Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment

What was the Founding vision for American government and what is the story of the on-going struggle to achieve it?

How did the Founders intend the legislative branch of government to operate? Through primary source analysis and engaging activities, examine the purpose of a legislature, the design of the U.S Congress, its powers, its history and the reality of how Congress works today with your students through these lessons.

What are the powers delegated to the Executive Branch and how have constitutional principles have applied throughout U.S. History? Examine these questions with your students and equip them to be more informed citizens and critical students of history and current events. The curriculum is made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities and Dr. John M. Templeton, Jr.

How can you help your students develop critical thinking skills? Explore Landmark Supreme Court cases that changed history. Give your students tools to evaluate the Court's rulings and their impact on American society. Analyze primary sources spanning five centuries--colonial codes of law, the Federalist Papers, the Constitution, contemporary photographs, case law, oral arguments, the Court's majority and dissenting opinions, and others. Each Document Based Question (DBQ) will lead them towards an understanding of the role played by the Court and an assessment of its decisions. Each DBQ also contains a section called "The Issue Endures," which highlights current applications of the case issue.

How do We the People are better able to protect and advance freedom and opportunity for all?

Full texts of primary sources for U.S. History, Government, and Civics classrooms.

News articles relevant to topics in U.S. History, Government, and Civics classrooms.