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iCivics Curriculum Unit

Landmark Library

This library of mini-lessons targets a variety of landmark cases from the United States Supreme Court. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and one page of activities. The mini-lessons are designed for students to complete independently without the need for teacher direction. However, they also make great teacher-directed lessons and class discussion-starters. 


Not sure which cases you want to use? Start by reviewing our Meet the Supremes Teacher’s Guide. It provides case summaries, teaching suggestions, and a crosswalk of the themes, laws, and amendments each case addresses. If you want to assign a Supreme Court case as a research project, use our Research Roadmap graphic organizer to guide students through the process.

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  • Lesson Plan

    Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court decision that determined 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 was a stepping-stone to the Civil War. Students also examine the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments which overturned the decision, and the black codes that were passed in some states.
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  • Lesson Plan

    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 Amendment protection from unreasonable searches, national security, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Students evaluate different forms of government monitoring, and provide their perspective on whether government surveillance is a necessity for national security, or a violation of people’s privacy and individual rights.
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  • Lesson Plan

    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 First Amendment. Students compare campaign tactics, and evaluate the cost and effectiveness of reaching a large audience.  
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  • Lesson Plan

    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 many different ways the Supreme Court has interpreted it.
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  • Lesson Plan

    The Research Roadmap

    Use this graphic organizer to guide independent student research on a Supreme Court case, or for analyzing one of the mini-lessons in the Landmark Library. It includes critical thinking and discussion questions for work in small groups or as an entire class. Also available as a fillable PDF!
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  • Lesson Plan

    West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (…

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was unconstitutional for a state to force students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn how the interests of national unity and the protection of individual rights can sometimes clash. They also explore “Freedom of Religion” as outlined in the First Amendment as well as the Supreme Court’s interpretation of that right over time. This case overturned the Court's decision in Minersville v. Gobitas (1940).
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  • Lesson Plan

    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 environment. Then they examine the issue of censorship and the reasons for imposing it.
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  • Lesson Plan

    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 political protests at school. They also learn how this Supreme Court decision continues to affect their everyday lives.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Minersville v. Gobitas (1940)

    This mini-lesson 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 national security can supersede individual rights of free speech and exercise of religion.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Meet the Supremes Teacher's Guide

    This document offers teachers a “quick peek” at the background, arguments, decisions, and rationale for some landmark Supreme Court cases. The cases are organized into four thematic categories and include links to mini-lessons on specific cases where available. The Guide also provides the general learning objectives for all of the mini-lessons found in the Landmark Library.
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See how it all fits together!

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