iCivics
I Civics: Why Government?
Dig into philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's ideas and see how they've influenced those that have followed in their footsteps.
iCivics
I Civics: Reapportionment & Redistricting
Do you know how many representatives your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives? Do you know how that number is determined or if it's ever changed? You're about to find out.
iCivics
I Civics: Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that gave defendants in state criminal courts the right to a lawyer. Students learn about the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer, why the right is important, and how the...
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: Korematsu v. United States (1944)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that determined the government acted constitutionally when it detained people of Japanese ancestry inside internment camps during World War II. Students learn what...
iCivics
I Civics: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that it was constitutional to keep black and white people segregated as long as the accommodations for each race were "equal." Students learn about the concept of...
iCivics
I Civics: Minersville v. Gobitas (1940)
This mini-lesson plan 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: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that interpreted the Commerce and Supremacy Clauses of the U.S. Constitution and affirmed the federal government's superiority with regard to its enumerated powers....
iCivics
I Civics: u.s. V. Nixon (1974)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that then-sitting President Nixon had to turn over some recordings of his presidential communications to a court of law. Learners learn about the Watergate break-in, the...
iCivics
I Civics: Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
This mini-activity covers the basics of the Supreme Court decision that determined that Dred Scott, having lived in a free territory, was not entitled to his freedom. Students learn about the impact of the Court's decision, and how it...
iCivics
I Civics: West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)
This mini-lesson plan covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that it was unconstitutional for a state to force learners to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn how the interests of national unity...
iCivics
I Civics: Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986)
This mini-lesson 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 the...
iCivics
I Civics: In Re Gault (1967)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that said juvenile offenders have a right to due process. Students learn about 14th Amendment due process, fairness, and the specific rights afforded juveniles in the...
iCivics
I Civics: Texas v. Johnson (1989)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that burning the American flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. Students learn about the First Amendment freedom of speech and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
This mini-lesson covers the Supreme Court's decision about limiting government restrictions on campaign contributions. Students learn about campaign finance, Super PACs, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold Act), and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Jim Crow
Use primary documents and images to discover the ways state and local governments restricted the newly gained freedoms of African Americans after the Civil War. Compare, contrast, and analyze post-war legislation, court decisions...
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 students in the classroom. Students learn about the concept of symbolic speech and how students gained the right to engage in...
iCivics
I Civics: Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that prohibited a suspect's statements from being used as evidence unless the suspect has been advised of his or her rights to remain silent. Middle schoolers learn about...
iCivics
I Civics: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that overturned "separate but equal" in public schools. Students learn about segregation and "equality under the law," and they use what they learned to craft compound...
iCivics
I Civics: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that affirmed the Court's power of judicial review. Students learn how Congress tried to add to the Supreme Court's Constitutional power, how the Supreme Court rejected...
iCivics
I Civics: Breaking Barriers: Constance Baker Motley
Meet a woman who broke all the barriers to become a champion for civil rights: Constance Baker Motley lawyer, state senator, and federal judge. [1:52]
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Vice President
Find out about the importance of the vice presidential candidate in a presidential election, how this person is more than a running mate, the history of the office of the vice presidency, and the modern role of the VP.
iCivics
I Civics: Crisis Collaboration: Covid 19 Mini Lesson
Explore the actions and relationships between different levels of government as they figure out what to do in response to COVID-19. This activity has been adapted for digital and remote learning use and a traditional lesson plan is...