Curated OER
The Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms
Learners examine procedures and processes of the Michigan Supreme Court. They explain the Second Amendment to others. They compare and contrast two cases dealing with the Second Amendment.
Curated OER
Ho Chi Minh and Freedom of Speech
Learners explore freedom of speech. Individually, they complete a K-W-L chart. Students participate in a "Stand If You Can" activity where they make statements regarding the freedom of speech. Learners stand if they agree with the...
Curated OER
Citizen Participation
Students compare and contrast political parties and interest groups. They examine the role citizens play in how to improve the community. They develop a survey to determine the needs and services opportunities in their community.
Curated OER
Affidavit and Flyers from the Chinese Boycott Case
High schoolers divide into small groups and study one of the three union flyers. Groups share their findings with the whole class and clarify unfamiliar vocabulary terms.
Curated OER
The U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel
Students research the political aspects of the U.S. position in the Middle East, considering, for example, Truman's position in view of the 1948 presidential election. They examine a telegram sent by the Secretary of State, George C....
Curated OER
Differences and Settlement in Framing the United States Constitution
Students identify the principles of democracy when framing the United States Constitution. In groups, they analyze the differences that were settled before anyone signed the document. They role play their own activity in which they...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Justice Thomas on National Identity
An examination of a speech Justice Clarence Thomas delivered in 2009 highlighting his thoughts on the Bill of Rights as well has his views on the importance of American civic responsibility.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: 9/11 and Constitution: American Identity, Diversity
A set of lessons that can be used to commemorate the anniversaries of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. They help students to reflect on the...
Other
A Civic Framework for Community
A framework for discussing what it means to be a community, based on the principles in the Declaration of Independence and on the values Americans hold dear that form the basis of successful communities.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: James Madison and Executive Power
This lesson plan examines the legacy of the "philosopher statesman," James Madison. Madison combined the intellectual knowledge and creativity of the scholar with the practical savvy of the politician, a man of strong principles who also...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: George Washington and Civic Virtue (Lesson Plan)
A lesson for gaining knowledge and insight into the founders' ideas of civic virtue - civic knowledge, self-restraint, self-assertion, and self-reliance. Includes an examination of an excerpt from a primary source document: George...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Making Civics Real: Controversial Public Policy Issues
This set of lesson plans contains background information on the teacher and school featured in the one hour video Workshop 7: Controversial Public Policy Issues.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Your America: Democracy's Local Heroes: Teacher's Guide
Inspire civic awareness, promote student activism and examine the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship by exploring stories of how ordinary citizens accomplished extraordinary changes.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Your America: Democracy's Local Heroes: Student Guide
Investigate the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship focusing on examples of citizens who took action to effect positive changes. Explore ways in which students can become involved in their communities.