iCivics
I Civics: Judicial Review
This lesson explores the case that established the power the Supreme Court has today. Students will learn how the decision in Marbury v. Madison influenced the structure of the third branch, and how the Court's use of judicial review can...
iCivics
I Civics: Nationbuilder in Chief
Students learn about some of the decisions and actions the first presidential administrations took to make sure the United States would be strong enough to last.
iCivics
I Civics: Comparative Constitutions
Students explore how the US Constitution is similar to and different from state constitutions. Uses the constitutions of Florida and Virginia as examples.
iCivics
I Civics: Appellate Courts: Civic Action and Change
For this lesson, learners examine civic action, the steps involved, and its various methods, including protests and petitions.
iCivics
I Civics: Oregon Treaty (1845)
Students explore how and when we got the present day border between the United States and Canada. They learn how it happened, what tensions were involved, and how Native Americans were affected.
iCivics
I Civics: Judges: Playing Fair
This mini-lesson examines the role of fair and impartial courts in American life. Students learn a basic overview of the judiciary branch, including how judges are appointed and held accountable by citizens.
iCivics
I Civics: Amendment Mini Lesson
This mini-instructional activity 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.
iCivics
I Civics: Mini Lesson: Veto Power
Explores the presidential veto and pocket veto powers, their role as a negotiating tool, and the Congressional veto override process. Students also learn how to use fact-checking and triangulation to evaluate news claims and detect...
iCivics
I Civics: No Bill of Rights, No Deal
In the debate over the Constitution, the Bill of Rights was a deal-breaker. In this lesson, students learn why the federalists thought the Constitution didn't need a bill of rights and why the anti-federalists refused to accept the...
iCivics
I Civics: Interest Groups
students will learn how people form interest groups, and how they influence the government. This lesson uses the battle over school lunch ingredients to illustrate how interest groups and lobbying affect public policy.
iCivics
I Civics: The Role of Media
Learners examine the types and roles of the media by taking on the role of newsmaker and agenda-setter.
iCivics
I Civics: Louisiana Purchase (1803)
In this map-based lesson, students learn the historic importance of the Mississippi River, why the U.S. was determined to maintain access, and how the United States acquired the land that made up the Louisiana Purchase.
iCivics
I Civics: Mexican Cession (1848)
Students explore the causes and effects of the Mexican-American war. They will learn about the land was obtained as a result, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Gadsen Purchase of 1853, and the new international borders.
iCivics
I Civics: We're Free... Let's Grow!
Students explore the challenges the nation faced when it acquired the Northwest Territory, including America's doubling in geographical size and how the new territory was to be added to the U.S.
iCivics
I Civics: The First 100 Days
Discover the history behind the "First 100 Days" and its impact on the American presidency. Students will evaluate the fairness of judging presidents based on this somewhat arbitrary time period.
iCivics
I Civics: Slave States, Free States
In this lesson, students learn about the balance between slave states and free states and their geography, including the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.
iCivics
I Civics: Manifest Destiny
Students will learn about the ideology of Manifest Destiny and how it affected different populations and demographics of the U.S. during its expansion.
iCivics
I Civics: The Public Sphere
Students discover the relationships among the concepts of public sphere, public agenda, public opinion, public policy, and how they influence the issues we all discuss and care about.
iCivics
I Civics: This Land Is Your Land
Students explore the geography of the United States as well as its territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. Students learn a brief history of the U.S. territories as well as some of the major American landmarks.
iCivics
I Civics: Rule by One
In this activity, students explore the advantages and disadvantages of monarchy and take a look at the roles power, authority, legitimacy, and sovereignty have played in its long-standing history.
iCivics
I Civics: Tribal Government
As sovereign nations, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes develop and manage their own governments. This lesson examines the varied structures and functions of tribal government as well as the relationship these nations have with...
iCivics
I Civics: The Presidential Agenda
For the winning candidate, campaign promises evolve into an official presidential agenda. This mini-lesson plan takes a look at how the presidential agenda is developed, shared, and executed.
iCivics
I Civics: Changing the Constitution
America's constitutional government has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation, and other practices. Young scholars will use the seven basic principles found in our...
iCivics
I Civics: Political Debate Guide
Use this activity to help your students view any political debate from local to national, historical to live broadcast. Preview candidates, issues, expectations, and details about the location and moderators. Track what the candidates...