America's Legislators Back to School Program

Your Ideas Count! Lesson Plans

 High School -- Elementary School (New lesson plans for Middle School are currently under development)

The lesson plans outline for students the importance of representative democracy, the message that their voice counts and the valid role of special interest groups in the process. The plans complement the NCSL publication "Your Ideas Count," a student booklet used by legislators as a "leave behind" resource after their classroom visit. Teachers are invited to download the lesson plans and use them as appropriate in their classrooms. NCSL invites teachers to fill out an evaluation of the lesson plans and the Back to School program. Click here for the online evaluation forms.

High School

Lesson Plan I: How Do Teenagers Get a "Voice"?

Lesson Plan II: "Don't We All Agree?" -- Recognizing the Importance of Diversity in Public Policy Making

Lesson Plan III: "Whose Special Interests?" -- The Role of "Special Interest Groups" in Legislation

Lesson Plan IV: "Why Compromise?" -- The Importance of Compromise in a Representative Democracy

NCSL appreciates the efforts of Deanna Morrison, Esq., Denver, CO, for the writing of the plans and Daniel Prinzing, Idaho Department of Education, for reviewing the plans. Contributors include Jennifer Portillo, West High School, Denver, CO; Rich Resivach, Thomas Jefferson High School, Denver, CO, and Bob Warmack, Clear Creek High School, Idaho Springs, CO.

Elementary School

Lesson Plan I: Compromise -- Why Don't We All Agree?

Lesson Plan II: Who are Legislators?

Lesson Plan III: Participation -- Where's My Voice?

NCSL appreciates the efforts of Leah Breckenridge, Montclair Academy, Denver, Co., and Sandy Stokley, Ellis Elementary School, Denver, CO, in the writing of the plans; and Rebecca Reeder, Ft. Wayne, In., and California Senator Betty Karnette for reviewing the plans. Contributor: Karyn Reeve, Wilder Elementary School, Littleton, CO.

This project is supported by a Robert H. Michel Civic Education Grant sponsored by The Dirksen Congressional Center, Pekin, IL.

 NCSL Contacts:

Posted 9/12/01
updated 4/11/2010