iCivics Education

New Curriculum Unit: The Legal Reference Library

New Curriculum Unit: The Legal Reference Library

Sometimes the textbook definition isn’t enough. Our new Legal Reference Library consists of eight mini-lessons that provide students with a deep understanding of important laws, rights, and legal concepts in a flash.

How well do your students understand the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965? Do these important legal concepts even get a paragraph in your textbook? We won’t be surprised if your answer is no. And yet, these laws — along with many others — are critical for understanding what our rights are. Our Legal Reference Library will help your students explore why these laws or legal concepts were created and how they are used today.

Part infographic and part written text, these mini-lessons present difficult concepts in a digestible way and provide the foundation for informed classroom discussions. Each lesson consists of a one-page reading and a page of activities to reinforce the concepts learned. You can use the mini-lessons to:

  • Expand on concepts introduced in student textbooks.
  • Enhance an existing lesson or compliment the study of a Supreme Court case from our Landmark Library.
  • Use it as a stand-alone lesson or assign it as homework.
  • Prompt rich, informed discussions about current events.

Dive into the Legal Reference Library and discover new ways to get students engaged in learning about their rights.

Explore more from the educator blog

Investigating: iCivics Login Issues via Clever

STATUS: Clever Users continue to experience issues logging in. We are aware that some Clever users are unable to log in to their iCivics Accounts with their Clever credentials. We are actively investigating with Clever. There is currently no estimated resolution time. In the meantime, create your free account directly

What is the Purpose of Midterm Elections?

While the presidential election gets most of the spotlight, some of the most impactful decisions in government are made during the midterms. From determining which party controls Congress to electing the local officials who shape your daily life, midterm elections are a crucial part of our democratic process. Whether you’re

Classrooms across the country celebrate Constitution Day

July 4 may get a lot of shine, but civics teachers know that September 17 is worth its own celebration. “While we reference the Constitution throughout the course,” says AP US Government and Politics teacher Jennifer Klein, “having one dedicated, joy-filled day to set work aside and simply celebrate our