Students will examine the purpose, forms, and limitations on government. They will learn about key philosophers like John Locke and explore practical examples of government…
This library of mini-lessons targets the people, ideas, and events that influenced the development of America’s government. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and a…
How did we go from thirteen British colonies to the United States of America? Explore the major hardships of life under British rule, why some colonists decided to break away, and…
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 their application…
This comprehensive series of 35 short videos explains the text, history, and relevance of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and additional amendments in everyday…
Being the new kid on the block wasn't enough for the United States. Early Americans wanted their nation to be bigger, too. (And probably badder.) They succeeded--but at a cost. In…
The push towards civil rights in the United States has been longstanding and is ever-evolving. While not encompassing, our civil rights unit covers the expansion and abolition of…
Students will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of…
Students will learn about the executive branch, including the unique role and powers of the president and the function of executive departments and agencies. They will explore key…
Students will learn about the federal and state courts and what they do. They will explore the courts’ role in fairly settling disputes and administering justice, and the unique…
Most people are familiar with freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but there are other rights and liberties that benefit us every day. In this unit, students learn the…
This library of mini-lessons targets a variety of landmark cases from the United States Supreme Court. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and one page of activities. The…
Sometimes the textbook definition isn’t enough! Our collection of Legal Reference Sheets provides students with a deep understanding of important laws, rights, and legal concepts…
Students will explore the concept of federalism, from the powers held by the federal government to the powers reserved for the states. They will also learn about state government…
This unit is designed to provide students with an introduction to the electoral processes of the American political system. Students will develop a strong foundation that will…
Students will learn what it means to be a U.S. citizen and how citizenship is obtained. They will compare and contrast personal and political rights with social responsibilities…
What does brushing your teeth, having a bank account, and saving the endangered Northern Goshawk have in common? They’re all affected by public policy! In this unit, students learn…
County Solutions is a lesson-based civic action project you can do with your students right in the classroom! We've broken down the project into nine steps for middle school and…
This unit is designed to teach students about media influence on politics and society. Students learn how the media and interest groups influence discussions that take place in the…
The universe of information we live in is a complicated web of messages with a mind-blowing array of sources, biases, and agendas. Help your students develop the mad news literacy…
