Building a Self-Governing People: Civics & US History for Middle School

About the Resource

This nine-unit U.S. history and civics curriculum empowers middle school students to explore how Americans have worked to create and sustain a self-governing, free society. Through scaffolded Document-Based Question (DBQ) assessments, students analyze key events, people, and ideas while practicing historical thinking and civic reasoning.  

The curriculum emphasizes the Founding Principles and civic virtues that have guided the nation across time, helping students connect the past to their present and future roles as engaged citizens. 

​​​​​Key Features 

• Scaffolded DBQ Process: Students gradually build toward a summative DBQ in each unit with structured skill development. 
• Primary Source Literacy: Curated sources and guided analysis help students evaluate evidence and perspectives. 
• Embedded Teacher Supports: Lessons include context briefs, adjustment ideas, and AI prompt suggestions. 
• Civics-History Integration: Founding principles and civic virtues are woven throughout historical content. 
• Age-Appropriate Design: Engaging examples, peer-to-peer interaction, and accessible language tailored to middle school learners. 
• Leveled Readings: Texts at varied reading levels help teachers differentiate instruction.  
• Interactive Games & Dialogues: Classroom-ready tools promote engagement and skill-building.  
• Diverse Perspectives: Students explore the complexity of the American experience through multiple voices. 
• Multimedia Elements: Original video series and interactive timelines deepen understanding. 

About the Authors

Written by the Bill of Rights Institute content team with review from scholars Frank Garmon and Axel Ramirez. 

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What makes this resource different from others of its kind?

It blends civics and history in every unit, offering middle school students a meaningful pathway to connect historical content with civic identity. The developmental design bridges our elementary and high school curricula for a seamless learning arc. 

Why should a teacher use this resource?

It’s flexible, teacher-friendly, and rich with embedded support. Every lesson is classroom-ready and includes guidance for differentiation and adaptation. 

What have teachers said about this resource?

• I would recommend-many of the materials are similar to what I used in the 12 years I taught AP U.S. History, and this is for grades 6-8! That statement is not a critique but an affirmation of the level of rigor. 
• Overall, I believe this product is superior to most of what I see in middle school classrooms and district curriculum guides. 
• These are really wonderful products and a great resource for teachers to use. 
• Well done. It aligns well with standards/expectations at this grade band. 

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Unit & Key Figures Overview

Colonial Era (Unit 1) 

• William Penn 
• John Winthrop 
• Cecil Calvert (Lord Baltimore) 
• Settlers, traders, and religious communities (e.g., Puritans, Quakers) 

American Revolution (Unit 2) 

• Thomas Paine 
• Samuel Johnson 
• George Washington 
• King George III 
• Thomas Jefferson 

Constitution and Ratification (Unit 3) 

• James Madison 
• Thomas Jefferson 
• Robert Yates (Brutus I) 

Civic and Constitutional Life (Unit 4) 

• James Madison (Federalist #51) 
• U.S. Supreme Court Justices (from Miranda v. Arizona, Engel v. Vitale) 

Early Republic (Unit 5) 

• George Washington 
• Alexander Hamilton 
• Thomas Jefferson 
• John Adams 
• James Madison 

America in Transition (Unit 6) 

• Frederick Douglass 
• Angelina Grimké 
• Catharine Beecher 
• Johan Schütz (immigrant voice) 
• Henry David Thoreau 
• Women of the Seneca Falls Convention 

American Expansion (Unit 7) 

• Andrew Jackson 
• Native American leaders (implied: Trail of Tears) 
• Abolitionists (e.g., William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass) 

Civil War (Unit 8) 

• Abraham Lincoln 
• Jefferson Davis 
• Alexander Stephens 
• Republican Party leaders 

Reconstruction (Unit 9) 

• Andrew Johnson 
• Ulysses S. Grant 
• Thomas Nast (cartoonist) 
• Jourdon Anderson 
• O.O. Howard 
• African American leaders and communities