Values/Ideals of American Citizenship

Through class discussion and role playing scenarios, scholars share their perspectives regarding what character traits make up an ideal citizen, as well as what constitutes a negative citizen. 

Is voting in American democracy a right or privilege? What exactly are civic responsibilities? Here is a 20-question multiple-choice assessment that covers a wide range of items related to civic duty in American society.

How do you describe the American Dream? What motivates others to immigrate to the United States, and why do some groups have trouble attaining the American Dream? Your learners will consider these questions as they explore figurative...

What is the difference between a civil and criminal judicial proceeding? Learners follow the history of law back to the Code of Hammurabi, and differentiate between various types of laws in American society.

As part of their study of the Progressive Era, class groups examine a 20th century version of "The Three Little Pigs" through a New Era lens and identify how ideals such as the value of hard work, creativity, and problem solving, etc.,...

Voting for the next president of the United States is about finding the candidate who most closely aligns with your own values and sense of democracy. High schoolers become acquainted with the candidates from the 2016 election with a...

Students explore American values.  In this American citizenship and history lesson, students work in groups to brainstorm a list of American values based on specific photographs and/or personal experience. Students create a master list...

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this colonial America lesson, students examine the relationships between Native American women and European women who encountered one another in the new colonies.

Students discover how Shaker values and ideology shaped their way of life, and how the artifacts they produced continue to influence our ideals of beauty. Students apply the Shaker designs to their own inventions.

Strong opinions come from deeply held values. Young citizens explore the values that are most important to them in a class discussion and activity. As they prioritize a list of values cards that include freedom, justice, and democracy,...