Classroom Resource Library

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech with a mobile that inspires you to think about your own dreams.

1.1- Activity- What is Civil Dialogue?

1.2 Introduction Activity- Why Have a Civil Dialogue?

1.3 Activity Guide: Structural Constitution Walkthrough

1.4 Activity Guide: Introduction to the Methods of Constitutional Interpretation

1.5 Activity Guide: Constitutional Interpretation Method Identification

1.5 Info Brief: Possible Quote for Worksheet

1.5 Video Reflection: Methods of Constitutional Interpretation

1.7 Printable Knowledge Check: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue

1.8 Info Brief: Constitutional Conversation Roles and Norms

10.1 Primary Source: First Amendment

This activity is part of Module 10: The First Amendment from the Constitution 101 Curriculum

10.2 Video Reflection: The First Amendment

10.3 Activity Guide: Religion Clauses

10.3 Info Brief: Kennedy v. Bremerton School District Case

10.4 Activity Guide: Speech Quotation Analysis

10.4 First Amendment quotes

10.4 Whitney v. California Case Quote

10.5 Activity Guide: Assembly and Petition

10.5 Primary Source

10.5 Primary Source: Frederick Douglass, Plea for Freedom of Speech in Boston (1860)

10.5 Primary Source: Petition from the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery to the First Congress (1790)

10.5 Primary Source: Proceedings of the State Convention of Colored People, Held at Albany, New York (1851)

10.5 Primary Source: Seneca Falls Declaration (1848)

10.5 Primary Source: The Gag Rules Debate (1835-1840)

10.7 Printable Knowledge Check: First Amendment: Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Petition

11.2 Video Reflection: The Fourth Amendment

11.3 Activity Guide: A Reasonable Expectation of Privacy

11.4 Activity Guide: Key Terms - Fourth Amendment

11.5 Case Brief: Fourth Amendment Supreme Court Cases

11.5 Primary Source: Carpenter v. United States (2008)

11.5 Primary Source: Katz v. United States (1967)

11.5 Primary Source: Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

11.5 Primary Source: Olmstead v. United States (1928)

11.5 Primary Source: Terry v. Ohio (1968)

11.6 Printable Knowledge Check: The Fourth Amendment

11.7 Activity Guide: Speech on the Writs of Assistance

11.7 Primary Source: James Otis

12.1 Visual Info Brief: Patrick Henry and Slavery

12.2 Video Reflection: Slavery in America

12.3 Info Brief: Anti-Slavery Movements Throughout American History

12.3 Primary Source: Abraham Lincoln, Cooper Union Address (1860)

12.3 Primary Source: American Anti-Slavery Society, Declaration of Sentiments (1833)

12.3 Primary Source: David Walker, Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World (1829)

12.3 Primary Source: Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July (1852)

12.3 Primary Source: Phillis Wheatley, Letter to Reverend Samuel Occum (1774)

12.3 Primary Source: Prince Hall, Petition to the Massachusetts Legislature (1777)

12.3 Primary Source: William Yates, The Rights of Colored Men (1838)

12.4 Activity Guide: Lincoln and Preserving the Union Note Catcher Tool

12.4 Activity Guide: Reasons for Secession and Lincoln’s Initial Response Note Catcher Tool

12.4 Info Brief: Slavery in America

12.4 Primary Source: A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union (1861)

12.4 Primary Source: Abraham Lincoln, Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

12.4 Primary Source: Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address and Message to the Special Session of the 37th Congress (1861)

12.4 Primary Source: Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address (1865)

12.4 Primary Source: Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address (1863)

12.4 Primary Source: South Carolina Declaration of Secession (1860)

12.4 Primary Source: The 13th Amendment (1865)

12.5 Primary Source: Carl Schurz’s Report on the Condition of the South (1865)

12.5 Primary Source: Charles Sumner, One Man Power vs. Congress (1866)

12.5 Primary Source: Equal Suffrage Address from the Colored Convention in Norfolk, VA

12.5 Primary Source: Jacob Howard, Speech Introducing the Fourteenth Amendment to the Senate (1866)

12.5 Primary Source: John Bingham, One Country, One Constitution, One People (1866)

12.5 Primary Source: Thaddeus Stevens, Speech Introducing the Fourteenth Amendment (1866)

12.6 Primary Source: Declaration of Independence

12.7 Printable Knowledge Check: Slavery in America

13.1 Info Brief: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

13.1 Visual Info Brief: Frances Harper Quote

13.2 Video Reflection: Voting Rights in America

13.3 Activity Guide: Exploring Elections and Voting in the Constitution

13.3 Info Brief: Elections and Voting in the Constitution

13.4 Case Brief: The Supreme Court and the Vote

13.4 Info Brief: The Supreme Court and the Vote

13.4 Primary Source: NAACP, Platform Adopted by National Negro Committee (1909)

13.4 Primary Source: Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

13.4 Primary Source: South Carolina v. Katzenbach (1966)

13.4 Primary Source: W.E.B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk (1903)

13.5 Info Brief: The Women’s Suffrage Movement

13.6 Activity Guide: Exploring the Vote in Your Community

13.7 Printable Knowledge Check: Voting in America

13th Amendment, Congressional Copy

This handwritten congressional copy of the amendment that banned slavery is signed by President Lincoln and others.

14.1 Primary Source: Black Codes from South Carolina and Mississippi

14.2 Activity Guide: Introduction to the 14th Amendment

14.2 Info Brief: Reconstruction and America’s “Second Founding”

14.3 Video Reflection: The 14th Amendment

14.4 Case Brief: Tests of the 14th Amendment

14.4 Primary Source: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

14.4 Primary Source: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022)

14.4 Primary Source: Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

14.4 Primary Source: Loving v. Virginia (1967)

14.4 Primary Source: Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

14.4 Primary Source: United States v. Virginia (1996)

14.4 Primary Source: United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898)

14.5 Activity Guide: Showcasing the 14th Amendment

14.6 Printable Knowledge Check: The 14th Amendment: Battles for Freedom and Equality

15.1 Activity Guide: The Article V Amendment Process

15.2 Video Reflection: 27 Amendments Walkthrough

15.3 27 Amendments Matching Game

15.3 Info Brief: Periods of Constitutional Change and the 27 Amendments

15.3 Visual Info Brief: 27 Amendments to the Constitution

15.4 Activity Guide: Amending the Constitution

15.5 Printable Knowledge Check: Article V and the 27 Constitutional Amendments

19th Amendment Class Briefing Document

19th Amendment Class Slide Deck

19th Amendment Class Worksheets

2.1 Activity Guide: Quote Analysis

2.2 Activity Guide: Algernon Sidney

2.2 Activity Guide: Aristotle

2.2 Activity Guide: Cicero

2.2 Activity Guide: John Locke

2.2 Primary Source: Algernon Sidney

2.2 Primary Source: Aristotle

2.2 Primary Source: Cicero

2.2 Primary Source: John Locke

2.4 Activity Guide: Key Terms - Version 2

2.4 Info Brief: Declaration of Independence and the Preamble

2.4 Info Sheet: Preamble Breakdown

2.4 Video Reflection: Declaration of Independence

2.5 Primary Source: Declaration of Independence (Short list of grievances)

2.5 Primary Source: John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies (1768)

2.5 Primary Source: Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)

2.6 Printable Knowledge Check: Principles of the American Revolution

2.7 Extended Activity: Social Contracts

2017 Civic Holiday Calendar: Famous Cases

The 2017 calendar explores turning points in American history with fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases.

2018 Civic Holiday Calendar: 14th Amendment

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 14th Amendment, the Center's 2018 calendar explores its history and legacy.

2019 Civic Holiday Calendar: The First Amendment

The 2019 Civic Calendar from the National Constitution Center not only highlights civic holidays throughout the year, but will also focus on historical events dealing with the First Amendment.

2022/2023 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2022-2023 Civic Calendar explores the 27 Amendments in 12 Months!

2023/2024 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2023-2024 Civic Calendar explores the Civil Rights Movement.

2024/2025 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2024-2025 Civic Calendar explores the history of elections and voting rights in the United States.

3.1 Activity Guide: U.S. Constitution and Shays’ Rebellion

3.1 Info Brief: Summary of Shays’ Rebellion

3.1 Visual Info Brief: Image of Shays’ Rebellion

3.2 Activity Guide: The Critical Period

3.2 Info Brief: The Road to the Convention

3.3 Activity Guide: Key Terms - Road to the Convention

3.4 Video Reflection: Road to the Convention

3.5 Activity Guide: Fear of Factions and Mobs

3.5 Info Brief: The Federalist Papers

3.5 Primary Source: Federalist No. 10 and Federalist No. 55

3.7 Printable Knowledge Check: The Road to the Convention

This activity is part of Module 3: Road to the Convention from the Constitution 101 Curriculum.

4.1 Activity Guide: Convention Facts

4.1 Visual Info Brief: Painting of the Constitutional Convention

4.2 Activity Guide: Constitutional Convention - Meet the Framers

4.2 Info Brief: List of Delegates

4.3 Video Reflection: Constitutional Convention

4.4 Activity Guide: Compromise Analysis

4.4 Info Brief: Compromises of the Convention

4.5 Info Brief: Ratification Timeline

4.5 Primary Source: Who were the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?

4.7 Printable Knowledge Check: Constitutional Convention and Ratification

4th of July Show

4th of July Workshop

5.1 Info Brief: Meet the Dissenters

5.1 Primary Source: Dissenters at the Constitutional Convention

5.1 Visual Info Brief: Three Delegates

5.2 Video Reflection: The Bill of Rights

5.3 Info Brief: The Anti-Federalists

5.3 Primary Source and Activity Guide: Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Bill of Rights

5.4 Primary Source: James Madison’s Speech in Support of Amendments (1789)

5.4 Primary Source: State House Yard Speech by Wilson

5.4 Primary Source: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Correspondence on a Bill of Rights (1787-89)

5.5 Activity Guide: Big Ideas of the Bill of Rights

5.6 Activity Guide: Due Process Clause Essay by Nathan S. Chapman and Kenji Yoshino and Note Catcher

5.6 Activity Guide: Incorporation Essay by Akhil Amar and Note Catcher

5.6 Activity Guide: Privileges or Immunities Clause Essay by Akhil Amar and John C. Harrison and Note Catcher

5.6 Info Brief: Incorporation

5.7 Printable Knowledge Check: The Bill of Rights

6.1 Activity Guide: Separation of Powers and Federalism: Whose job (or check), is it?

6.1 Activity Guide: Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism Reflection

6.2 Activity Guide: Key Terms - Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism

6.3 Video Reflection: Separation of Powers

6.4 Activity Guide: Branch Exploration

6.4 Activity Guide: Building a Branch Dossier

6.4 Info Brief: Article I - Congress

6.4 Info Brief: Article II - The Presidency

6.4 Info Brief: Article III - The Judiciary

6.5 Activity Guide: Philosophical Thinking on Separation of Powers

6.5 Primary Source: James Madison, Federalist No. 51 (1788)

6.5 Primary Source: John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776)

6.5 Primary Source: Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws (1748)

6.6 Activity Guide: Federalism in the Constitution

6.6 Info Brief: Federalism

6.7 Printable Knowledge Check: Separation of Powers and Federalism

7.1 Visual Info Brief: Political Cartoon

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Section 2

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Section 3

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Section 7

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Section 9 and 10

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Sections 1 and 8 Spending Powers

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Sections 3 and 4

7.2 Activity Guide: Article I, Sections 4, 5, & 6

7.2 Activity Guide: Powers and Structure of Congress

7.3 Video Reflection: Powers of Congress

7.4 Case Brief: Tests of Congressional Power

7.4 Primary Source: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

7.4 Primary Source: United States v. Lopez (1995)

7.4 Primary Source: Wickard v. Filburn (1942)

7.5 Activity Guide: Building Consensus

7.6 Printable Knowledge Check: The Legislative Branch: How Congress Works

8.1 Info Brief: Presidential Roles

8.2 Activity Guide: How does the Presidency Work?

8.3 Video Reflection: The Presidency

8.4 Info Brief: Electoral College

8.4 Info Brief: Key Debate Notes

8.5 Case Brief: Tests of Presidential Power

8.5 Info Brief: Methods of Constitutional Interpretation

8.5 Primary Source: Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952)

8.6 Activity Guide: Quotes on Visions of Presidential Power

8.6 Info Brief: Executive Orders

8.7 Printable Knowledge Check: The Executive Branch and Electoral College

9.1 Activity Guide: Supreme Court

9.1 Info Brief: Supreme Court

9.1 Visual Info Brief: SCOTUS Class Photos

9.2 Activity Guide: Key Terms - Judicial System and Current Cases

9.3 Activity Guide: Federalist No. 78

9.3 Primary Source: Federalist No. 78

9.4 Video Reflection: History of the Supreme Court

9.5 Activity Guide- How Does a Case Get to the Supreme Court

9.5 Info Brief: How Does a Case Get to the Supreme Court Graphic

9.5 Primary Source: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

9.5 Primary Source: Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

9.5 Primary Source: Korematsu v. United States (1944)

9.5 Primary Source: Marbury v. Madison (1803)

9.5 Primary Source: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

9.5 Primary Source: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

9.5 Primary Source: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

9.5 Primary Source: West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943)

9.6 Activity Guide: Supreme Court in Review

9.7 Printable Knowledge Check: The Judicial System and Current Cases

Abraham Lincoln’s Crossroads

In this online game, learn about Lincoln’s leadership by exploring the political choices he made.

Amendment Cootie Catchers

This clever twist on the classic cootie catcher tests your knowledge of the first 10 amendments.

American Flag Pinwheels

Show your patriotic pride with this festive stars-and-stripes-covered pinwheel.

AP Comparative Government Lessons from College Board

AP English Lessons from College Board

AP U.S. History Lessons from College Board

AP US Government and Politics Lessons from College Board

Art of the American Soldier: Stories from the Soldiers

Students will deepen their appreciation of war art through watching and listening to veteran war experiences.

Article I: The Legislative Branch Class Briefing Document

Article I: The Legislative Branch Class Slide Deck

Article I: The Legislative Branch Class Worksheets

Article II - The Presidency and the Executive Branch Class Briefing Document

Article II - The Presidency and the Executive Branch Class Slide Deck

Article II - The Presidency and the Executive Branch Class Worksheets

Article III – The Judicial Branch and Supreme Court Class Briefing Document

Article III – The Judicial Branch and Supreme Court Class Slide Deck

Article III – The Judicial Branch and Supreme Court Class Worksheets

Article V – Amendment Process Class Worksheets

Article V — The Amendment Process Class Briefing Document

Article V — The Amendment Process Class Slide Deck

Article VII: Ratification Class Briefing Document

Article VII: Ratification Class Slide Deck

Article VII: Ratification Class Worksheets

Articles of Confederation

The first charter, or constitution, adopted by the 13 states following the American Revolution.

Being an Active Citizen Guided Experience

Being an Active Citizen Show

Ben Franklin Kites

Celebrate one of America's most famous Founding Fathers with a craft inspired by his kite experiment.

Bill of Rights

The first ten Amendments to the Constitution form the Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

Students learn about the specific rights and freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, one of our nation's most important documents.

Bill of Rights Bingo

Get more familiar with the Bill of Rights with this simple bingo game.

Bill of Rights Show 3-5

Bill of Rights Show 6-12

Breaking Barriers

Students will get a look at how African-American individuals have broken barriers to racial integration in the United States.

Breaking Barriers Guided Experience

Breaking Barriers Show

Brown v. Board of Education Word Puzzle

Learn about a landmark Supreme Court ruling with this word puzzle.

Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline

Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline is an online experience highlighting some of the key dates and events that mark more than 200 years of our constitutional history.

Cipher Wheel

Use this cipher wheel to create your own secret code!

Civil Rights Class Briefing Document

Civil Rights Class Slide Deck

Civil Rights Class Worksheets

Constitution Hall Pass: Freedom Of Expression From Constitution Day 2011

Learn about how the Constitution protects our rights and the freedom to express ourselves—out loud!

Constitution Hall Pass: Dollars and Sense: Tax Day

Learn how the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where those tax dollars go today.

Constitution Hall Pass: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Legacy of Service

In this episode, we look at Dr. King’s legacy of service—and we’ll even learn about ways that you can serve your community.

Constitution Hall Pass: Everything’s Gone Green: The Story of Earth Day

In this popular episode, we explore the history of the environmental movement in the United States and the origins of the holiday we know as Earth Day.

Constitution Hall Pass: History of Thanksgiving

Discover the real story of the first Thanksgiving and how the day became a national holiday during the Civil War.

Constitution Hall Pass: The Bill of Rights

Explore the compelling story of our Constitution’s first ten amendments.

Constitution Hall Pass: The Presidency (Constitution Day 2012)

Just in time for the 2012 election, this engaging, interactive lesson traces the history of the American presidency.

Constitution Word Puzzle

Learn about basic terms from the Constitution with this word puzzle.

Constitutional Exchanges Introduction Thinking Sheet

As you read, interpret, and cite the documents in the Interactive Constitution, it is important to think about how the Constitution expands or limits the power of government. This is how Constitutional Scholars read, interpret, and cite the Constitution. But how can you do this? Here are some tips to help.

Constitutional Exchanges Module One Full Lesson Plan

Constitutional Exchanges Module One: Extending The Conversation

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson.

Design Your Own Dollar Bill

This activity is perfect for commemorating Tax Day.

Design Your Own Flag

As you learn about the symbolism and importance of our America's flag, you can design your own flag.

Destination White House Guided Experience

Destination White house Show

Destination White House Workshop

Emancipation Proclamation, Leland-Boker Edition, 1864

Enacted in 1862, this edition of the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

First Amendment – Assembly and Petition Lesson

First Amendment – Establishment Clause Lessons

First Amendment – Free Exercise Clause Lessons

First Amendment – Free Speech Lessons

First Amendment – Freedom of the Press Lessons

First Amendment – Overview Lessons

First Amendment – Speech and Press Class Worksheets

First Amendment — Assembly and Petition Class Briefing Document

First Amendment — Assembly and Petition Class Slide Deck

First Amendment — Assembly and Petition Class Worksheets

First Amendment — Religion Class Briefing Document

First Amendment — Religion Class Slide Deck

First Amendment — Speech and Press Class Briefing Document

First Amendment — Speech and Press Class Slide Deck

First Amendment Exhibit Guide

Download our First Amendment Exhibit Guide

First Amendment: Speech

This lesson encourages students to examine their own assumptions and to deepen their understanding of current accepted interpretations of speech rights under the First Amendment.

First Amendment: Speech Lesson Plan Activity Sheets

Founding Fathers Word Puzzle

Learn about the signers of the U.S. Constitution with this word puzzle.

Fourth Amendment – Search and Seizure Lesson

Fourth Amendment Class Briefing Document

Fourth Amendment Class Slide Deck

Fourth Amendment Class Worksheets

Free to be You Guided Experience

Free to Be You Show

Free to Be You Workshop

Getting to Know the Founding Fathers

Learn more about the signers of the Constitution with these Founding Fathers biographies.

Getting to Know the Founding Fathers

Learn more about the delegates of the Constitutional Convention with these Founding Fathers biographies.

http://constitutioncenter.org/experience/exhibitions/main-exhibition/the-story-of-we-the-people

http://constitutioncenter.org/visit/group-visits/themed-museum-packages/

Interactive Constitution: Eighth Amendment

Interactive Constitution: Fourth Amendment

INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION: SECOND AMENDMENT

This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 2nd Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution.

Investigating the Departments of the Executive Branch

In this lesson, students learn about the role of bureaucracy in U.S. government.