This lesson can be customized to student and classroom perspectives and time constraints. It starts with a discussion of poetry as an expressive art form accessible to all. There are suggested poems to read, compare, and discuss in terms of their authors’ contributing voices to American democracy.
Poetry Speaks in American Democracy Read More »
During this lesson, students will explore the evolution of voting rights throughout American history. Students will gain a fuller understanding of how the right to vote has evolved and why it is critical aspect of using our voice in our American democracy.
American Voting Rights: Deep Dive Into Primary Sources Read More »
This lesson introduces young students to what a judge is and what they do in court settings. Then it explores what qualities and skills a judge must possess and use in order to be effective. This discussion may be scaled up or down depending on students’ understanding. To facilitate discussion there are three prompts that may be used in any combination appropriate for students’ understanding.
Civics, Civility, and Collaboration in the Courtroom: What Makes a Good Judge? Read More »
During this lesson, students will explore various protests and public rallies and then review Supreme Court cases dealing with protests, civil rights, community safety and the First Amendment. Students then have an option to view a video on the power of protests for civil rights movements.
The First Amendment, Protests, Community Safety, and Civility Read More »
This is a Structured Academic Deliberation that considers the question about mandatory national service. Students read a background report that draws from several sources, including the 2020 report, “Inspired to Serve,” from the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, and then consider arguments related to the question.
Should adults in our democracy participate in one year of mandatory national service? Read More »
When most people think of civic advocacy, they tend to picture those people who attend every single community meeting. Or those people you see being interviewed on television by your local newscaster. Or those people you see standing with picket signs in front of your City Hall. While it’s understandable that these are the first images that come to mind, you should be aware that these people are the ones who have dedicated a significant amount of their time and efforts to civil advocacy.
Five Fun and Easy Ways to Engage in Civic Advocacy Read More »
After exploring the procedure to formally amend the Constitution as set out in Article V, students will then work in small groups to learn about three examples of “informal” changes to the Constitution: federal legislation, US Supreme Court cases, and interstate compacts.
Changing the Constitution—Formally and Informally- Middle/High School Read More »
Students will discuss individuals who have worked to effect legal change, and what those changes mean for their community, and our society.
Working Toward Justice: Learning about Legal Changemakers- Elementary/ Middle School Read More »
This lesson uses an organizational chart of the federal government to discuss what the administrative state within the federal government is and does, compares “lawmaking” and “rulemaking” processes, and introduces academic debates surrounding the administrative state and the Constitution.
As the Law Day 2022 theme notes, defining and refining the words of the Constitution might be our oldest national tradition. Throughout our nation’s history, we have changed the Constitution through many different avenues and for a plethora of reasons and causes.
Changing the Constitution – Formally and Informally Read More »
