Students will explore the various ways they can ensure their voices are heard regarding issues they care about. To help students appreciate their own value, intelligence, and potential as political actors (Anyon, 2005, p. 179) students will role play different ways of taking political action and reflect on ways to more effectively lobby for change.

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of youth voting practices. By investigating the compelling question of whether or not they will vote, students consider the ways in which the voting habits of youth provide a unique opportunity to reflect on their own voting preferences.

This unit, designed for a freshman Civics course, focuses on the basics of American citizenship.  The unit introduces the requirements of being an American citizen, how one can become an American citizen, and how American citizenship has been molded over the course of our nation's history.   This unit is introduced after students have had an introduction to American Government and have taken an American history course.  

Civics HSCEs:  C.5:  Citizenship in the United States of America

This lesson is designed to educate students on the actual platforms of the major political parties. Students will discuss how political beliefs are formed and how party affiliation affects political behavior. The lesson incorporates brief writing assignments, online party affiliation quizzes, and Internet research of the 2016 state and national party platforms.

Students will examine how the invention of the bot on social media websites like Twitter plays a role in influencing public opinion. Students will then invent their own bot to spread awareness about an issue they care about.

Students understand the importance of civic participation and the tools which allow individuals to engage in the political process.

In this lesson, students consider the need for citizens to be engaged in government and the need for civic education. A set of discussion questions is provided. In an associated activity, students will role play school board members deciding whether to adopt the six promising approaches (listed in the reading) for classes in the school district.

Students participate in an experiential game in which they explore the concepts of cooperation and competition.

This lesson provides a comparative review of the United States Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the constitutions of Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal; historical context; connections with current events; and the opportunity to take and defend a position on which right or rights are most important.

According to Patricia Hill Collins (2009), many of us see democracy as a thing, a finished product manufactured in the west that advanced capitalist societies can give to the less fortunate. In this lesson, students will explore the concept of democracy and begin to understand that democracy is a process, a way of building community and getting business done.

This activity is designed to help students understand the various civic duties and responsibilities that are expected of citizens and non-citizens living in the United States.

This activity is designed to help students understand the various civic duties and responsibilities that are expected of citizens and non-citizens living in the United States.

Students will examine the purpose, function, origin, and historical development of the Electoral College in order to gain a better understanding of how Americans elect the President. Students will then evaluate issues of fairness and representation with regard to the Electoral College. Finally, students will participate in a class debate over the pros and cons of the current system.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Eight discusses the election process and the extent of representation granted a given citizen.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Fifteen reviews the important aspects of the American system of government and encourages viewers to use their knowledge to get involved in their own political world.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Nine discusses the voting population and what guides their choices during elections.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Seven discusses how the media has evolved throughout history and politics.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Six discusses public opinion and how it affects politics and governmental policy, as well as how data is gathered.

Narrated by Bowdoin College Government Professor Andrew Rudalevige, "Founding Principles" provides an introductory overview and basic understanding to American government, but one that is crucial to building citizen-leaders, promoting civic engagement, and working toward the common good.
Chapter Ten discusses participation in the political process outside of the voting booth and the balance of voices therein.

In addition to regular course work in Civics & Economics, students will be required to complete a Civics Participation Project. This information lists options and instructions for students to get involved in different opportunities of interest. Students will complete a minimum of six hours of civic participation, obtain documentation of their participation, and reflect upon their experiences in writing.