Educator ResourceUnit 1: Foundation of American Self-Government Inquiry Organizer
How and why was the United States government formed?
BRI's free, online Government & Politics resource for high schoolers
Discover the Heart of Our Government
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Resource Overview
Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment is an online, digital civics curriculum resource for high school students. It offers a dynamic and comprehensive approach to teaching the nature, foundations, structure, and purpose of American Constitutional government. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and real-world application, students will engage with complex content while honing critical citizenship skills through game-based learning activities. With diverse components, including case studies, primary sources, point-counterpoints, and multimedia elements, this resource equips teachers with versatile tools to foster deep understanding and active participation in civic society.
- Teach with confidence—flexible materials that fit AP Government and Civics or college prep courses seamlessly.
- Plug it in instantly—works with your LMS so you can start teaching today.
- Choose your pace—structured for both full-year and half-year courses without extra planning.
- Set your students up for success—complete, AP-aligned curriculum designed to match the College Board exam.
Play Our Principles and Virtues Interactive
Help students explore our Founding Principles and Civic Virtues in a fun and engaging method.Tabletop Games
Seven unique tabletop games designed for Government and Civics classrooms
Point-Counterpoint Debates
Six point-counterpoint scholar-written essays that tackle key tensions in today's government
Videos
A video series that deep dives into each unit of the resource
Interactives and Infographics
Engaging content to support engagement and learning
Design & Features
- This resource is designed to serve as the primary textbook for a government classroom or as a supportive resource. It also fully aligns with the College Board's Government & Politics framework.
- The Bill of Rights Institute staff, in conjunction with the scholar community, wrote, edited, and reviewed the resource. The Institute holds itself to this statement of Academic Integrity.
- This resource bridges the gap between political theory and reality, demystifying government and emphasizing the relationship between principles and practice. Focusing on the American Experiment in Self-Governance empowers students to understand their role as citizens and actively participate in civil society.
- This resource, which includes case studies, primary sources, and point-counterpoints, offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience. It is supplemented by videos and current events updates to ensure relevance and engagement.
- Integrated game-based learning strategies empower students to practice citizenship skills while delving deep into complex content. Through interaction, students gain a nuanced understanding of governmental structures and processes and develop critical thinking, decision-making, and collaboration skills essential for effective civic engagement.
- It incorporates the College Board's AP Government and Politics framework alongside BRI’s Principles and Virtues framework, providing a robust foundation for in-depth exploration and critical analysis.
- This textbook is the first free Government and Politics resource aligned with AP standards. It is openly licensed for use by students or educators and is available to anyone.
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Each chapter centers on an Inquiry Organizer, your turnkey teaching backbone. It outlines objectives, background resources, and assessments, ensuring your lessons remain structured while encouraging open discussion. |
Educator Resource
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