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Lessons for civics, government, and law-related education in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Includes simulations, discussions, mock trials, case studies, and other research-based materials.

Our extensive library of civics lesson plans makes it easy to find the right lesson at the right time for the right students. These lessons include materials developed by the Learning Law and Democracy Foundation and lessons written by others, vetted and linked to their source.


A Brief History of the FBI’s Involvement In U.S. Elections

From BackStory With The American History Guys “Just what is the role of the FBI when investigating politicians and did [FBI Directory James] Comey cross Read More

Making Rules

In this lesson students will identify rules that are important for their daily work and learning at school.  They will  participate in civil discourse as Read More

Constitution 101 Curriculum: High School Level

“Constitution 101 is a 15-unit asynchronous, semester-long curriculum that provides students with a basic understanding of the Constitution’s text, history, structure, and caselaw…Each module includes detailed Read More

American Party Animals

Why are there only two major parties? This animated film (3:25) looks at the pros and cons of America’s two-party system. tags: elections, multi-party systems

America 101 videos – Donkey for Democrats/ Elephant for Republicans

From History.com David Eisenbach explains the origin of the donkey as a symbol of the Democratic party and how the Republican party and the symbol of Read More

Congressional Elections: Crash Course Government and Politics #6

From CrashCourse Craig Benzine talks about the importance of congressional elections – the frequency of elections in the Senate and House, typical characteristics of a Read More

270towin.com

270towin.com: This website educates its audience on the Electoral College system through the use of an interactive Electoral College map for 2024 and a history Read More

Better Questions – Better Decisions Voter Engagement

From the Right Question Institute The BQBD Voter Engagement Workshop offers a free, simple, easy to implement, engagement nonpartisan lesson for any middle school or high school social Read More

“I Side With” political ideology quiz

I Side With – Political Ideology quiz. Can take shorter or longer version of quiz. Matches up beliefs with the 5 major candidates and explains Read More

11 Excellent Reasons Not To Vote

From New York Times, By Errol Morris In this Op-Doc video, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris speaks with young Americans about the merits of voting Read More

“Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You…”

In this lesson, students learn about the theme of President Kennedy’s inaugural address, civic action, and consider how it applies to their own lives.

Changing Voting Age from 18 to 16

Students will write letters to their state and/or national leaders either in support or against a fictitious proposed constitutional amendment to lower the voting age from 18 to 16.

A Burning Issue: A Structured Academic Controversy Concerning Flag Desecration

Is a Constitutional Amendment required to protect the U.S. flag from desecration? Students present a compromise resolution after they debate, deliberate, and analyze primary source documents, including the majority and dissenting opinions from Texas v. Johnson.