Government & Politics Unit 1: Activities + Essays

25 items

Founding Principles and Civic Virtues | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment

Video

5 Min

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.

5 Min

Principles and Civic Virtue Touchstone

Activity

An interactive that helps students explore Founding Principles and Civic Virtues.

Founding Principles | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment

Video

4 Min

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

4 Min

Civic Virtues | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment

Video

5 Min

What does it take to build a thriving community and sustain self-government? This video explores the essential role of civic virtues in fostering a healthy civil society. Discover how practicing integrity, humility, and respect strengthens our connections and helps navigate the challenges of modern life. Learn how historical figures like Clara Barton, Elizabeth Eckford, and George Washington exemplified these virtues through acts of courage and prudence — and how their monumental impacts began with small, everyday choices.

5 Min

The Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution

Activity

An activity that explores the differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

The Articles of Confederation | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Video

4 Min

Have you ever looked at your teacher with a puzzled face when they explain history? I know we have. In our new Homework Help Series we break down history into easy to understand 5 minute videos to support a better understanding of American History. In our eighth episode, we tackle the Articles of Confederation and the need for a Constitution.

4 Min

The Ancient and Modern Influences that Shaped the American Founding

Essay - 726 Words

Essay

726 Words

What philosophies influenced the Founders as they drafted the Constitution?

Primary Sources: John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu

Activity

Excerpts of John Locke's "Two Treatises on Government" and Baron de Montesquieu's "On the Spirit of the Laws " and Comprehension Questions.

Locke and the Declaration of Independence Scaffolded

Activity

Explore the type of government Locke thought best and the foundation for its authority in protecting the natural rights of the people.

From John Locke to Thomas Jefferson Photo Frame Activity

Activity

Help students identify ways that John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government influenced the philosophies of Founders such as Thomas Jefferson.

Annotated Declaration of Independence

Activity

Activity to understand and explain the purpose of the Declaration of Independence.

Representation and Self-Governance

Essay - 1118 Words

Essay

1118 Words

An essay that explores the importance of representation in a system of self-government.

Federalist 10

Activity

Why did the Framers believe a large republic would create a stable and lasting government that protected against the violence of faction?

Brutus 1

Activity

What were the major Anti-Federalist concerns with the Constitution?

An Energetic, yet Limited Government

Essay - 1225 Words

Essay

1225 Words

Why is a limited but energetic government important for upholding justice andprotecting liberty?

The Separation of Powers

Essay - 1033 Words

Essay

1033 Words

An essay that explores the separation of powers in the Constitution and how they protects the independent power of each of the three branches of government.