Why?

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.
Thomas Jefferson (1820)

 
http://www.civicsandpolitics.com/   News and Commentary for Conservative Folks ... Innovative Teaching-- The Best Civics Resources Online. The Institute for American Liberty ...

Why Study Civics?

by Donald A. Tevault

From Webster's New World Dictionary:

  • civics--the study of civic affairs and the duties and rights of citizenship
  • civic--of a city, citizens, or citizenship

"the study of civic affairs. . . "--By studying civics, you will learn how our government, economic system and political system are supposed to operate. You will, for example, be better able to determine who is right in controversies over "big, active government" vs. "small, limited government". You'll understand why the founding fathers wanted the colonies to break away from the British crown, and why they set up the United States government as a republic instead of as a democracy. ...

". . . the duties and rights of citizenship"--Most citizens of the United States are at least vaguely aware that they have certain rights. But, there is a certain amount of confusion over what those rights are. Take, for example, the First Amendment rights of free speech. In modern times, this amendment has been interpreted to also mean "free expression". So, when Congress tries to pass a law against burning the United States flag, the courts say, "No, you can't do that. You'll be violating the people's right to 'free expression'". ... others will argue that the First Amendment was never meant to protect these kinds of activities, but was meant instead to protect a person who feels the need to criticize members of government. By studying civics, you'll be better able to determine who's right in these sorts of arguments. ...

... know just what your rights are as a U. S. citizen. Suppose, for example, that a pair of city or county social workers were to come to your door, and tell you that they'd heard reports that you and your spouse have been abusing your children. They don't have a search warrant, but they demand that you let them in so that they can undress your children and examine them for bruises. ...

... there are also duties of citizenship. That doesn't mean that you have to exert yourself to become a great political leader, although you can if you want. But, if you're familiar with the basic principles of civics, you'll be a better informed voter. You'll be able to examine politicians' positions, and determine whether or not they'll be good for the country, or for the cause of liberty. You'll be able to determine if the candidates' positions are in line with the Constitution. As a result, you'll not only be helping to protect your own freedom, but also that of your fellow citizens. ...

"Now", you ask, "how does one get started in the studies of basic civics?" It's actually quite easy. Resources are readily available.

The Declaration of Independence is probably the best thing to start with. It's short, written in plain language and is easy to understand. It outlines the grievances that the early Americans had against the British king. By reading this document first, you'll gain an understanding of why the founding fathers chose to risk their lives and well-being by defying the king and army of Great Britain. Then, you might want to read a book about early American history. That way, you'll have a better explanation of what the colonists' grievances were, and about their struggle to obtain liberty. You'll also get an idea of what to look out for with our own government, just in case our modern politicians try to emulate King George.

Next, you'll want to study The United States Constitution, The Federalist Papers and a book on basic economics. The Constitution will tell you how the government is set up, and what your rights are. The Federalist will explain to you why the government was designed as it was. And, of course, a good book about economics will help you understand arguments over what should be the government's role in the economy.

Most of all, though, an understanding of basic civics will help you learn to think for yourself. That way, you'll know if someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

 
http://www.civics-online.org/resources/
 
Check out the teacher resources.
Primary Sources and Content Materials
  • Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids - http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ (Includes elementary levels)
    Ben's Guide to U. S. Government for kids is a service of the US Government Printing Office that provides electronic access to information about U. S. history and government. This site is organized by grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and a link for parents and teachers.
  •  
    My History is America's History - http://www.myhistory.org/ -
    An initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities designed to encourage users to explore their personal histories. This site provides a place for sharing family stories and for users getting help in their historical discoveries.
     
  • State and National Civics and Curriculum Standards

  • National Standards for Civics and Government - http://www.civiced.org/stds.html
    Sponsored by the Center for Civic Education (Center) this site develops voluntary National Standards for Civics and Government for students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). Supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and The Pew Charitable Trusts, this site outlines National Standards for Civic and Government that are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
  • National Standards for Social Studies Teachers - http://www.ncss.org/standards/teachers/home.html
    Sponsored by the Center for Civic Education (Center) this site develops voluntary National Standards for Civics and Government for students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). Supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and The Pew Charitable Trusts, this site outlines National Standards for Civic and Government that are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
  • The Current State of Civic Education - http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/10/c019.html
    This site features a detailed report of the "current state of civic education." It also links to additional school improvement resources and programs.
  • The Role of Civic Education - http://www.civiced.org/whpaper.html
    This site was prepared by the Center for Civic Education and includes a report called "The Role Of Civic Education: A Report Of The Task Force On Civic Education." This report came from the Second Annual White House Conference On Character Building For A Democratic, Civil SocietyWashington, D.C., May 19 - 20, 1995.
  •  
  • Teaching Resources for Civics
  • Civitas - A Framework for Civic Education - http://www.civnet.org/resoures/teach/basic/civitas/exe.htm
    This site provides a curriculum framework to revitalize civic education in schools throughout the nation. It sets forth a set of national goals to be achieved in a civic education curriculum, primarily for K-12 public and private schools, but with extended applications in communities and in higher education, specifying the knowledge and skills needed by citizens to perform their roles in American democracy. The intended audience for CIVITAS is educators at state and local levels concerned with the development of civic education curriculums in the schools. Teachers may also find the framework a useful resource and reference book. It is designed to improve textbooks, instructional materials, methods of teaching, assessment and testing, and the preparation of teachers.
  • CivNet Teaching Resources - http://www.civnet.org/resoures/teach.htm
    This site features resources for CIVISTA’s goals for civic education. This resource provides links to a comprehensive bibliography of civics information and lesson plans for classroom application. Resources are available in English, Spanish and French.
  • Comparative Lessons for Democracy - http://www.civiced.org/compless_intro.html
    Comparative Lessons for Democracy is designed to strengthen education for democracy in the United States through the use of curricular materials about the history and government of several Central and Eastern European nations. Analyzing issues and events related to these emerging democracies encourages students in the United States to clarify assumptions and principles upon which democracies rest. The content of the lessons are divided into four major sections including, Historical Connections, Transitions: Comparative Trends, Constitutionalism and Democracy and Citizens' Rights and Civil Society. Comparative Lessons is designed to raise questions, not only about countries in Central and Eastern Europe, but also how these same issues relate to American society and politics. In this manner, students are able to identify the elements common to democracies everywhere and those dimensions that are unique to the United States.
     
  •  
    Fun Social Studies - Government Around the World (Includes elementary levels)
    Learn about local and national governments and how they work with this kid's guide to civics and government study resources.
    http://www.funsocialstudies.learninghaven.com/links/civics.html

    I really like this one.  The course outline is good and the list of links is both good and clear.
    http://members.valley.net/~MrDz/civics.htm (click on 'content')
    Mister D|z World (try it all)
    Shares a former teacher's perspectives on civics, world history and geography, and U.S. history. Also includes course outlines, suggested research projects, and links.

    Institute for the Study of Civic Values
    A non-profit organization established in Philadelphia in 1973 to promote the fulfillment of America's historic civic ideals.
    http://libertynet.org/~edcivic/iscvhome.html

    Constitution Society http://www.constitution.org/ This site aims to eventually provide almost everything one needs to accurately decide what is and is not constitutional in most situations, and what applicable constitutions require one to do. ... They have a great "Liberty Library of Constitutional Classics".

    The American Presidency http://ap.grolier.com/ The American Presidency uses material from 5 Grolier encyclopedias to look at the presidents and presidential elections past and present.  It also uses Scholastic materials and current events.

    The National Archives and Records Administration http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/index.html impressive , lessons are on specific documents but general info on using documents, Document Analysis,  (http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/lessons/d_day_memo/teaching_activities.html ) is useful anywhere.  See this page, http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/teaching_with_documents.html , for a full list of documents and lessons available.

    Lesson Plans

    Sample Lessons
    Center for Civic Education Sample Lessons...
    http://www.civiced.org/lesson-plans.html

    CongressLink: Know your Congress
    ...nonpartisan research and educational organization, designed the site as a service for teachers of American government, history, and civics. For lesson plans go here http://www.congresslink.org/LessonPlanIntro.htm
    http://www.congresslink.org/

    Civics Lesson Plans
    Lessons for social studies teachers! ... understand why citizenship is an important concept. Civics Jeopardy- The following "game" is a review activity that ...
    http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/history/ci...

    US Constitutional Government
    US Government & Civics Lesson Plans & Activities Systems of Government. Law Units/Bills, Plagiarism/FairUse. Constitution/Bill of Rights. ...
    http://members.aol.com/MrDonnHistory/Government.html

    CyberSleuth Kids - Civics
    Offers a collection of lesson plans and activities for kids that will assist them with the study of civics and government.
    http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Education/Lessons/Social_...

    Constitutional Rights Foundation
    Publisher of U.S. Constitution curriculum materials. Also provides free lesson plans and newsletters online.
    http://www.crf-usa.org/

    Civics and Public Information Division
    CIVICS 101 is a three-unit high school curriculum.
    http://www.rules.state.ri.us/civics_101

    Bill of Rights Institute - www.billofrightsinstitute.org   Another favorite!  free lesson plans, Read breaking news related to the Bill of Rights - gathered daily from major news sources across the country and chosen for ease of use in the classroom, more curriculum available 1-800-350-4223  (Includes elementary through high school levels)

    Books We Like
     
    Weekly Reader, http://www.weeklyreader.com/homepage.asp , so much cool stuff and more links for election information
    If You Were There When They Were Writing the Constitution, Scholastic
    (same type) by Jean Fritz
    Kids Discover, (1 topic per month) www.kidsdiscover.com
    America Votes; How our President is elected.  www.kidscanpress.com
    How the US Government Works, by Sobel
     
    President's Facts and Games and World History Facts and Games both found at Sam's Club for $5 each (student approved!)
     
    History of US book 11, great source book on documents
    You Are the Supreme Court Judge, by Nathan Aaseng
    Animal Farm, George Orwell
    Original Intent, David Barton, www.wallbuilders.com
    Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch
    1st Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch
    Intro. to Francis Schaeffer
    Scholastic Homework Reference Series;
        Everything You Need to Know About World History
        Everything You Need to Know About American History
    What in the World's Going on Here?, tapes by Diana Waring, 2 volumes
     
    Field Trips
     
    The Supreme Court, Wash. D.C. For a virtual tour:  http://www.oyez.org/oyez/tour/  For an in-person tour http://www.supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visiting.html
     
    The National Constitution Center http://www.constitutioncenter.org/  , Philadelphia, PA 19106
    (215) 409-6600

    The Capitol, http://www.house.gov/house/tour_services.html  Virtual tours; http://www.house.gov/house/Visitor.html

    The White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/

    Other

    Peroutka for President, the Constitution Party. He raises interesting questions that are truly worth answering.  (Please do not construe my inclusion of his site as a total endorsement.) http://www.peroutka2004.com/index.php