We the People... How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?

“We the people . . .” Thus begins the Preamble to the Constitution. Using a close reading approach, class members examine an excerpt from Linda Monk’s article that traces how the interpretation of these words has evolved. Some of your...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a state of nature, and what does an ideal government look like? After discussing these concepts and reviewing the Bill of Rights, your young historians will be divided into groups...

How does the Bill of Rights, created over 200 years ago, still apply to the lives of American citizens to this day? Here is a fantastic resource that includes several resources on approaching the Bill of Rights with your class. After...

In an engaging activity on universal and unalienable rights, learners work in groups to establish a democratic nation and determine what principles they want to protect to ensure a democratic society. They conduct a "rights auction" in...

Through guided discussions and collaborative activities, your class members will not only have the opportunity to learn more about the rights of women in Iraq, but they will also consider common misconceptions of Islam and examine the...

What basic rights are guaranteed to all Americans? Do citizens, legal aliens, illegal aliens, and minors all have the same rights? Should individuals all over the world enjoy the same rights? Class members read the Declaration of...

What types of government programs are designed to improve economic inequity in the United States? Introduce your learners to government programs, such as low-income housing, Social Security, and Medicaid, how they work to improve...

Students explain why a government with a constitution is not necessarily a constitutional government, and identify alternative models of government that the Founders had to choose from.

Is everyone treated fairly in America? The culminating fifth lesson from a series of five has pupils explore racial inequalities from the 1960s and decide whether or not society has changed over time. The lesson comes with a speech from...

Big questions deserve big answers. What is popular sovereignty, limited government, and citizenship? The class discusses voter apathy and citizenship, writes poems about citizenship, and blogs daily about model citizenship. Handouts...