The Center for Civic Education has developed a number of lessons that complement those included in the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution textbooks. These lessons can be used to enhance students' understanding of constitutional history and government.
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The anniversaries of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, provide us an opportunity to, reflect upon who we are as Americans, examine our most fundamental values and principles and affirm our commitment to them, and evaluate progress toward the realization of American ideals and propose actions that might narrow the gap between these ideals and reality. The 9/11 and the Constitution lessons are designed to accomplish these goals.
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Commemorate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day with free, downloadable lessons for Grades K–12. Each lesson includes teacher instructions.
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This lesson looks at the legacy of George Washington, perhaps the most influential leader in the creation of the American nation. Through his achievements as commander-in-chief during the Revolution, in support of the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, and as first president, Washington was instrumental in transforming the ideals of the Revolution into reality. His career as soldier, revolutionary, constitution-maker, and chief executive of a new nation demanded a range of skills and talents with few precedents in history.
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This lesson examines the legacy of the "philosopher statesman," James Madison. Madison combined the intellectual knowledge and creativity of the scholar with the practical savvy of the politician, a man of strong principles who also realized the value of compromise. He was one of the principal architects of the U.S. Constitution and political institutions that continue to shape our nation's life today. In his ability to translate ideas into action Madison also exemplified what has become an important characteristic of American citizenship.
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This lesson traces the rise of Abraham Lincoln from his humble beginnings to the presidency of the United States. It also examines Lincoln’s ideas and decisions regarding slavery and the use of presidential power to preserve the Federal Union during the Civil War.
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This lesson examines our 40th president, sometimes called "The Great Communicator." Ronald Reagan began his career in media, became governor of California and severed two terms as president of the United States. During his presidency he dealt with the spread of communism in Grenada, the air traffic controllers strike, and negotiated a nuclear arms treaty with Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.
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