Civic education prepares students for their roles as citizens. Governments at every level are not self-sufficient organisms. They require the action of civic-minded individuals to continue a constitutional democracy. A civic-minded society understands and accepts these responsibilities and rights.
Civic education is a social science that studies the rights and obligations of citizens in society. Students benefit from a strong civics education in many ways:
- Improved critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Community service
- Civic engagement
They are also more likely to vote, volunteer, engage in political discussions at home, work on community projects, speak publicly, and communicate with elected officials.
Toolkit
Grade Specific Resources:
Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)
Additional Resources
The National Constitution Center
Interactive and welcoming to individual users and to civic and educational groups; national clearinghouse
The Digital Classroom at The National Archives
Digital classroom w/resources about primary sources, activities and training for educators and students.
iCivics
Champions equitable, non-partisan civic education so that the practice of democracy is learned by each new generation
Annenberg Classroom
Provides teachers with lesson plans and resource materials on the Constitution, civics, government and history.
National Conference on Citizenship
National network of leading organizations working to strengthen American history and civics education; community, national and public service; and civic and political participation. Strives to increase awareness of organizations seeking to foster civic renewal
The American Bar Association’s Conversations on the Constitution Program
Conversations on the Constitution is a new program of the ABA Division for Public Education to encourage civil discussion and debate about the Constitution’s concepts and clauses that have been the subject of ongoing constitutional debate.Â
Bill of Rights Institute
Non-profit organization with a mission to develop programs and curriculum that teach students about the founding of our nation and what it means to be an American citizen. Creates educational materials for teachers K-12 to help young Americans appreciate constitutional principles that define us as a nation.
National Center for Constitutional Studies
Educational foundation urging supporters to be actively involved in political issues and campaigns at every level of government. Resource to politically active citizens and organizations: we can significantly increase their effectiveness by helping them gain a strong working knowledge of the founders’ teachings.
ConstitutionFacts.com
ConstitutionFacts.com is a companion to the book, “The U.S. Constitution & Fascinating Facts About It”, that helps educate millions more who wanted to learn about the Constitution including schools across the country who use our website in their curriculum. Â