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Lesson Plan
In this lesson about creating a government, students learn how the U.S. Constitution came to exist by looking at thetensions and differences of opinion that existed among early American states and citizens. Students learn about the Articles of Confederation, why the first “constitution” didn’t work, and how compromise led to the Constitution.
iCivics en español!Student and class materials for this lesson are available in Spanish.
Pedagogy Tags
Teacher Resources
Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.
Resources
- Wanted- A Just Right Government_Teacher Guide.pdf
- Wanted- A Just Right Government_Student Docs.pdf
- Spanish_Wanted- A Just Right Government_Student Docs.pdf
- Spanish_Wanted_ A Just Right Government_Teacher Docs.pdf
I find the materials so engaging, relevant, and easy to understand – I now use iCivics as a central resource, and use the textbook as a supplemental tool. The games are invaluable for applying the concepts we learn in class. My seniors LOVE iCivics.
Lynna Landry , AP US History & Government / Economics Teacher and Department Chair, California
Related Resources
DBQuest
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Learn how the American idea of government evolved from a revolutionary response to monarchy to a union of states. The sources will illustrate the effort taken to reach “a more perfect union” through a close read of our founding documents. Students will dig into the preambles and introductory text of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
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Lesson Plan
Colonial Beginnings
From the first settlers in Jamestown to the first shots at Lexington, American colonists set up their own governments. How did colonial government take shapeand what exactly did it look like?In this lesson, students explore how colonial government was both similar to and different from government in Britain and how it influenced thegovernment we have today.Got a 1:1 classroom?Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Lesson Plan
Colonial Influences
Where did the American colonists get their ideas that lead to a revolution and a whole new kind of government? This foldable explores the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, Cato’s Letters and Common Sense.Got a 1:1 classroom?Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Game
Constitutional Compromise
Can you find a path forward for a new nation... with a lot of disagreements?
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Lesson Plan
Constitutional Compromise Extension Pack
Make your students’ game play more meaningful by using our activity and assessment set designed specifically forConstitutional Compromise.This easy-to-use Extension Pack helps you give context and purpose to the game, as well as reinforce and assess the game concepts. That means deeper learning for students and best practices around game-centered learning for you!Extension Packs offerGoogle Slides and are designed for use with projectors or interactive whiteboards.
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Lesson Plan
Continent to the Colonies
From the time Columbus first set foot in North America, Europeans were interested in the continent. In this American colonization lesson, students learn about the three main reasons behind European exploration and colonization in the Americas: economics, religion, and glory, and learn about the impact of European colonization in the Americas. (This lesson was formerly "Columbus to the Colonies")
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Lesson Plan
Got Grievances?
You bet we do! What economic, political, and social factors led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution? Find out what caused the colonies to break from Great Britain and analyze how those factorswerereflected as part of the Declaration of Independence.
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Lesson Plan
Hey, King: Get Off Our Backs!
Follow the grievances of the American colonists from oppressive British policies to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Stamp Act primary source extension included!
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Lesson Plan
Major Clash? Compromise!
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Game
Race to Ratify
Make your own history! Are you team Federalist or AntiFederalist?
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See how it all fits together!
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