Civics and Government

A High School Civics lesson focused on neurodiversity as a civil rights and workforce inclusion issue, featuring a design-thinking activity to create inclusive environments.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

A series of three investigative modules where middle school students analyze hypothetical disruptions to science, history, and society to develop critical cause-and-effect reasoning skills.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A high school social studies sequence focused on the dynamics of domestic policy, federalism, and the 'tug-of-war' between state and federal jurisdictions. Students explore how policy is created, categorized, and contested in the American system.

A short unit focusing on the rise of labor unions, the Industrial Revolution's impact on workers, and the subsequent social reform movements including education and abolitionism.

An introductory sequence for 8th graders exploring the purpose, structure, and ethical dimensions of the U.S. tax system. Students will learn how tax revenue funds public goods across federal, state, and local levels while debating the fairness of different tax structures.

Students participate in an immersive simulation where they navigate the world of arts policy and resource allocation. They take on roles in a community debate over funding priorities, learning about public budgeting, perspective-taking, and the necessity of civic engagement.

Students transition from passive observers of the arts to active advocates by developing a strategic communications campaign for a local arts initiative. The sequence covers stakeholder mapping, rhetorical strategies, data visualization, digital campaigning, and public speaking.

A simulation-based sequence where 6th-grade students act as members of a fictional Community Arts Grant Council to evaluate proposals, understand funding models, and make difficult resource allocation decisions.

Students step into the roles of civic leaders and grant panelists to explore the economic and cultural value of the arts. They analyze the creative economy, evaluate funding models, and debate the allocation of public funds through a realistic simulation.

A deep-dive case study into the annexation of Hawaii, exploring the collision of indigenous sovereignty, missionary influence, and corporate interests. Students analyze the transition from a recognized sovereign monarchy to a US territory, evaluating the ethical and political implications of imperialism.

A graduate-level exploration of the legal and constitutional frameworks established by the Insular Cases, focusing on the construction of the 'unincorporated territory' and the status of citizenship under US imperialism.

Students evaluate the lasting legacy of US Imperialism through a project-based inquiry. They synthesize historical knowledge to create museum exhibits connecting 19th-century events to modern geopolitical realities.

A comprehensive sequence for 11th-grade students focusing on labor trafficking and economic exploitation. Students will learn to identify indicators of forced labor, analyze global supply chains, understand the vulnerabilities of migrant workers, and recognize signs of exploitation in their own communities.

Students explore the concept of constitutional frameworks by drafting a 'Classroom Constitution.' They learn how written rules prevent confusion, define rights and responsibilities, and limit the power of leaders, culminating in a formal ratification ceremony.

This 8th-grade history sequence explores the political leadership and social transformations of the U.S. Civil War. Students evaluate the leadership of Lincoln and Davis, analyze the shift from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery, and examine the contributions of African American soldiers and the impact of the Reconstruction Amendments.

A comprehensive 5th Grade US History unit exploring the strategic and moral impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, the contribution of Black soldiers, and the complex legal and social struggles of the Reconstruction era.

A 4th-grade civics sequence where students explore political systems through classroom simulations, moving from anarchy to monarchy and finally to democracy. Students conclude by designing their own government charter for a fictional Mars colony.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

A comprehensive 2-day unit covering World War II for 11th Grade US History, aligned with TEKS. It focuses on the transition from isolationism to total war, the home front experience, major turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters, and the strategic decisions that ended the conflict.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A lesson sequence exploring the early American debate over federal vs. state power, focusing on the Alien and Sedition Acts and the Kentucky Resolutions.

A high school social studies sequence focused on the dynamics of domestic policy, federalism, and the 'tug-of-war' between state and federal jurisdictions. Students explore how policy is created, categorized, and contested in the American system.

A lesson examining the Populist Party's Omaha Platform of 1892, its agrarian roots, and its long-term impact on American political and economic policy through the Progressive Era.

A comprehensive lesson sequence for AP Government students exploring the constitutional tension between the Supremacy Clause and State Rights through the lens of Judicial Review, featuring case studies and video analysis.

A sequence exploring the complexities of Intellectual Property in the digital age, covering copyright, patents, trademarks, and the future of creative rights.

A civics sequence focused on the mechanics of American democracy, the two-party system, and the nuance of political identity.

A unit covering the structure, requirements, and controversial debates within the Federal Legislative Branch, focusing on representation and the balance of power.

This undergraduate-level sequence explores the evolution of political thought and legal structures within the thirteen colonies. It traces the transition from royal oversight to colonial self-governance, focusing on legal charters, representative institutions, and the foundations of political dissent.

A comprehensive examination of US imperialism in the Pacific, focusing on the legal, political, and commercial motivations for expansion. This undergraduate sequence traces the shift from continental expansion to overseas empire, culminating in the Supreme Court's definition of "unincorporated" territories.

A 5-lesson unit exploring US foreign policy in Latin America from the late 19th to early 20th century, focusing on the shift from protectionism to interventionism through the Big Stick, Dollar, and Moral Diplomacy models.

This 11th-grade US History sequence explores the domestic opposition to US expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. Students analyze the Anti-Imperialist League, the constitutional implications of the Insular Cases, and the ideological divide between republicanism and empire.

A deep-dive case study into the annexation of Hawaii, exploring the collision of indigenous sovereignty, missionary influence, and corporate interests. Students analyze the transition from a recognized sovereign monarchy to a US territory, evaluating the ethical and political implications of imperialism.

This graduate-level sequence examines the internal opposition to American expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. Through case studies of the Anti-Imperialist League, labor unions, and the Black press, students explore the complex and often contradictory motivations of those who challenged the Treaty of Paris and the Philippine-American War, culminating in a rigorous Senate debate simulation.

A graduate-level exploration of the legal and constitutional frameworks established by the Insular Cases, focusing on the construction of the 'unincorporated territory' and the status of citizenship under US imperialism.

A high school history sequence exploring the fierce domestic debate over American imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. Students analyze the rhetorical, moral, and legal arguments of both expansionists and anti-imperialists, culminating in a formal debate on the compatibility of empire and democracy.

This sequence examines the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars as the turning point of US foreign policy. Students will explore media influence, the tension between liberation and annexation, and the ethical consequences of empire-building.

A comprehensive dual-course sequence covering all units for both AP Comparative Government and AP US Government & Politics. The sequence bridges domestic and international political concepts, from foundational structures to civil liberties and participation.

A comprehensive 4-day station rotation covering US history from the 1970s to the 2000s, aligned with TEKS 10 and 11. Students explore major political, economic, and social shifts through primary sources, data analysis, and interactive tasks.

A comprehensive 5-lesson unit on the American Civil Rights Movement, covering the legal battles, non-violent protests, key legislation, and the evolving strategies for racial justice.

A 6-lesson sequence divided by grade level (5th, 6th, and 7th), celebrating 100 years of Black history through school values. Each grade explores two distinct lessons focusing on community joy, personal excellence, and mental health advocacy.

A comprehensive 2-day unit covering World War II for 11th Grade US History, aligned with TEKS. It focuses on the transition from isolationism to total war, the home front experience, major turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters, and the strategic decisions that ended the conflict.

A series of three investigative modules where middle school students analyze hypothetical disruptions to science, history, and society to develop critical cause-and-effect reasoning skills.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A lesson sequence exploring the early American debate over federal vs. state power, focusing on the Alien and Sedition Acts and the Kentucky Resolutions.

A 10th-grade Government lesson exploring John Locke's Social Contract theory, the justification for revolution, and its historical applications in the American and French Revolutions. Students engage in a Socratic Seminar to analyze when a government loses its legitimacy.

A deep dive into the tensions between classical philosophy and modern democratic practice, focusing on Plato's critiques and contemporary responses.

A lesson sequence focusing on the sectional differences (economic, cultural, and political) that led to the American Civil War, featuring map analysis and a cause-and-effect chain activity.

A comprehensive lesson sequence for AP Government students exploring the constitutional tension between the Supremacy Clause and State Rights through the lens of Judicial Review, featuring case studies and video analysis.

A sequence exploring the complexities of Intellectual Property in the digital age, covering copyright, patents, trademarks, and the future of creative rights.

A unit covering the structure, requirements, and controversial debates within the Federal Legislative Branch, focusing on representation and the balance of power.

This sequence explores the evolution of the US tax system and the ethical debates surrounding different tax structures. Students will investigate the concept of 'fairness' in financial policy and design their own tax system for a fictional nation.

A comprehensive unit for 9th-grade students exploring the mechanics, ethics, and societal impact of the United States tax system. Students move from basic tax types to complex budget analysis and policy debates, building both financial literacy and civic understanding.

A middle school civics and financial literacy sequence exploring how tax revenue is collected and utilized by federal, state, and local governments to fund public goods and services. Students progress from defining public goods to designing their own community budget.

An introductory sequence for 8th graders exploring the purpose, structure, and ethical dimensions of the U.S. tax system. Students will learn how tax revenue funds public goods across federal, state, and local levels while debating the fairness of different tax structures.

Students transition from passive observers to active arts advocates by learning cultural policy, economic impact analysis, and strategic communication. This sequence culminates in a comprehensive advocacy campaign presentation to secure sustainable support for the arts.

A comprehensive 5-lesson unit on the American Civil Rights Movement, covering the legal battles, non-violent protests, key legislation, and the evolving strategies for racial justice.

A comprehensive 2-day unit covering World War II for 11th Grade US History, aligned with TEKS. It focuses on the transition from isolationism to total war, the home front experience, major turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters, and the strategic decisions that ended the conflict.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A lesson sequence exploring the early American debate over federal vs. state power, focusing on the Alien and Sedition Acts and the Kentucky Resolutions.

A lesson examining the Populist Party's Omaha Platform of 1892, its agrarian roots, and its long-term impact on American political and economic policy through the Progressive Era.

A comprehensive lesson sequence for AP Government students exploring the constitutional tension between the Supremacy Clause and State Rights through the lens of Judicial Review, featuring case studies and video analysis.

A sequence exploring the complexities of Intellectual Property in the digital age, covering copyright, patents, trademarks, and the future of creative rights.

This sequence explores the evolution of the US tax system and the ethical debates surrounding different tax structures. Students will investigate the concept of 'fairness' in financial policy and design their own tax system for a fictional nation.

This undergraduate-level sequence explores the evolution of political thought and legal structures within the thirteen colonies. It traces the transition from royal oversight to colonial self-governance, focusing on legal charters, representative institutions, and the foundations of political dissent.

A comprehensive examination of US imperialism in the Pacific, focusing on the legal, political, and commercial motivations for expansion. This undergraduate sequence traces the shift from continental expansion to overseas empire, culminating in the Supreme Court's definition of "unincorporated" territories.

This 11th-grade US History sequence explores the domestic opposition to US expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. Students analyze the Anti-Imperialist League, the constitutional implications of the Insular Cases, and the ideological divide between republicanism and empire.

A deep-dive case study into the annexation of Hawaii, exploring the collision of indigenous sovereignty, missionary influence, and corporate interests. Students analyze the transition from a recognized sovereign monarchy to a US territory, evaluating the ethical and political implications of imperialism.

This graduate-level sequence examines the internal opposition to American expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. Through case studies of the Anti-Imperialist League, labor unions, and the Black press, students explore the complex and often contradictory motivations of those who challenged the Treaty of Paris and the Philippine-American War, culminating in a rigorous Senate debate simulation.

A graduate-level exploration of the legal and constitutional frameworks established by the Insular Cases, focusing on the construction of the 'unincorporated territory' and the status of citizenship under US imperialism.

A high school history sequence exploring the fierce domestic debate over American imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. Students analyze the rhetorical, moral, and legal arguments of both expansionists and anti-imperialists, culminating in a formal debate on the compatibility of empire and democracy.

This sequence examines the complexities of US annexation and resistance in the Pacific, specifically focusing on Hawaii and the Philippines. Students explore the contradictions between American democratic ideals and the realities of imperial expansion through primary source analysis and project-based learning.

This 8th-grade history sequence explores the Pacific theater of American Imperialism, focusing on the debates over Hawaii, the Philippines, and China. Students analyze the tension between democratic ideals and expansionist actions through primary source analysis and simulations.

This sequence explores the evolution of rights and power in Medieval Europe, tracing the path from the Code of Chivalry and the Crusades to the signing of the Magna Carta and its lasting legacy on modern democracy.

A comprehensive exploration of US interventionism in Latin America during the early 20th century, focusing on the evolution of foreign policy from the Roosevelt Corollary to Wilson's Moral Diplomacy. Students analyze primary sources, political cartoons, and economic data to evaluate the impact of American hegemony.

A comprehensive 5-lesson unit on the American Civil Rights Movement, covering the legal battles, non-violent protests, key legislation, and the evolving strategies for racial justice.

A comprehensive 2-day unit covering World War II for 11th Grade US History, aligned with TEKS. It focuses on the transition from isolationism to total war, the home front experience, major turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters, and the strategic decisions that ended the conflict.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A high school social studies sequence focused on the dynamics of domestic policy, federalism, and the 'tug-of-war' between state and federal jurisdictions. Students explore how policy is created, categorized, and contested in the American system.

A comprehensive examination of US imperialism in the Pacific, focusing on the legal, political, and commercial motivations for expansion. This undergraduate sequence traces the shift from continental expansion to overseas empire, culminating in the Supreme Court's definition of "unincorporated" territories.

This sequence investigates the mechanisms of US hegemony in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the transition from military conquest to economic stewardship. Students analyze the Roosevelt Corollary, Dollar Diplomacy, and Wilsonian Idealism through specific case studies in Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

A 5-lesson unit exploring US foreign policy in Latin America from the late 19th to early 20th century, focusing on the shift from protectionism to interventionism through the Big Stick, Dollar, and Moral Diplomacy models.

A deep-dive case study into the annexation of Hawaii, exploring the collision of indigenous sovereignty, missionary influence, and corporate interests. Students analyze the transition from a recognized sovereign monarchy to a US territory, evaluating the ethical and political implications of imperialism.

This graduate-level sequence investigates the economic motivations behind early 20th-century US foreign policy. It examines the shift from territorial conquest to 'Dollar Diplomacy,' focusing on the entanglement of state power with private corporate interests in the Caribbean, Central America, and East Asia.

A 12th-grade history sequence exploring the shift in US foreign policy in Latin America from the Panama Canal to Wilson's Moral Diplomacy. Students use simulations, primary source analysis, and comparative studies to evaluate the motivations and impacts of interventionism.

This sequence explores the evolution of US foreign policy in Latin America through the administrations of Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson. Students engage in a strategic analysis of the 'Big Stick,' 'Dollar Diplomacy,' and 'Moral Diplomacy' approaches, using the Panama Canal as a primary case study and simulating diplomatic decision-making.

This sequence examines US intervention in Latin America through the lens of diplomatic strategy and presidential foreign policy. Students analyze the 'Big Stick,' 'Dollar,' and 'Moral' diplomacies, simulate the Panama Canal acquisition, and evaluate the long-term impacts of US hegemony.

A comprehensive exploration of US interventionism in Latin America during the early 20th century, focusing on the evolution of foreign policy from the Roosevelt Corollary to Wilson's Moral Diplomacy. Students analyze primary sources, political cartoons, and economic data to evaluate the impact of American hegemony.

An advanced seminar sequence for graduate students analyzing the American Civil War as a crisis of federalism and a catalytic event for constitutional transformation. Students deconstruct legal arguments for secession, executive war powers, the legislative path to emancipation, and shifting historiographical interpretations of the era's impact on American democracy.

A graduate-level investigation into the American Civil War through the lens of military science, operational art, and strategic leadership, focusing on the transition from Napoleonic tactics to industrial total war.

This 8th-grade history sequence explores the political leadership and social transformations of the U.S. Civil War. Students evaluate the leadership of Lincoln and Davis, analyze the shift from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery, and examine the contributions of African American soldiers and the impact of the Reconstruction Amendments.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

This sequence explores the legal and political battles of the Reconstruction era, focusing on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and the conflict between Presidential and Congressional authority. Students will analyze primary sources and evaluate the transformation of American citizenship.

A comprehensive 5-lesson unit on the American Civil Rights Movement, covering the legal battles, non-violent protests, key legislation, and the evolving strategies for racial justice.

A comprehensive unit exploring social-emotional learning and civic responsibility, connecting the concepts of personal relationships and the systems of government that bind a community together.

A high-stakes review series for the U.S. History STAAR exam, focusing on major eras, turning points, and key figures using a 'Mission-Based' archival theme.

A unit covering the structure, requirements, and controversial debates within the Federal Legislative Branch, focusing on representation and the balance of power.

This sequence equips graduate students with the skills to analyze economic data and translate it into persuasive policy briefs for arts advocacy, culminating in a simulated legislative hearing.

A deep-dive case study into the annexation of Hawaii, exploring the collision of indigenous sovereignty, missionary influence, and corporate interests. Students analyze the transition from a recognized sovereign monarchy to a US territory, evaluating the ethical and political implications of imperialism.

This graduate-level sequence examines the internal opposition to American expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. Through case studies of the Anti-Imperialist League, labor unions, and the Black press, students explore the complex and often contradictory motivations of those who challenged the Treaty of Paris and the Philippine-American War, culminating in a rigorous Senate debate simulation.

A high school history sequence exploring the fierce domestic debate over American imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. Students analyze the rhetorical, moral, and legal arguments of both expansionists and anti-imperialists, culminating in a formal debate on the compatibility of empire and democracy.

This 8th-grade history sequence explores the Pacific theater of American Imperialism, focusing on the debates over Hawaii, the Philippines, and China. Students analyze the tension between democratic ideals and expansionist actions through primary source analysis and simulations.

An advanced seminar sequence for graduate students analyzing the American Civil War as a crisis of federalism and a catalytic event for constitutional transformation. Students deconstruct legal arguments for secession, executive war powers, the legislative path to emancipation, and shifting historiographical interpretations of the era's impact on American democracy.

A graduate-level investigation into the American Civil War through the lens of military science, operational art, and strategic leadership, focusing on the transition from Napoleonic tactics to industrial total war.

This 5th-grade history sequence explores the dismantling of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, focusing on how legal and social systems were used to restrict the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.

A 5th-grade history unit exploring the political and social efforts to reunify the United States after the Civil War, focusing on the conflict between presidential and congressional plans.

An 11th-grade history unit exploring Reconstruction through the lens of Black agency, institutional growth, and the economic and social barriers of the New South. Students investigate the Freedmen's Bureau, the rise of Black schools and churches, the trap of sharecropping, the first Black congressmen, and the violent resistance to progress.

This sequence explores the legal and political battles of the Reconstruction era, focusing on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and the conflict between Presidential and Congressional authority. Students will analyze primary sources and evaluate the transformation of American citizenship.

A deep dive into the legal and political transformation of post-Civil War America, focusing on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and the power struggle between branches of government.

A comprehensive 9th-grade Social Studies sequence exploring the legal and political shifts of the Reconstruction era, from the abolition of slavery to the radical constitutional changes and the first biracial democracy. Students will analyze primary sources, examine the Black Codes, and conclude with a simulation of the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.

This sequence explores the constitutional and political battles of the Reconstruction era, focusing on the friction between Presidential and Congressional plans, the legal impact of the Civil War Amendments, and the rise and fall of Black political representation. Students will evaluate the legal successes and enforcement failures of the period to answer the essential question: To what extent did the legal frameworks of Reconstruction successfully redefine citizenship in America?