BRI’s Most Popular eLessons
10 items
Do University Students have a Right to Carry Concealed Weapons on Campus?
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
New legislation permitting properly licensed students to carry concealed firearms on campus at the University of Texas has re-ignited the debate regarding gun control and the purpose of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Does the second amendment protect the rights of students to carry concealed weapons on campus, or does this create a safety risk that endangers the liberty of other students?
Bill of Rights of the United States of America (1791)
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
Download a PDF of the Bill of Rights Click for free Documents of Freedom lesson on the Bill of Rights Click for free Voices of History lesson on the Bill of Rights 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. For example, the Founders saw the ability to speak and worship freely as a natural right protected by the First Amendment.
Ending the Death Penalty
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
Should the Death Penalty be Abolished?
In this eLesson, students will explore five major controversies surrounding the death penalty in the United States. While analyzing evidence and opinions in support of both sides, students will also consider its constitutionality.
Snowden and the NSA
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
A mere nine months ago no one knew the name Edward Snowden. Now not a week goes by without a news story related to his revelations about the National Security Agency (NSA). No doubt your class has already begun to ponder the implications of NSA information gathering and what it says about our system of governance.
WikiLeaks: Should the U.S. Charge Assange with Espionage?
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was in hiding after his release of thousands of secret documents related to United States foreign policy. The U.S. Justice and Defense departments were determining whether they can charge the Australian citizen with a crime under the Espionage Act. Should Assange be prosecuted? What about the newspapers in the U.S. who published the stolen classified documents?
Resources
Contentious Elections and the Peaceful Transition of Power
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
Contentious elections are nothing new in U.S. history. This eLesson explores some of our most bitter presidential elections, and challenges students to analyze the value of a peaceful transfer of power within our governing system.
History and Civics Resources for your Blended/Online Classes
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
There are many great free resources for 7th-12th grade history and civics educators to use digitally. We have compiled a list of our favorites below. Let us know if we missed any on Twitter or Facebook! Bill of Rights Institute Firstly, of course, are BRI's resources. You can find a link to them all here.
Freedom of Speech: General
E Lesson
E Lesson
5 Min
This eLesson features Supreme Court cases that impacted freedom of speech, including a link to Oyez to learn more.
Debating Voter ID Laws
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
Should voters need to verify their ID before casting a ballot? Explore the debate with this lesson.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
The saying goes “as long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools.” And individual students can indeed pray for straight A’s or for other reasons. But the Supreme Court decision in Engel v. Vitale (1962) held that official recitation of prayers in public schools violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The ruling is hailed by some as a victory for religious freedom, while criticized by others as striking a blow to the nation’s religious traditions.