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iCivics Curriculum Unit

Applying Rights & Liberties

Most people are familiar with freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but there are other rights and liberties that benefit us every day. In this unit, students learn the difference between civil rights and liberties and identify them through analysis of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other primary sources. Students also gain an understanding of how their rights and liberties can be expanded or limited by the government.

 

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  • Game

    Do I Have a Right?

    Run a law firm and test your knowledge of constitutional rights.
    View
  • Lesson Plan

    Speech and the First Amendment

    What does the right to free speech actually mean? Students examine the types of speech the Supreme Court has interpreted as protected by the First Amendment, and those that have not. This mini-lesson also explores issues raised by the defamatory speech of students online, and the power of public schools to discipline for it.How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like First Amendment cases from our Landmark Library or our lesson Stipulating Speech. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Religion and the First Amendment

    The First Amendment includes a two-for-one deal in its protection of religious freedom. This mini-lesson explains the difference between the Establishment and the Free Exercise clauses. Students practice applying the clauses to scenarios and take on the role of judge to evaluate if the Establishment clause applies. How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court cases Minersville v. Gobitas (1940) or our game Do I Have a Right? For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Amendment Mini-Lesson

    Looking for a fun and easy way to help students learn or review their individual rights? This mini-lesson highlights the Constitution's amendments and new artwork from one of our fondest games Do I Have a Right?. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • Lesson Plan

    Amendment Mini-Lesson

    Looking for a fun and easy way to help students learn or review their individual rights? This mini-lesson highlights the Constitution's amendments and new artwork from one of our fondest games Do I Have a Right?. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • Lesson Plan

    Citizenship Clause

    The 14th Amendment defined natural born citizenship for the nation. Over a century later, the clause is still making news. This mini-lesson examines the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, explains why it was created, and introduces students to questions raised in political debate around birthright citizenship.How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court cases Elk v. Wilkins (1884) or our lesson Citizenship: Just the Facts. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Equal Protection Clause

    Learn about one of the hardest working passages in the U.S. Constitution: the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. Students learn why the clause was created and discover how it has been used to expand civil rights. After, students analyze how the extension of equal protection rights has changed American society.How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and a variety of lessons from our Landmark Library. For suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Meet the superhero legislation of civil rights. Students are introduced to eleven categories of civil rights protections with a focus on Title VII, which bans discrimination in the workplace. Students gain an understanding of how the Civil Rights Act affects people’s lives and apply civil rights protections to real-life scenarios.How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court case EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch (2015) or lessons from our Civil Rights unit. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Voting Rights Act of 1965

    Students examine the key voting rights protected by this landmark civil rights law. This mini-lesson also provides an overview of the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law in the case, Shelby County v. Holder (2013). Students analyze how the Act has affected voter behavior and provide a written reflection on the Shelby County v. Holder case.How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like The Road to Civil Rights, Voting Rights, or Voting: Will You Do It? For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.
    View kami
  • Game

    Do I Have a Right?

    Run a law firm and test your knowledge of constitutional rights.
    View

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