U.S. Government & Civics
Comprehensive resources ...
Founders and the Constitution
Who were the Founders of the United States of America? Introduce students to twenty-four individuals who had a direct impact on the founding of our constitutional government. Explore… learn more
iCivics: Explore the Resource Library High School
Nobody does social studies like iCivics. Whether it’s civics, government, or U.S. History, we’re fearless about creating dynamic learning experiences. From educational games and short-form, just-in-time materials to… learn more
iCivics Education: Using iCivics Resources
From grab-and-go lessons to year-long curriculum, our resources engage students with complex concepts in ways they can understand and relate to. To get started, we recommend exploring our… learn more
iCivics Education
Nobody does social studies like iCivics. Whether it’s civics, government, or U.S. History, we’re fearless about creating dynamic learning experiences. From educational games and short-form, just-in-time materials to… learn more
Bill of Rights: The 1st Ten Amendments
December is a month of civic awareness. Civic virtues like humility, respect, and integrity can be found throughout the holiday season. Look no further than Human Rights Day… learn more
PBS LearningMedia: Our Shared Differences
Help students understand that each person’s unique life experiences shape their values, interests, and choices. Through exploring their own and each other’s differences, students will recognize how diversity… learn more
Teaching the Rule of Law and Law Day
Did you know, annually, the United States recognizes May 1 as Law Day? Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower after the American Bar… learn more
Bill of Rights Institute Studios
A variety of video resources and content to support history and civics educators and students for U.S. History, Government, Civics, and Elementary learn more
How to Teach Local Elections
When teaching about local elections, an experiential approach can be effective in giving students firsthand perspectives. Teaching local politics, especially during election season, can be challenging. Doing so… learn more
Civics Education for Digital Citizens
MyCivicsLife is a free, educational social media tool that prepares middle-level students to be responsible citizens in the digital age -- in a safe and engaging practice space!… learn more
Campaign 2024
This website provides C-SPAN Classroom video resources explaining the various aspects of the election process for candidates vying to become the next President of the United States. Separated into various… learn more
The Supreme Court: Lesson Plans and Resources
Americans have looked to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) as the moral conscience of the nation since it was established by the founding fathers in… learn more
Foundations of Democracy and Government: Lessons and Resources
Ever wondered about the perfect way to introduce your students to the intriguing world of democracy? Well, Share My Lesson has you covered! Dive into our special collection… learn more
Bill of Rights Institute: Presidents and the Constitution
What are the powers delegated to the Executive Branch and how have constitutional principles have applied throughout U.S. History? Examine these questions with your students and equip them… learn more
2024 Presidential Election
Bill of Rights Institute. This fall, Americans will have the opportunity to exercise their vote to choose our next president. Voting in a self-governing society requires an informed… learn more
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Through narratives, primary sources, and point-counter-point debates, students will gain insights into the nature of the American experiment – the ongoing quest for a more perfect union. Containing… learn more
Lou Frey Institute of Politics & Government
Our work promotes the development of enlightened, responsible, and actively engaged citizens through civic education programs that encourage thoughtful debate and discussion about current policy issues; through experiential… learn more
MyCivicsLife – Civics Education for Digital Citizens
MyCivicsLife is a free, educational social media tool that prepares middle-level students to be responsible citizens in the digital age -- in a safe and engaging practice space!… learn more
Lesson Plan: 2024 Presidential Candidates on the Issues
Welcome to C-SPAN Classroom's Lesson Plans! This section of the website is designed to enhance social studies curriculums by providing teachers with structured lesson plans that examine a… learn more
PBS LearningMedia: Citizen Nation: Civics Skills
This collection is designed to empower students to participate confidently in civic life. In these lessons, high school students teach essential skills and strategies for civic engagement, critical… learn more
Engaging Congress
What is Engaging Congress? Engaging Congress is a FREE, fun, interactive game that uses primary source documents to explore the basic tenets of representative government and the challenges they face in contemporary society.… learn more
iCivics: Government & the Market
In this unit, students learn about the relationship between the government and the economy. Starting with the basics of the market economy, students learn about government regulations on… learn more
iCivics: The Constitution EXPLAINED
iCivics presents a comprehensive, short-form video series explaining the text, history, and relevance of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and additional amendments. Our videos are assignable and end… learn more
iCivics: Public Policy
In this unit, students learn what public policy is and who creates, implements, and influences it. Through case studies, scenarios, and possible role-playing, students discover how difficult it… learn more
iCivics: Our Founder, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
As the nation mourns the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, we remember her not only for… learn more
iCivics Lesson Plans for Teachers
Founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics re-imagines civic education for American democracy. With iCivics, nearly 10 million students learn about our government, the rule of law, and… learn more
iCivics Constitution Day Activities
Why is Constitution Day important to teach? Constitution Day, September 17th, is an opportunity to engage students in the U.S. Constitution’s continued relevance. Use this day and the weeks… learn more
iCivic: The Constitution
The Constitution. Students will learn how our Constitution was created and what some of its key characteristics are. They will also explore key amendments to the Constitution and… learn more
High School Government Resources
Build a foundational understanding of the constitutional system of United States government and how the system evolved over the course of U.S. History. Each resource contains full lesson… learn more
iCivics: Government & the Economy
This lesson uses the topic of cell phone service to illustrate how government and the economy are related. Students learn the difference between market, command, and mixed economies.… learn more
TPT: Students of History
Teachers Pay Teachers. Empowering teachers with content, tools, and community to teach at their best. Offers unit topics or full curriculum in US History, World History, and Government… learn more
The Learning Commons: American Government and Politics
Jefferson Community and Technical College transforms lives and communities through educational excellence in an inclusive environment that opens doors for all students. A guide to information resources related… learn more
Constituting America: Constitutional Lesson Plans
The mission is to teach students across America about the nonpartisan relevancy of the U.S. Constitution and the principles of self-governance inherent in our founding documents. Also, check… learn more
PBS LearningMedia: We the Voters
More young people than ever identify themselves as politically “independent.” This animated film (narrated by Morgan Spurlock) looks at pros and cons of our two-party system, and at… learn more
Lesson Plan: 2023-2024 Supreme Court Oral Arguments
Supreme Court Oral Arguments C-SPAN Classroom. The justices of the Supreme Court discuss the process and importance of the oral arguments during a Supreme Court case. learn more
World101: Explore Teaching Topics
High-quality, standards-aligned classroom resources, lesson plans, teaching inspiration, and professional development opportunities—all inspired by our mission that Global Civics is essential for twenty-first century citizenship. See why World101… learn more
Constitution Center: Classroom Resource Library
The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of… learn more
Google Arts & Culture: American Democracy
Celebrate the history of the United States presidency and discover defining moments in American Democracy. learn more
Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights originally in the US Constitution?
When you think of the US Constitution, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Free speech? The right to bear arms? These passages are cited so often… learn more
United State Capital Historical Society
United States Capitol Historical Society is a nonprofit and nonpartisan educational organization created in 1962 to promote the history of the Capitol and Congress. USCHS serves as an informational… learn more
LESSON IDEAS FOR USING POLITICAL CARTOONS TO TEACH CIVICS
I can’t imagine teaching civics and government without political cartoons—they are essential to the subject. They make the best entry point for introducing concepts and diving deeper into diverse viewpoints on… learn more
The Constitutional Convention of 1787
In this unit, students will examine the roles that key American founders played in creating the Constitution, and the challenges they faced in the process. They will learn… learn more
The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation?
It is Fall 1787. The Federal Convention has recently concluded its closed door meetings in Philadelphia and presented the nation with a new model for the government. It… learn more
How is power divided in the United States government? -
Article II of the United States Constitution allows for three separate branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), along with a system of checks and balances should any… learn more
iCivics: Infographic Library for Civics & Social Studies
For your convenience, we've assembled a library of the infographics that exist within other units. Use these infographics with your class to introduce students to a new civics topic,… learn more
Social Studies Shorts: How an Idea Becomes a Law
When a member of Congress, the president, or even an ordinary citizen like you has an idea for a new law in the United States, that idea needs… learn more
US Capitol History Educational Videos
We the People Constitution Tour The Society was proud to work with NBC News to produce our “We the People” series that explores the history and meaning of… learn more
Digital Civics Toolkit
The Digital Civics Toolkit is a collection of resources for educators to support youth to explore, recognize, and take seriously the civic potentials of digital life. The Toolkit… learn more
OER Commons: We the People
The "We the People" Constitution Hub is a public digital collection of curated Civics and History resources. It is free with no subscription required. Educators have access to… learn more
Civics Renewal Network: Classroom Resources
Sharing the belief that understanding the Constitution plays a vital role in creating knowledgeable and engaged citizens, they agreed to work together as the Civics Renewal Network to… learn more
Constituting America: Clips for Classroom
CLIPS FOR CLASSROOMS: FREE! From 30 Seconds to 8 Minutes – You Choose! CONSTITUTIONAL CHATS PODCAST SERIES Our weekly podcast with Constitutional experts learn more
NewseumED: Lesson Plans
NewseumED.org offers free resources to cultivate the First Amendment and media literacy skills essential to civic life. Learn how to authenticate, analyze and evaluate information from a variety… learn more
National Constitution Center: Classroom Resources by Topic
Our instructional materials use the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution to provide students with nonpartisan analysis from top constitutional scholars. Explore our offerings. learn more
Constituting America
Celebrating 12 Years of Constitution Education Programming! Teaching the relevance of the US Constitution and the principles of self-governance in our founding documents. learn more
Supreme Court Historical Society
Classroom Resources for Teachers & Students The Supreme Court Historical Society is a private non-profit organization, incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1974. The Society is dedicated… learn more
Civic Renewal Project
The Civics Renewal Network is a consortium of nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations committed to strengthening civic life in the U.S. by increasing the quality of civics education in our… learn more
United States Electoral College
Britannica. Constitutionally mandated process for electing the U.S. president and vice president. learn more
Presidential Election Process
Learn about the presidential election process, including the Electoral College, caucuses and primaries, and the national conventions. learn more
The Interactive Constititution
National Constitution Center. Learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives. learn more
iCivics: Free Lesson Plans & Games
Remote Learning Toolkit For Educators. Explore our free, easy-to-use games and lesson plans (ideal for Google Classroom, Nearpod, and more!) that will help you prioritize civic learning and… learn more
Sandra Day O'Connor Institute
Our nation's first female Supreme Court justice and first female majority leader of any state legislative upper house, Justice O'Connor is a peerless trailblazer who has left a… learn more
Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra Day O’Connor (born March 26, 1930, El Paso, Texas, U.S.), associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1981 to 2006. She was the first woman to serve on the Supreme… learn more
Sandra Day O’Connor: First Woman on the Supreme Court
As the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, Sandra Day O’Connor became an inspiration to millions. learn more
Anniberg Classroom: Lesson Plans Archives
Most of these lessons are based on Annenberg Classroom videos. Teachers may contact info@annenbergclassroom.org to get the Teacher’s Key for the lesson plans. Teachers will also find lessons… learn more
Digital Citizenship Course
CyberCivics Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology learn more
National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 20th
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum ever since. Nearly 4.7 million voters have… learn more
US Constitution Day Activities
ConstitutionFacts.com is pleased to provide a series of free educational resources and Internet links to help educators comply with the new federal regulation requiring the development of student… learn more
Resources for Educators and Students
The Educator's Toolkit The Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) has several resources for educators and programs across all grade levels. The Educator’s Toolkit highlights the resources TYLA has… learn more