Photo of Capitol

Civic Literacy

Students examine how laws are made using primary sources that outline how bills move from committee recommendations to passage in the House of Representatives and Senate.

U.S. Senate Website

Civic Literacy

Students research the roles of committees in Congress and identify their local representatives using online government resources.

Students connect the activities and actions of Congress with their local community.

Library of Congress' Thomas portal

Research and Information Fluency

Students collaborate in small groups to investigate the committees involving local representatives, including legislation proposed by these representatives and the roles within the committees.

In preparing their class reports, students develop an awareness of the priorities of their representatives and how these relate to legislators.

Screenshot of Federalist Papers website

Creativity and Innovation

Students read electronic reproductions of primary source historical texts on the nature and rationale of federalism.

Instructions on Contacting U.S. Senators

Further Development

With students already familiar with their local leaders and their positions in Congress, teachers can encourage students explore their own concerns and craft letters, either individually or collaboratively, that address their representatives.