Please note that some lessons include handouts that are .pdfs; you may need to download Adobe's free Acrobat Reader in order to view them.
How Citizens Influence Public Policy (Grades 4-6)
Explores the ways in which individual citizens influence public policy, and the significance of civic engagement.
It's My Life (Grades 3-12)
This basic activity forces participants to acknowledge how the law influences their lives, and how the Constitution provides a framework for such laws.
No Vehicles in the Park (Grades K-12)
Examines a very simple law with many possible intended and unintended consequences, and teaches participants the characteristics of good laws, or rules, how to interpret laws, or rules, as well as possibilities for changing laws, or rules. Also available in Spanish and French
Original Intent of Evolving Constitution? (Grades 9-12)
This article from Insights examines two schools of thought regarding interpretations of the Constitution. Discussion questions are included.
Rules, Rules, Rules (Grades K-12)
Teaches participants the value of the law, as they explore the instability and frustration that comes with constantly changing rules of a very basic game. Use it to lead a discussion about the function and significance of the U.S. Constitution.
Teen Curfew Debate (Grades 9-12)
Participants debate a proposed teen curfew during a mock city council session, learn about the role of city government, and individuals in determining policy.
What Does the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution Mean (Grades 7-12)
Participants analyze the text of the Preamble, and compare it to preambles of state constitutions.
A Colorblind Constitution? (Grades 7-12)
This lesson from an issue of Insights explores the meaning of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Historical background of the "Colorblind Constitution" may be found here.
Case of the Professional Tap Dancer (Grades K-3)
Presents a scenario with conflicting rights—one likes to tap dance, and bothers the other. Participants resolve the dispute, brainstorm alternative solutions.
Constitutional Rights Cartoon Gallery (Grades 6-12)
Gallery of political cartoons will inspire discussion, as well as reinforce critical thinking skills needed for their interpretation.
Does the Constitution Protect Your Right to Free Play? (Grades 4-6)
Explores constitutional guarantee of due process.
Equality Under Law (Grades 6-8)
Participants are split into groups, define "equality," then present and compare definitions. Ends with discussion about "equality," and status today.
Fundamental Freedoms (Grades 7-12)
Takes the scenario from Tinker v. Des Moines, Bethel School District v. Fraser, and New Jersey v. T.L.O., sets them in contemporary landscapes, then leads participants into discussion about student rights.
How do Increased Security Needs affect our Civil Liberties? (Grades 6-12)
Uses a political cartoon and discussion questions to explore tension between liberty and national security.
Individual Rights During Times of War (Grades 9-12)
This lesson from Insights explores the tension between liberty and national security during times of war. This interview with Judge Richard Posner, printed in an issue of Social Education also explores this topic.
Introducing the First Amendment (Grades 4-6)
Participants examine current newspaper articles, cross out those criticizing the government, then discuss what paper would look like without those pieces, importance of free press.
Regulating Electronic Speech (Grades 7-12)
This lesson from an issue of Insights explores how the First Amendment is used to regulate electronic speech, and how new challenges are emerging with new technologies. Historical background of the regulation of electronic speech may be found here.
Residential Property Signs (Grades 4-12)
Woman protests a city ordinance prohibiting her from displaying an antiwar sign in her window.
Search and Seizure (Grades 7-9)
Uses case of locker search, student searches in a time of crisis, and stolen library books to explore rights guaranteed by the 4th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Search Me: Understanding the Fourth Amendment (Grades 7-12)
Looks at student rights to privacy at school, home, in cars, and in public places, divides students into small groups to analyze, then regroup to discuss what laws can/cannot do.
What Does it Mean to Have Equal Protection Under the Law? (Grades 7-9)
Participants analyze scenarios and discuss the importance of equal protection under the law.
Please note that some lessons include handouts that are .pdfs; you may need to download Adobe's free Acrobat Reader in order to view them.
Amending the Constitution (Grades 7-12)
This lesson from Insights magazine explores the Constitutional amendment process, why the process should be taken with care, and how amendments have shaped the U.S. Constitution into the document we know today. Historical background on the Constitution amendment process may be found here.
He Does It All (Grades K-6)
Stages a scenario where a police officer who does everything from issuing a ticket to doling out punishment during a traffic stop.
Reforming American Government for the 21st Century (Grades 9-12)
Simulated constitutional convention asks participants to consider the citizenship clause of the presidential requirements, and the use of federal referenda, explores amending the U.S. Constitution. May also use this summary handout from the National Constitution Center to supplement the lesson.
The Supreme Court and Congress (Grades 9-12)
This article and accompanying discussion questions from Insights provides a background for a conversation on the interactions between the legislative and judicial branches of American government.
Understanding the Separation of Powers (Grades 6-12)
Participants use current newspaper articles to discuss and learn about separation of powers. Requires newspapers or computers for research.
Why Courts and Congress Collide, and Why their Conflicts Subside (Grades 9-12)
An Insights article examines the tensions between the judicial and legislative branches of government, and how the Constitution created a system of debate and compromise. Discussion questions follow the article.
Voter Identification and Access to the Polls (Grades 9-12)
This lesson and background article from Social Education explores recent debates surrounding voting rights, access to the polls, and voter identification requirements.
Who Doesn't Count? (Grades 7-12)
Lesson explores who is counted by the U.S. Census, and why an accurate count is important for ensuring representation in government. A background on census-taking in U.S. history may be found here.
Who May Vote for Student Council President? (Grades 7-9)
Hypothetical campaign where participants decide who gets to vote, leads to discussion of voting rights in Constitution.
