"...A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet..."
{Bernie Dodge, 1995]

WebQuest Overview

WebQuest: What Do I Really Think? A Political Issue Research Activity
This WebQuest asks students, on their own, to research a current political issue such as healthcare, gun control, education, environment, foreign policy, or homeland security using the Internet. The students will determine their own personal positions based on their Web-based research.

WebQuest: How Influential is Your Member of Congress?
This WebQuest was developed by The Dirksen Congressional Center to introduce students to the concept of "influence" or "power" in Congress. What experiences or responsibilities distinguish more influential Congress members from less?

WebQuest: The Job of Leading Congress
This WebQuest was developed by The Dirksen Congressional Center to introduce students to the duties of a leader in the House of Representatives. What jobs do these people, elected by their colleagues, fulfill? What are their qualifications?

WebQuest: Leading the 111th Congress
You are a free-lance writer who has been commissioned by a national monthly magazine to report on the leaders of the 111th Congress. You have decided that your “angle” will be this: what qualities or shared experiences do these leaders have, and how will these factors shape their approach to leadership in Congress. This WebQuest was developed by Frank Mackaman, The Dirksen Congressional Center.

WebQuest: the Legislative Process
Using the Corporate Accountability law signed by President Bush on July 30, 2002, this WebQuest compares the legislative path taken by this legislation to the typical textbook depiction of how a bill becomes law.

WebQuest: Congressional Leadership
Students are asked to identify the traits that make success in congressional leadership positions most likely. Their analysis will provide a guide to members of Congress as they evaluate their colleagues who seek leadership positions.

WebQuest: Comparing Voting Records of Congress Members
This WebQuest was developed by The Dirksen Congressional Center to introduce students to information on the Internet about how members of Congress vote on issues. By accessing the voting records of individual members, it is possible to determine who is conservative, who is liberal.

WebQuest: A Simulated Cabinet Meeting [hosted by another site]
Washington, D.C. is an extremely competitive, political town, and you must work hard to keep your agency an important part of government. It's the beginning of the legislative calendar; you must compete with other agencies and departments for a part of the budget and a high profile emphasis from the president. It's up to you, as agency chief, to identify a pressing current issue before your department/post and prepare an option paper for presentation to the president. Explore possible courses of action to remedy a pressing policy problem. Determine the potential cost to accomplish the goals. You may prepare charts, tables and graphs to explain your plans to the president.