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INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION: SECOND AMENDMENT
This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 2nd Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution.
2019 Civic Holiday Calendar: The First Amendment
The 2019 Civic Calendar from the National Constitution Center not only highlights civic holidays throughout the year, but will also focus on historical events dealing with the First Amendment.
Rule of Law: High School Level
This two-day lesson uses historical quotations to help students develop understandings of conceptions of the Rule of Law, then, through small group work and class-wide collaboration analyzing Supreme Court cases, students will reflect on how their understandings of Rule of Law relate to the Constitution, the judicial system, and their daily lives.
First Amendment: Speech
This lesson encourages students to examine their own assumptions and to deepen their understanding of current accepted interpretations of speech rights under the First Amendment.
2018 Civic Holiday Calendar: 14th Amendment
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 14th Amendment, the Center's 2018 calendar explores its history and legacy.
Constitutional Exchanges Introduction Thinking Sheet
As you read, interpret, and cite the documents in the Interactive Constitution, it is important to think about how the Constitution expands or limits the power of government. This is how Constitutional Scholars read, interpret, and cite the Constitution. But how can you do this? Here are some tips to help.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases: The Slaughter House Cases
Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will investigate the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 14th Amendment in the years after its ratification.
Landmark Court Case: Scott v. Sandford
Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will research and role-play to better understand the legal, social, and economic factors relating to--and implications of--the majority and dissenting opinions in this infamous case.
2017 Civic Holiday Calendar: Famous Cases
The 2017 calendar explores turning points in American history with fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases.
THE DECLARATION, THE CONSTITUTION, AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS
This lesson builds student understanding of the relationships between the United States’ founding documents by comparing and contrasting the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
What Can I Say in School? An Examination of Students’ Freedom of Speech
Students will investigate the legal language defining their freedom of speech rights
The History of Memorial Day
This lesson takes a closer look at the history of Memorial Day by examining World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War and their connections to this civic holiday.
The History of Flag Day
This lesson encourages students to take a closer look at the American flag and its meaning.
We the School
We the School is an innovative new form of student government created at Constitution High School in Philadelphia.
Bill of Rights
Students learn about the specific rights and freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, one of our nation's most important documents.
Art of the American Soldier: Stories from the Soldiers
Students will deepen their appreciation of war art through watching and listening to veteran war experiences.
Separation of Powers
This lesson shows students firsthand how the three branches of government work together through separation of powers and checks and balances.
Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War
In this lesson, students will analyze the political and constitutional issues that faced President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
To Sign or Not to Sign: The Ultimate Constitution Day Lesson Plan
On Constitution Day, students will examine the role of the people in shaping the U.S. Constitution.
Breaking Barriers
Students will get a look at how African-American individuals have broken barriers to racial integration in the United States.
The Founders’ Library: Thinking as a Founding Father
Students will examine the ideas that the Founding Fathers brought to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and use them to analyze the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Getting to Know the Founding Fathers
Learn more about the signers of the Constitution with these Founding Fathers biographies.
Respecting Freedom of Speech
In this lesson, students will consider how respect and freedom of expression intersect and their role in maintaining a free society.
Perseverance and the First Amendment
In this lesson, students will analyze how people throughout history have exercised their First Amendment rights to express their opinions.
War Making: Executive and Legislative Powers
In this lesson, students will examine the constitutional, legal, political, and historical sources of the continuing debate over war powers.
Investigating the Departments of the Executive Branch
In this lesson, students learn about the role of bureaucracy in U.S. government.
Living News Classroom Teaching Materials
These Classroom Teaching Materials are designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center or stand alone.
Living News Classroom Tool Kit
This lesson is designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center.
