Government & Politics Unit 1: Activities + Essays

25 items

Presentation slide titled "Unit 1: Founding Principles and Civic Virtues" with a background of a historic building.

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

A table comparing civic virtues and vices, listing attributes like courage, honesty, and responsibility alongside their negative counterparts.

Principles and Civic Virtue Touchstone

Activity

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

Title slide for a government and politics educational unit, labeled "Unit 1: Founding Principles."

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

Text graphic featuring "Unit 1: Civic Virtues" from the Bill of Rights Institute, with architectural imagery in the background.

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

Comparison table of powers granted to Congress in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

The Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution

Activity

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

Image promoting the Bill of Rights Institute's series on the Articles of Confederation, featuring historical graphics.

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

Text from a webpage discussing Thomas Jefferson's views on the Declaration of Independence and American founding influences.

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?

Table displaying text and annotations on the philosophical influences of the Founders.

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.

Text from a document discussing political and civil rights, highlighting the concept of property and society.

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.

Portrait of John Locke, a 17th-century philosopher, with long gray hair and wearing a dark cloak.

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.

Text from the Declaration of Independence with vocabulary definitions and personal paraphrasing.

Annotated Declaration of Independence

Activity

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

Text discussing self-governance, its importance, and the role of citizens in creating laws for the common good.

Representation and Self-Governance

Essay - 1118 Words

Essay

1118 Words

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

Text from an historical document discussing governance, factions, and civil rights for citizens.

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?

A historical document discussing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and its impact on citizens’ happiness.

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.