How do civic virtues ensure a healthy civil society and constitutional republic?

What role does a constitution play in establishing a framework for governing a community, and how does it protect the rights and responsibilities of its members?

How did John Locke’s ideas influence the Founding principles in the Declaration of Independence?

How did the Articles of Confederation limit the effectiveness of the new government?  

Why are different powers exercised at the national, state, and local levels of government?

How does federalism enable local self-government to balance the needs of the common good, address viewpoint diversity, and promote civic virtues within a community?

What are past and contemporary (modern) examples of federalism? How does federalism create tension across the levels of government?

How does this case study illuminate key concepts and processes in government and politics?

How does the structure of government impact the way decisions are made in society?

What is the relationship between gerrymandering, the concept of representation, and the principle of consent of the governed?

What does it mean to be represented in government?

How can members of Congress best represent their constituents?

How are my views and values represented in the American government?

How can the people ensure their local interests are represented at the national level?

Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January 1776 support of the Patriot cause. Using clear, plain language, Paine rallied the colonists to support the break from Britain.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ...” Congress debated independence for several days.

This was the first governing document of the United States of America. It was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in November 1777 and ratified by the states in 1781.

The Constitution was written in the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by delegates from 12 states, in order to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new form of government. It created a federal system with a national government composed of 3 separated powers, and included both reserved and concurrent powers of states.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. James Madison wrote the amendments, which list specific prohibitions on governmental power, in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties.

Written by James Madison, this essay defended the form of republican government proposed by the Constitution. Critics of the Constitution argued that the proposed federal government was too large and would be unresponsive to the people.

In this Federalist Paper, James Madison explains and defends the checks and balances system in the Constitution. Each branch of government is framed so that its power checks the power of the other two branches; additionally, each branch of government is dependent on the people, who are the source of legitimate authority.

Arguments on how the Constitution will take authority from the local and state judiciaries, the states will lose sovereignty, and lifetime appointments for judges will result in their lack of accountability.

President George Washington’s Farewell Address was not delivered as a speech, but rather printed in newspapers. Washington wrote over a period of months beginning with notes James Madison had prepared at the end of his first term. He also sought the advice of John Jay and Alexander Hamilton in formulating his message.

What were the discussions and proceedings of the Constitutional Convention?

How do founding principles and civic virtues shape the United States? This video takes you on a journey through the foundation of the U.S. Constitution, where ideas like natural rights, limited government, and civic virtues form the bedrock of our society. Discover how these principles—rooted in equality, liberty, and justice—guide self-governance and empower citizens to protect individual freedoms. Learn about the separation of powers, federalism, and the vital role of civic virtues like integrity, respect, and courage in fostering a healthy civil society. From practicing prudence to upholding the common good, see how these ideals enable government accountability and ensure that "We the People" thrive.

What are the founding principles that shape the United States? This video explores the foundational ideas that guide American democracy. Learn about the core principles of natural rights, limited government, and the importance of individual liberty and equality, as described in the Declaration of Independence Learn how these principles are translated into the framework of the Constitution, including the separation of powers and the protection of individual rights

How does federalism shape the way our government works and impacts our daily lives? From differences in road signs to how schools are run, the structure of the U.S. Constitution ensures that power is shared between national, state, and local governments. But why does this system matter, and how does it address the challenges of governing a geographically large and diverse nation? In this video, explore the principle of federalism, its role in balancing powers, and real-world examples of cooperation and tension among different levels of government. Whether it’s defending the country, managing public health, or ensuring local communities thrive, federalism allows us to tackle big issues together while staying responsive to local needs. This video ties into the Bill of Rights Institute's Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum, specifically Unit 2, which dives into the dynamic dialogue between government levels and the constitutional principles that make it all work.

What makes the U.S. Congress the cornerstone of our democracy? Dive into the Constitution's Article I, where the framers designed the legislative branch to safeguard liberty while balancing power and passion. This video uncovers the structure of Congress as a bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. From shaping laws to tackling debates that influence your education, freedoms, and daily life, Congress is where reason meets passion. Learn how its design fosters deliberation, curbs oppression, and drives liberty in action. This video ties into Unit 3 of the Bill of Rights Institute's Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum. Explore the role of the legislature, the constitutional responsibilities of the House and Senate, and the Supreme Court cases that define representation and redistricting.

How do government, politics, and civics work in everyday life? Join Emerald Garrett, a Senior Legislative Assistant as she shares her journey from a young student passionate about foreign languages to Congress. Learn how her unique path and dedication to public service have helped her contribute meaningfully to the legislative process. This video ties into the Bill of Rights Institute's Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum, specifically Unit 3, which examines the purpose and role of the legislature in the Constitution. Emerald's story highlights the importance of young voices in shaping Congress and demonstrates the power of civic engagement in a representative democracy.

How do government, politics, and civics work in everyday life? Join Jaydn Smith a Senior Legislative Assistant as he shares his journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to Congress. Learn how his passion for public service and dedication to helping his community have allowed him to craft impactful legislation and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.

How does the Declaration of Independence support the principles of individual liberty and self-government? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials and Declaration of Independence summary, learn the arguments made by the American colonists as they sought to free themselves of British control.

What does the Constitution do? What are the principles of self-government in the Constitution? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials and United States Constitution summary, learn how the US Constitution was framed as a stronger, yet limited, government built upon certain principles. The US Constitution Explained | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/videos/the-constitution-explained-a-primary-source-close-read-w-bri

How does the Bill of Rights protect individual freedoms and limit government power? In this episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials, explore the history and purpose of the Bill of Rights. Learn how the first ten amendments to the Constitution safeguard freedoms like speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, while ensuring protections such as due process and trial by jury. Discover the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists that shaped these foundational amendments, and how they continue to protect natural rights, civil liberties, and state powers.

Order Bulk Pocket Constitutions for Your Classroom Request Pocket Constitutions for Your Classroom Learn more about the Bill of Rights Institute’s contests, scholarship opportunities, and homework help resources Learn more about the U.S. Constitution through, videos, primary sources, and other resources Support this program and help us distribute more pocket constitutions in classrooms across the […]

News articles relevant to topics in U.S. History, Government, and Civics classrooms.

A prognostication opinion game that surfaces the dynamic between The Federalists, who drafted the Constitution as the highest law of the land, and the Anti-Federalists who wanted to ensure that the people had an individual Bill of Rights.

A table top game the explores the interplay between private citizens, public officials, and resource management and how they shape the effectiveness of civil society.

A team-based wordplay communication game that challenges delegates to interpret constituent and private interest in a way that keeps them happy. Players ultimately must negotiate while competing to draft the most effective bills for their side. Failing to do so will result in getting voted out of office. 

A transactional card game where players try to position themselves appropriately for each round.

A collaborative organization challenge that highlights the pros and cons of bureaucracy while introducing the cabinets of the Executive Office.

A judging and deductive reasoning game that explores the concept of analyzing a case and reapplying it elsewhere.