Learning by Hearings Resources
We want to inspire students to value fact-finding, good governance, and bipartisan cooperation as well as to sharpen their investigative skills and their ability to engage in public policy debates with civility.
Check out our lesson plans
Defining Congressional Oversight
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments - Congress investigates the KKK
In this lesson, students will use the groundbreaking work of the congressional investigation into the Ku Klux Klan conducted during Reconstruction. Students will use eyewitness accounts of efforts to terrorize and suppress the rights of formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War, and government reports that were created at this time. Ultimately students will answer the question “Is it worth it for Congress to investigate problems?”. Download includes a lesson plan, video, student materials, and an answer key.
Ferdinand Pecora and the 1929 Stock Market Crash
In this lesson, students work together to analyze the findings of Ferdinand Pecora’s investigation into the stock market crash of ‘29 and examine the dangers of unregulated financial markets, as well as the harm that is caused to ordinary citizens when financial institutions misbehave. Using primary source excerpts from the investigation itself, as well as letters sent to the committee by angry, hurt citizens, students dive deep into an investigation that helped shape the financial system we know today. Students leave being able to answer the question “Should the government regulate financial institutions?”. Download includes a lesson plan, video, student materials, and an answer key.
Welcome to the Jungle
In this lesson, students engage in a matching activity and brief primary source analysis to compare two concurrent federal investigations which led to the birth of food safety regulations during the Progressive Era. Students leave being able to answer the question, “To what extent did the exposure of unregulated food production dangers in the early 20th Century lead to improvements in food safety in America?”. Download includes lesson plan, student materials, and an answer key.
Enumerated v. Implied Powers
In this lesson, students will complete a brief inquiry to answer the question, “Does the Constitution contain all of our rules?”. Students will examine Article I of the US Constitution and then use two case studies of historic congressional investigations to see the ways in which Congress’ power extends beyond its enumerated powers. Download includes lesson plan, student materials, and answer key.
Congressional Oversight Investigation Simulation
In this lesson, students will participate in a simulation of a state-level oversight investigation about a scandal or problem in Michigan. Students will role-play a member of the legislature, a witness, or a member of the media. Teachers can choose from several oversight scenarios that best fit their classroom and community. Download includes lesson plan and all student materials.
Snapshots
Snapshots are Learning by Hearings’ classroom-friendly version of our “Portraits in Oversight” series. All Snapshots include a summary reading, comprehension questions, and discussion questions. Spanish and audio versions of the summary are available on the individual download pages.
General St. Clair's Defeat
This snapshot shows the disastrous defeat of General St. Clair’s forces by Native Americans in 1791, and the subsequent investigation by Congress. This investigation highlighted the numerous problems that contributed to the defeat, established Congress’ right to investigate the executive branch, and led to improvements in military organization and accountability.
Our snapshot of America’s first congressional investigation focuses on the history and development of legislative oversight as an essential element in good governance. Our efforts to capture this moment in history do not condone the treatment of Indigenous Americans by the U.S. government during that period.
Pecora and the 1929 Stock Market Crash
The Senate investigation into the 1929 Stock Market Crash, led by attorney Ferdinand Pecora, exposed unethical practices on Wall Street and within the larger banking industry. Pecora’s fearless questioning of powerful financiers revealed the systemic abuses that contributed to the Great Depression. The resulting public outcry led to landmark reforms including the establishment of regulatory bodies and safeguards for investors. The Pecora Investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of legislative oversight, transparency, and accountability in the financial sector.
McCarthy's Oversight Abuses
This snapshot explores the dangers of unchecked power and political fearmongering through the lens of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s infamous anti-communist crusade in the 1950s. McCarthy abused his oversight authority, violated civil liberties, and ultimately faced censure for his actions. The document provides valuable insights into the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, even in times of national anxiety.
The Watergate Investigation
The Watergate scandal shook the nation when President Nixon’s involvement in illegal activities was uncovered. This Snapshot delves into the Senate’s investigation, highlighting the abuse of power and the importance of checks and balances. Students will explore the events leading to Nixon’s resignation, the impact on American politics, and the enduring lessons about government accountability and the rule of law.
Videos
In partnership with Detroit PBS and the Michigan Learning Channel, we welcome you to view our “Portraits in Oversight” video series that may be used as a companion to your classroom instruction.
General St. Clair's Defeat
This “Portrait in Oversight” video shows the disastrous defeat of General St. Clair’s forces by Native Americans in 1791, and the subsequent investigation by Congress. This investigation highlighted the numerous problems that contributed to the defeat, established Congress’ right to investigate the executive branch, and led to improvements in military organization and accountability.
Our video of America’s first congressional investigation focuses on the history and development of legislative oversight as an essential element in good governance. Our efforts to capture this moment in history do not condone the treatment of Indigenous Americans by the U.S. government during that period.
The KKK and Reconstruction
This “Portraits in Oversight” video discusses the Ku Klux Klan’s reign of terror during Reconstruction and the congressional investigations that exposed their violence. This episode highlights the Klan’s tactics of intimidation and brutality against formerly enslaved citizens and their allies, as well as the courageous individuals who testified before Congress, risking their lives to speak truth to power. Through primary-source images and expert commentary, the video brings to life the struggle for civil rights in the post-Civil War South and underscores the importance of congressional oversight in protecting the rights of all citizens.
The Teapot Dome Scandal
This “Portraits in Oversight” video discusses one of the most infamous political scandals of the twentieth century, the Teapot Dome scandal. This episode highlights the oversight investigation conducted by Senator Thomas Walsh, whose relentless work exposed bribery and abuse of power by the Harding administration’s Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall, and his associates. Students will learn about the first time a cabinet secretary was convicted of a crime, and the importance of congressional oversight in holding government officials accountable and safeguarding public resources.
The Ferdinand Pecora Investigation
This “Portraits in Oversight” video discusses the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing investigation led by attorney Ferdinand Pecora. The program highlights Pecora’s relentless pursuit of powerful bankers and financiers, exposing their unethical practices and the systemic abuses that contributed to the Great Depression, as well as the enduring economic reforms that followed. In this episode, we learn about the importance of government oversight and the role of congressional investigations in holding powerful institutions and groups like Wall Street bankers accountable.
