Teachers | iCivics

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William Blackstone: Mini-Lesson

Discover how William Blackstone and his Commentaries on the Laws of England influenced America’s founders, founding documents, and legal system.
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Lesson Plan

Nation Builder in Chief

Starting a brand new nation was a tough job for America’s first presidents—and it didn’t help that many Americans were wary of the new central government. In this lesson, students learn about some of…
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Lesson Plan

Rule of Law

This skit-driven lesson explores the six factors that make up the rule of law and how they protect individual rights and freedoms in our day to day lives. Students then connect the rule of law to…
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Lesson Plan

The Federalist Debate (HS)

Discover the debate that surrounded the Constitution before it became the law of the land. Excerpts from Federalist 84 and Anti-Federalist 46 offer insight into both sides of the debate while…
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Lesson Plan

Constitutional Principles (HS)

View the Constitution from the perspective of its foundational principles. Consider the Founders' intentions and the Constitution itself as you discover how the constitutional principles are critical…
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Lesson Plan

No Bill of Rights, No Deal (HS)

Jump into the big debate over the Bill of Rights, and see how the Federalists and Anti-Federalists battled over the fate of the U.S. Constitution. Where did the idea come from? How did they decided…
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Lesson Plan

Mini-Lesson: The First 100 Days

Even presidents have to worry about making the grade! Discover the history behind the “First 100 Days” and its impact on the American presidency with this new lesson plan that includes extension…
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Lesson Plan

Mini-lesson: Midterm Elections (HS)

Students learn about midterm elections, their role as a referendum on the presidency, and how a shift in party control impacts the legislative and executive branches. Page two of this Media Moment…
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Lesson Plan

Comparing Constitutions: Massachusetts

How does the Massachusetts Constitution compare and contrast with the U.S. Constitution? Look no further for the answer! Guide your class through some basic similarities and differences as well as…
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Lesson Plan

Jim Crow

Use primary documents and images to discover the ways state and local governments restricted the newly gained freedoms of African Americans after the Civil War. Compare, contrast, and analyze post-…
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Lesson Plan

Benjamin Franklin Mini-lesson

"The First American", Benjamin Franklin, is the only Founding Father that signed all three major documents that founded the United States of America: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of…
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Lesson Plan

Thomas Hobbes Mini-lesson

Thomas Hobbes was one of the first of his era to discuss the idea of the social contract. Explore his views on government and his famous book, Leviathan.
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Lesson Plan

Hey, King: Get Off Our Backs!

Follow the grievances of the American colonists from oppressive British policies to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Stamp Act primary source extension included!
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Lesson Plan

For The President, All In A Day's Work

Students learn the primary responsibilities of the president and how those duties connect to the powers the Constitution grants to the Executive Branch. Students also learn about the types of issues…
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Private i

How Did Laws, Courts, and People Impact Civil Rights…

Grade 5

Everyone deserves to be treated equally. But how can people make sure that happens? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explain how Amendments to the Constitution attempted to address slavery’s…
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Grade 5
Private i

How Did Opposition to Laws Fuel the American…

Grade 3

What happens when people don’t have a say in the laws? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explore how the American colonies’ resistance to laws fueled the American Revolutionary War. They will…
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Grade 3
Private i

Introduction to Inquiry Mysteries, Grades K-1

Grade K-1

Students have lots of questions! Engage their curiosity through inquiry-based learning. In this unit, students will learn to examine images of primary source artifacts. They will have the opportunity…
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Grade K-1
Private i

Then and Now

Kindergarten

The past tells us about the present! In this unit, students analyze primary images from the past and compare them to those from today. Students will have the opportunity to learn how people, work,…
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Kindergarten
Private i

How Do We Celebrate Our Shared Traditions?

Kindergarten

Traditions can be large or small. Kids may be familiar with certain traditions. This unit allows them to explore more. They will have the opportunity to identify traditions that are important to…
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Kindergarten
Private i

What Makes a Good Leader?

Grade 1

Every community needs leaders. But how do we choose them, and what makes someone a good leader? In this unit, students will explore leaders in their community and identify leadership traits. Students…
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Grade 1