Civics & Government Curriculum
Are you overwhelmed by planning? Is your time limited? Do you need simple step-by-step processes for meeting the expectations of your students?
This curriculum includes supporting activities and you will receive Instant Access to Lesson Plans and Activities in both Print and Google Versions.
Let’s be honest, teachers are the hardest workers out there. These ready to use activities will just help you work smarter, not harder.
Over the years I have created so many step-by-step lessons that I have used to teach diverse students and ensure engagement!
Planning is time consuming and stressful! This curriculum will save you time and eliminate the stress of creating engaging lessons for a variety of learners.
I was overwhelmed with the expectations to differentiate, keep all students engaged, ensure standards were taught and assessed, and know all the different teacher jargon. It was a bit consuming of my time. My students got less of me because I was up all night planning and making lessons.
CIVICS RESOURCES THAT ARE DIVERSE
CONTENT RICH
Bellwork
- Anchor Charts and Activity Pages
Background Content
- Guided Notes & PowerPoints with Videos
- Bullet Notes
- Close Readings, DBQ, Textbook Replacement Background
ENGAGING
Engaging Activities
- Choice Boards
- Mapping Activities
- Brochure Foldables
- Vocabulary Matching Puzzles
- Picture Puzzles
- Vocabulary Puzzles
- Profiles of Countries
- Biography Profiles
- Wheel of Knowledge
- Timeline Activities and Wall Decor
DIFFERENTIATED
Review Activities
- Digital Escape Rooms
- Game Cards
Projects
- Collaborative Posters
- World History Travel Adventure and U.S. Travel Adventure
- End of the Year Quilt
Assessments
As I worked on creating resources to engage my learners, I realized I had a knack for making complicated processes simple. I begin to not only have success with my own planning, but I found myself helping other teachers to plan as well. My students were engaged and my peers started reaching out for assistance.
I know that these lessons, activities, and games will help make your job a bit less overwhelming.
The use of these activities led to great gains in student achievement!
Take the stress off and get started now!
Let’s be honest, teachers are the hardest workers out there. These ready to use activities will just help you work smarter, not harder.
Ready-to-use activities in print and digital (Google links) for the start, middle and end of every lesson. Full units with everything you need to teach, engage, differentiate and assess.
Wow, teachers are really amazing when you think about everything do! It should not be overwhelming, it should be fun! Teacher should have time to engage with their students, not sit behind a computer and create activities that are already done for them.
Step-by-Step Planning
Step-by-Step Planning: Engagement activities that walk you through planning and assessment, so your students stay active and you get your planning time back.
Unit by Unit
Unit by Unit: Every unit comes with a variety of differentiated lessons, so each day of learning is fun and meaningful.
Civics & Government Curriculum Units
Every unit includes easy-to-find links to the print and Google version of each activity, with pacing suggestions to help you plan.
USA Facts and Symbols
- Identify and explain the significance of key American symbols, landmarks, and national holidays.
- Describe the meaning and history behind the American flag, national anthem, and other patriotic symbols.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- US Key Facts, Historical Documents (1 day)
- US Key Symbols, Pledge of Allegiance (1 day)
- Government Buildings (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- US Key Facts, Historical Documents (1 day)
- US Key Symbols, Pledge of Allegiance (1 day)
- Government Buildings (1 day)
Background to Government
- Understand the fundamental concepts and purposes of government.
- Trace the historical roots of American government, including influences from ancient civilizations and European political theory.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Principles of Government, Features of a State (1 day)
- Purpose of Government (1 day)
- Types of Government (1 day)
- Economic Theories (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Principles of Government, Features of a State (2 days)
- Purpose of Government (2 days)
- Types of Government (2 days)
- Economic Theories (2 days)
New Nation
- Examine the causes and outcomes of the American Revolution.
- Analyze the Articles of Confederation's strengths and weaknesses and the reasons for the shift to a new constitution.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Background up to Constitution (2 days)
- Constitutional Convention (2 days)
- Compromises (2 days)
- Bill of Rights, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist (2 days)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks
- Background up to Constitution (4 days)
- Constitutional Convention (4 days)
- Compromises (4 days)
- Bill of Rights, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist (4 days)
Constitution
- Describe the structure, principles, and drafting process of the U.S. Constitution.
- Understand the significance of the Preamble, the articles, and the amendment process.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Roots and Principles (1 day)
- 3 Branches & Checks and Balances (1 day)
- Amendments (1 day)
- Citizenship (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 week
- Roots and Principles (2 days)
- Legislative Branch (2 days)
- Executive Branch (2 days)
- Judicial Branch (2 days)
- Checks and Balances (1 day)
- Amendments (1 day)
- Clauses (2 days)
- Citizenship (1 day)
Legislative Branch
- Identify the structure and function of the U.S. Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Explain the legislative process and the role of Congress in making federal laws.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Basics, House of Representatives and Senate (2 days)
- Congressional Sessions & Committees (2 days)
- Congressional Powers (1 day)
- How a Bill Becomes a Law (3 days)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks
- Basics, House of Representatives and Senate (3 days)
- Congressional Sessions & Committees (3 days)
- Congressional Powers (2 days)
- How a Bill Becomes a Law (4 days)
Executive Branch
- Outline the powers and responsibilities of the President and the executive branch.
- Discuss the roles of the Vice President, Cabinet, and executive agencies in governing and implementing laws.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Basics and Duties of President (2 days)
- Electing the President, Electoral College (2 days)
- Presidential Cabinet (2 days)
- Independent Agencies (1 day)
- Civil Service System (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks
- Basics and Duties of President (4 days)
- Electing the President, Electoral College (4 days)
- Presidential Cabinet (3 days)
- Independent Agencies (1 day)
- Civil Service System (1 day)
Judicial Branch
- Describe the structure and function of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court and lower courts.
- Understand the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and laws.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Powers of Federal Court/ Jurisdiction (2 days)
- Lower Federal Courts (2 days)
- Supreme Court (2 days)
- Supreme Court Procedures (2 days)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks
- Powers of Federal Court/ Jurisdiction (3 days)
- Lower Federal Courts (3 days)
- Supreme Court (3 days)
- Supreme Court Procedures (3 days)
Constitutional Rights and Freedoms
- Examine the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments that protect individual liberties.
- Discuss the importance of civil rights and how they have evolved over time.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Constitutional Rights (1 day)
- Freedom of Religion (2 days)
- Free Exercise Clause (2 days)
- Freedoms of Speech (2 days)
- Freedom of Press (1 day)
- Freedom of Assembly (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks
- Constitutional Rights (2 days)
- Freedom of Religion (3 days)
- Free Exercise Clause (3 days)
- Freedoms of Speech (3 days)
- Freedom of Press (2 day)
- Freedom of Assembly (1 day)
Citizenship
- Describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of American citizens.
- Discuss the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and the significance of citizenship.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1.5 weeks
- Citizenship and Types of Citizens (1 day)
- Basis of Citizenship and Responsibilities (2 days)
- Rights of Accused (1 day)
- Equal Protection of Citizens & Civil Rights (2 days)
- Right to Know (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Citizenship and Types of Citizens (1 day)
- Basis of Citizenship and Responsibilities (2 days)
- Rights of Accused (2 days)
- Equal Protection of Citizens & Civil Rights (3 days)
- Right to Know (1 day)
American Law
- Understand the sources of American law, including constitutional, statutory, administrative, and case law.
- Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and the role of the legal system in enforcing laws.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Legal Heritage (2 days)
- Civil Law (1 day)
- Criminal Law (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Legal Heritage (2 days)
- Civil Law (3 days)
- Criminal Law (3 days)
Politics, Voting, and Elections
- Analyze the American electoral system, including the Electoral College, primary and general elections.
- Discuss the importance of voting and political participation in a democracy.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Political Parties (1 day)
- Roles and Jobs of Party Members (1 day)
- Selection of Candidates (1 day)
- Electing the President (1 day)
- Financing Election (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Political Parties (2 days)
- Roles and Jobs of Party Members (1 day)
- Selection of Candidates (2 days)
- Electing the President (2 days)
- Financing Election (2 days)
Interest Groups, Public Opinion, Media
- Understand the role of interest groups, public opinion, and the media in influencing government policy and elections.
- Evaluate the impact of social media and digital platforms on political communication and public discourse.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Types of Interest Groups (2 days)
- Techniques & Functions of Interest Groups (1 day)
- Structure of Media and Propaganda (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Types of Interest Groups (3 days)
- Techniques & Functions of Interest Groups (2 days)
- Structure of Media and Propaganda (3 days)
Foreign Affairs
- Describe the role of the United States in international relations and global politics.
- Examine the processes and institutions involved in making and implementing U.S. foreign policy.
Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week
- Foreign Policy Goals (1 day)
- Alliances (1 day)
- Consolidated Democracies (1 day)
- United Nations (1 day)
Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks
- Foreign Policy Goals (2 days)
- Alliances (2 days)
- Consolidated Democracies (2 days)
- United Nations (2 days)
This is a very nice resource! I plan on buying your US History and others as well! --Christin
I teach all grade levels of high school social studies at a small school in Florida. I purchased a few of your products and then begged my principal to allow me to purchase your mega bundles (hint I need World History). This has been a life saver. It has everything I need and more to teach. I also appreciate the paper and digital options for many of the activities because we don't have a lot of technology but my students can work on them at home.
I only buy great products. This is great! – Cliff
This is absolutely everything you would need to teach Civics! This bundle made planning for the new school year so quick and easy because you have so many materials ready to go. Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this quality material! –JLM
What Is Being Said About This Civics & Government Curriculum
This seller's materials are a staple of my online high school Geography and US Government course for Multilingual Learners. Fun, engaging, group or independent online instruction & links within each lesson. –Anne
I absolutely love how this bundle is organized and the activities included. This has saved me tremendous amount of time. I just need to write down the plan and put it into action. The choice boards and quizzes and vocabulary.... I am in love with this bundle. I bought both for my American History as well and I am excited and can not wait to teach it! Thanks –Rosalee
I was just starting to teach a special education Civics class and I didn't have any materials to use. This was a life saver! It is so easy to follow and is simple for me to teach and the students to follow along. GREAT PURCHASE! -- Jessica
Excellent resource that is user friendly and provided a variety of instruction for all students with easy to use resources and are content accurate.--Denise
Great ready to use resource for my classroom. Would highly recommend. Ready to use unit with very little additions from myself. Great for adding a course to your preps last minute. --Heather
I have used Learned Lessons in the past for Geography and the Civics lessons are no less amazing. Easy to follow, tons of PBL activities to engage students. 10/10 recommend! –Shauna
How to Video Library: How to best use each resource library.
Civics & Government Overview of How to Use and Find Resources
Units: USA Facts and Symbols, Background to Government, Building a New Nation, The Constitution, The Legislative Branch, The Executive Branch, The Judicial Branch, Constitutional Rights and Freedoms, American Law, Citizenship, Politics, Voting, Elections, Interest Groups, Public Opinion, Media, Foreign Affairs,
What is holding you back?
Do you need ready to use activities to meet the needs of your students?
Are you struggling to find the tools you need to pace out a lesson?
Do you need organizational tips to have a focused year?
Is your classroom budget limited, but you still want it to look nice?
Do you have a variety of resources to meet all requirements of a complete lesson cycle?
Are you ready for observations this year?
Are you prepared to offer standards-based lessons that provide equity?
