Grade levels: Upper Elementary (4-6)

The Constitution of the United States established three distinct branches of Government – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Our founding fathers, in their wisdom, formed this division of government to establish the principle of separation of powers. This creates an internal system of checks and balances designed to protect citizens from capricious or tyrannical actions of government. Discover important insight about the inner workings of the combined houses, Congress, including how laws are made, the role and power of committees, the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists, and the checks and balances that exist between the two houses and political parties. Noted educators and elected officials share their insight o this very important facet of American political science.

The Supreme Court’s responsibility is to interpret all laws and ensure that they do not conflict with the founding principles of the Constitution. Examine numerous landmark cases including Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch vs. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden. The challenges faced by the Judicial Branch over the history of the United States are fascinating and crucial to complete understanding of the American political system. Noted educators and elected officials share their insight on this very important facet of American political science. The Just The Facts™ Learning Series explores The Judicial Branch in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!

The right to vote is the single most important right for American citizens, and yet, many Americans fail to exercise this valuable right. Many feel their vote doesn’t count, but this enlightening DVD points out why we should take the franchise, the right to vote, very seriously.This program explains the dynamics of the electoral college, electing government officials, concepts and terms like suffrage, franchisement, lobbyists and political action committees, it also explores ways to get more involved in the workings of government.

Learn each president’s political affiliation, state of residence, term in office; their birthplaces, homes, and burial sites. And of course, the major political, economic, domestic and foreign issues of each president are explored, as well as their major achievements and disappointments. The Presidency of the United States is the most powerful position in the nation, and is often referred to as the “leader of the free world”. Their power is only equaled by the massive responsibility they hold. They are not always perfect, but their stories are always fascinating.

Take an intriguing look inside the homes of some of the most distinguished men the world has ever known. We will visit the estates of founding fathers, patriots and heroes. History springs to life as we see where these U.S. Presidents were born, where they worked, where they raised their families and where they grew to become powerful world leaders.

What U.S. State is home to the world’s highest observatory, the US Air Force Academy, and the oldest continuously-operating narrow gauge railroad? One of two US Mints is located here, along with Pike’s Peak. It became our 38th state in 1876. Which state is it? This is the DVD to help you find out! From state capitals to fascinating facts and achievements, you’ll see the 50 United States like never before. Students of all ages will have a blast learning about America while viewing some of the country’s most spectacular sights. Test your knowledge with The Great American State Quiz. You’ll become a whiz at American Geography before you know it.

Our American Landscape captures the natural beauty of America with breathtaking video. These striking images are combined with fascinating information and little known facts that make each state unique. Get ready to visit the highest mountains, the hottest deserts, and the largest swamplands as we take a whirlwind, state-by-state trip across the United States to view Our American Landscape. The ‘Just the Facts’ Learning Series brings facts and information straight to your classroom in an appealing way that makes learning compelling and fun to watch!

Just the Facts: 50 Great Years in American Military History chronicles the distinguished history and development of the U.S. Armed Forces focusing on 50 landmark years. Starting in 1775 with the continuous conflict between the Colonists and the British (the pre-cursory period leading to the Revolutionary War and ultimately the signing of one of the most important document of American History!) and making notable stops to examine events like The Civil War, World War I, World War II, and finally Desert Storm, 50 Great Years in American Military History presents the places, faces and events that have helped resolve issues, make peace and ultimately help shape our great country.

Early explorers paved the way for the development of America. They had the courage, the drive, the passion, to be the first and their discoveries proved to the world that America was a land of extraordinary resources and beauty. This program is about those American explorers and pioneers who were the pathfinders those who first explored the valleys, rivers and mountains of America, and those who were the first to make it their home. Men like Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake, Henry Hudson, James Cook, Daniel Boone, Robert Gray, Lewis and Clark, Charles Wilkes, John Fremont and many more!

Fun Facts of American History you’ll see extraordinary vintage film footage and hear offbeat tales that are all true and all a part of our great American heritage. Historic Episodes, Curious Customs Symbol Origins. The ‘Just the Facts’ Learning Series brings facts and information straight to your classroom in an appealing way that makes learning compelling and fun to watch!