iCivics
I Civics: Rule of Law
Students learn about the rule of law and how it protects individual rights and freedoms. By performing short, scripted skits that illustrate what life might be like without the rule of law, students identify six factors that make up the...
American Bar Association
American Bar Association Lesson Plan: Dispute Resolution: Rights in Conflict
Help young children identify problems, then find fair solutions in this teacher-directed activity on conflict resolution.
Other
Word Wizards: The Role of Limited Government in a Free Society
This site provides a well-balanced article that looks at the role of America's limited government in its free society, examining differing perspectives to achieve a consensus.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Rights of Citizens: The Bill of Rights
This site provides a full-text version of the Bill of Rights, the document that secures and protects individual, political and economic freedoms.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Japanese Internment
Discover why in 1942 the Japanese Americans living in California were moved away from the coast and its vital military installations and put into relocation camps.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: An Explosion of New Thought
The 19th century brought an Americanization of literature, art, thought, and social reform. Read about how the Second Great Awakening brought a revival in religion and sparked reform movements in suffrage, slavery, and treatment of...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Bill of Rights
The Constitution spelled out the powers of the national government, but many Anti-federalists felt there should be equally explicit a guarantee of individual rights. Read about the compiliation of what became known as the Bill of Rights...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Antifederalists' Victory in Defeat
By 1788 eleven states ratified the Constitution, more than enough to put it into effect as the document establishing rules for the nation. Read about the goals of the Federalists in estabilishing a national government and find out how...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: After the Fact: Virginia, New Yok, and "The Federalist Papers"
Read about the necessity for Virginia and New York to support the ratification of the Constitution. See what influenced the vote in Virginia and how the legislature of New York was finally convinced.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Ratification Process: State by State
The ratification of the Constitution was placed at the hands of the state legislatures. Read about which states supported the ratification, which were opposed, and why. Find out why, even after the requisite number of states had voted...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Bill of Rights Interactive Quiz
Many Americans take for granted the freedoms contained in the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. As students play this game, they will discover surprising facts about the story behind the Bill of Rights and gain a clearer...
Other
Center for Individual Rights
The Center "is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to the defense of individual liberties." The CIR presents their philosophy on civil rights, free expression, religious liberty, and federalism.
iCivics
I Civics: Clapper v. Amnesty International (2013)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that determined the government's ability to conduct electronic surveillance of its citizens. Students learn about the First Amendment right to free speech, the Fourth...
iCivics
I Civics: Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school principal's right to censor student articles in the school newspaper. Students learn about the limits on student free speech in a school...
iCivics
I Civics: Minersville v. Gobitas (1940)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that allowed schools to require students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn about the First Amendment and how the interests of...
iCivics
I Civics: Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
This mini-lesson plan covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school's ability to prohibit inappropriate student language on campus. Students learn about the First Amendment right of free speech, and explore...
iCivics
I Civics: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that extended First Amendment protections to young scholars in the classroom. Students learn about the concept of symbolic speech and how young scholars gained the right...
iCivics
I Civics: Amendment Mini Lesson
This mini-lesson plan highlights the Constitution's amendments. Students will learn about some of the most critical additions to our Constitution and how those additions guarantee their rights.
PBS
Pbs: Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy
A list of terms presented by PBS and Newshour of the values that make up the foundation of American constitutional democracy and the preservation of political and economic freedoms.