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MENUMENU
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Board and Officers
    • Teacher Advisory Council
    • Supporters
    • The Courthouse
    • The Federal Courts
  • How to Visit
    • Location, Hours & Parking
    • Photo Gallery Tour
    • Schedule a Tour
  • Our Programs
    • Summer Teacher Institute
    • Citizenship in the Nation for Scouts
    • Spring Art Competition
    • Tinker v. Des Moines Exhibit
    • Program Photos
  • Transportation Grants
  • Student Center
    • Bill of Rights Day 2024 Contest
    • Student Center Landing Page
    • The Role of the Federal Courts
    • Organization of the Federal Courts
    • How Courts Work
    • Landmark Cases
    • Tinker v. Des Moines Exhibit
    • Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Online Exhibit
  • Educator Center
    • Summer Teacher Institute
    • Educator Center Main Page
    • Tinker v. Des Moines Exhibit
    • Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Online Exhibit
    • Online Learning Resources
    • Comparing State and Federal Courts
    • Law Day 2025
  • Contact
  • Calendar

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
The Constitution
Use this section to teach students about Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution in an engaging way.  Students will explore the text of the Constitution to compare and contrast the 3 branches of government.
Lessons Plans:
"Separation of Powers/Qualifications of Office"          Grades 6-12
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. This lesson plan uses primary documents.
Lessons Plans:
"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 6-12
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.
Lessons Plans:
"Do You Know Your Bill of Rights?"                    Grades 4-12 "The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties"               Grades 6-12  
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