Center for Civic Education
What Is Authority?
Young scholars examine the concepts of power and authority as they begin learning about government in this elementary social studies lesson. Through a series of readings, discussions, and problem solving activities, children...
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Why We Chose Our Constitution
Students examine the American plan for government. In this American government lesson, students examine selected Internet websites regarding the Magna Carta, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
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Checks on Presidential Power
Students examine presidential powers. In this checks and balances lesson, students identify the constitutional and informal restraints of the president and consider the reasons for the limitations.
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Case Study: Manzanar
Eleventh graders investigate Japanese-American internment. In this World War II instructional activity, 11th graders conduct research from the Manzanar National Historic Sites and then write essays based on their findings.
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How Does the USA Patriot Act Approach Race?
Students define and discuss the definitions of race and terrorism as a class. Using the Patriot Act, they analyze it and identify how it is a response to terrorism. They discuss how the documents could be viewed as one that supports...
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A Salute to Veterans
Students examine the United States Constitution. They prepare a skit dealing with the Bill of Rights. They practice being responsible citizens and becoming involved in the community.
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Constitution Day
Pupils examine and discuss recent court cases involving young people and the Bill of Rights.They use a focus question to create the context for class discussion: How does the Bill of Rights apply to young people and students?
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A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: A SIMULATION
Students discuss two computerized options to change the current U.S. government. In this Constitutional Convention lesson, students write a statement advocating for one of the choices and participate in a mock modern Constitutional...
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America Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this influence of the Enlightenment on America study guide worksheet, pupils read the notes provided and add notes of their own regarding the frameworks for the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
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George Washington's Foreign Policy
Students compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis lesson, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary, the Monroe Doctrine,...
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Navigating The Legal System
Learners identify personal rights allowed under the law in the United States. An exploration of the legal process leads students to describe how the American legal system works. This lesson plan is intended for learners acquiring English.
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What Is Democracy?
Young scholars explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
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Voters and Judges
Students analyze the work on independent judiciaries. In this federal courts lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on details of federal cases. Students respond to discussion questions and participate in an activity...
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"Let us Reason Together" Lyndon Johnson, Master Legislator
Students explore the contributions of Lyndon B. Johnson. In this congress lesson plan, students listen to their instructor lecture on the prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative skills. Students respond to discussion questions...
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The Adarand Case: Affirmative Action and Equal Protection
Eleventh graders examine the Adarand case. In this American Government lesson, 11th graders create a list of reasons for each affirmative action program. Students develop a defense on certain issues and present it to the...
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The Rise of Islamist Terrorist Groups
Students analyze the rise of Islamist terrorism. In this terrorism lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the growth of Al Quaeda and other terror groups. Students respond to discussion...
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The Role of the Executive Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Students research the Executive Branches role in making a law. In this law making lesson plan, students study the history of the Constitution and see how much power the President has in making a bill into a law. Students then research on...
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Our Compromise, Our Constitution
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study our constitutional government and become aware of the purpose of our government. They assess the basic rights that are protected by the United States Constitution through graphic organizers and...
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The Patriot Act: What Is the Proper Balance Between National Security and Individual Rights?
High schoolers discuss the Patriot Act and are given questions at the end of the lesson plan to respond to.
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Boom Chicka Boom
Students recognize how vowel patterns change a short vowel sound into a long vowel sound. With an emphasis on the /oo/ that makes the long U sound, students identify the phoneme and letter combination through listening and matching...
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A Look at Race in America Using Statistics
Eleventh graders explore the issue of racism in America. In this American History lesson, 11th graders analyze charts and graphs on blacks and whites in America.
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Religion and the First Amendment
Students examine the tenets of the First Amendment and how it applies to Islam. They observe a video about Islamic prayer and focus on rights, responsibility, and respect in relation to the religion. Students discuss the difference...
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Freedom of Expression in Special Places
Young scholars analyze the judicial decision making process, and identify three places presenting First Amendment problems. They analyze how the 1st Amendment applies to school newspapers, and argue for and against limiting 1st Amendment...
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The Development of Antitrust Enforcement
High schoolers analyze antitrust enforcement. In this American economics lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the free market system and antitrust laws. High schoolers respond to...