers Activity Sheet" (Grades 9-12)

The Ratification Debate

Use this section to teach students about the debate surrounding the formation of our nation, and how differing views contributed to the finished product of the U.S. Constitution.

Lessons Plans:

"Call a Constitutional Convention" (Grades K-3)
"The Federalist Papers and the Federal Judiciary" (Grades 9-12)

Article III and the Courts

Use this section to lead a more in-depth study of the Article III and the federal courts. This webquest will guide your students through the content pages of the Student Center, with a focus on understanding the powers givens the federal judiciary by the founding fathers.

Lessons Plans:

"Article III WebQuest" (Grades 6-8)

The Constitution and Rights

Use this section to introduce your students to the underlying concepts behind the first 10 amendments. This lesson will help students explore and evaluate the importance of the Bill of Rights.