Our Mission Since 1965
Promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy.
Covering the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States, this program features a comprehensive curriculum and culminates with simulated congressional hearings where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress.
Showcasing democratic practices, this program includes a curriculum designed around a first-hand approach to influencing government policy. Students work together to research their community, design solutions to real problems, and finally, present their proposals to community leaders.
Civil Discourse Toolkit
Lessons promoting dialogue via historical primary documents.
Civics Inquiry Lessons
Ready-to-use, high-quality lessons using an inquiry-based model.
We have also built collections of lessons and resources on specific topics:
We offer professional learning services customized to your school or district’s needs, plus easy-to-access resources to build your in-class skills.
Paid Professional Learning Opportunities
60-Second Civics
A quick, convenient way to learn about our government.
Constitution EXPLAINED
Explaining the U.S. Constitution in everyday language.
Exploring the philosophical foundations and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.
Ten free courses studying the American political system in-depth.
Lesson Plans
Professional Learning
Videos and Podcasts
Self-Paced Courses
Other Resources
July 24, 2025
Keystone Connections: Pennsylvania’s Civic Legacy From the Founding Era to Today
Virtual Professional Learning Workshop (6 hours of Act 48 credit through the Pennsylvania Department of Education)
Virtual Professional Learning Workshop (6 hours of Act 48 credit through the Pennsylvania Department of Education)
December 2024
Democracy: More than the Sum of Civic Education Parts
As 2024 came to a close, I experienced a moment that reaffirmed my understanding of the immense endeavor that is civic education in a democracy.
As 2024 came to a close, I experienced a moment that reaffirmed my understanding of the immense endeavor that is civic education in a democracy.
May 2015
A True Test of Citizenship
The insight below was previously posted on the Maryland Council for Civic and History Education website in 2015. Although almost 10 years later, the idea that the citizenship and civic engagement democracy calls for goes well beyond facts and answers on a test is as true today as ever.
The insight below was previously posted on the Maryland Council for Civic and History Education website in 2015. Although almost 10 years later, the idea that the citizenship and civic engagement democracy calls for goes well beyond facts and answers on a test is as true today as ever.
Our Mission Since 1965
Promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy.
Covering the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States, this program features a comprehensive curriculum and culminates with simulated congressional hearings where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress.
Showcasing democratic practices, this program includes a curriculum designed around a first-hand approach to influencing government policy. Students work together to research their community, design solutions to real problems, and finally, present their proposals to community leaders.
Civil Discourse Toolkit
Lessons promoting dialogue via historical primary documents.
Civics Inquiry Lessons
Ready-to-use, high-quality lessons using an inquiry-based model.
We have also built collections of lessons and resources on specific topics:
We offer professional learning services customized to your school or district’s needs, plus easy-to-access resources to build your in-class skills.
Paid Professional Learning Opportunities
60-Second Civics
A quick, convenient way to learn about our government.
Constitution EXPLAINED
Explaining the U.S. Constitution in everyday language.
Exploring the philosophical foundations and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.
Ten free courses studying the American political system in-depth.
