Political Philosophy Teacher Resources

Discover Aristotle's view of happiness, or eudaimonia, with a short video that analyzes the Greek philosopher's Nicomachean Ethics. An applicable example of finding the golden mean when pursuing happiness connects ancient Greek...

Much has been made of the differences between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. But was there any common ground between them? Class members reconsider what they think they know about these two civil rights leaders with biographical...

Scholars analyze the concepts of success, ethics, and Machiavelli's philosophy with an enlightening video. The narrator explains the main theories of Machiavelli in an easy-to-understand method and makes use of visual aids to enhance...

In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer questions about Gorgias by Plato. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.

In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, high schoolers respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Protagoras by Plato. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet. 

Students examine and discuss the philosophical differences that arose during the Constitutional Convention and how these differences played a role in the formation of the first political parties.

Students identify the Articles of Confederation and explain why it failed. They explain the argument over the need for a bill of rights in the Constitution and James Madison's role in securing its adoption by first Congress. Finally,...

Students organize and create a six-panel federal political campaign pamphlet. They research the main Canadian federal political parties, analyze the platforms, and organize the information for their pamphlet.

Pupils discover the interaction of American Literature, politics and the environmental movement. They explore the changing concept and philosophy of wilderness, and explain the development of The National Park System. They read sections...

Sixth graders use the four philosophies of Ancient China to investigate persceptive and resolution of a problem.

Having a unique and individual perspective can be helpful for society as well as for yourself! A video analysis of John Stuart Mill's On Liberty examines the British philosopher's views of freedom and liberty, as well as how restrictions...

No discussion about the importance of government influence in society is complete without Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes. As explained in a short analysis video, his 17th century work details the restrictions of individual freedom, and how...

In this philosophy worksheet, students respond to 21 short answer questions about Aristotle's Ethics. Students may also take the 13 question online interactive quiz on the selection.

In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Aristotle. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.

Students research the structure of the Declaration: introduction, main political/philosophical ideas, grievances and assertion of sovereignty. They analyze the ideological/political origins of the ideas in the Declaration. Students...

Students investigate awareness and spiritual transformation by researching the life of Gandhi.  In this philosophy instructional activity, students discuss living in an aware state by practicing yoga, eating vegetarian, and becoming...

Learners research and report on the life and times of Henry David Thoreau. For this Thoreau research lesson, students visit the given website and freewrite about Thoreau's life and home. Learners work in groups to research and report on...

Students explore politcical polling by conducting a poll of student body elections. They prepare a survey, distribute forms, and tabulate data.

Students complete a Venn Diagram comparing the Democratic Republicans and the Democratic Party today. In groups, they research the key concepts of the Democratic Party today and write a short summary. They share their ideas and...

Relate literary works and authors to the major themes of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 20th century. Working in groups, high schoolers will evaluate period philosophy, religion, and politics that influenced...

Students create an advertising campaign to persuade the Founding Fathers to adopt a particular political philosophy. Working in groups, they conduct research about a certain political philosophy. Students create a pitch to be made to...

Learners explore the concept of non-violent resistance. In this political philosophies lesson, students study the political tactics of Mohandas Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, and Martin Luther King, Jr. in order to discover how each of...

Students uncover the roots of the Cold War. In this Cold War instructional activity, students research the political philosophies of the Soviet Union and the United States during the era as they define key vocabulary and discuss...

Clarifying the differences between Capitalism, Communism, and Socialism, as well as describing the historical contexts for each, this video will help viewers understand the meaning of Communist and Capitalist countries. This resource...