Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

LawCraft

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

12

Overview

In this interactive game from iCivics, students play a member of Congress from the state of their choice. They pick an issue that's important to them and their constituents and take it all the way through the law-making process. If they're successful, they'll have a bill they can print and show off! This game can be played during a lesson on the law-making process for reinforcement or after as an assessment.

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    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

    SS10.USG.11

    Evaluate constitutional provisions of the legislative branch of the government of the United States, including checks by the legislative branch on other branches of government.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.USG.11

    Vocabulary

    • bicameral
    • Senator
    • Representative
    • checks and balances
    • congressional committee
    • Speaker of the House
    • Senate President Pro Tempore
    • majority/minority leader
    • majority/minority whip

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Powers granted to the legislative branch by the Constitution as well as limitations placed on the legislative branch by other branches.
    • Roles and responsibilities of various offices in the U.S. Congress, including committee framework.
    • Process by which a bill becomes a law including informal influences on the outcome of a bill's passing and composition.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Classify powers of the legislative branch over other branches as well as checks on the legislative branch by other branches.
    • List in chronological order the steps by which a bill becomes a law while identifying at what points other factors may influence the ability of the bill to be passed, including lobbying efforts, as well as the composition of the bill, such as riders or amendment.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • The constitutional framework of the legislative branch, as well as how informal processes and organizational considerations, have shaped the modern U.S. Congress.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Interactive/Game

    Resource Provider

    Other

    Resource Provider other

    iCivics
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Audio resources: includes a transcript or subtitles
    Graphics: includes alt tags or long descriptions
    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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