Teaching Civics after Election Day
Presidents’ Day Activities & Lesson Plans
This Presidents’ Day, celebrate the leaders who have shaped the history of the United States by using iCivics’ collection of presidential resources. This collection makes teaching about the presidents hassle-free, with engaging materials curated to fit into any classroom schedule.
Plus, extend the celebration beyond the classroom with the Civic Star Challenge. Find out how teaching Presidents’ Day can help you win prizes.
Brief the Chief
Simplify Presidents’ Day planning by putting students into the shoes of presidential advisors.
While playing Brief the Chief, your students will conduct interviews within the White House, helping Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, and Johnson make decisions on landmark historical events.
Meet the First Presidents
What better place to start than with some of the nation’s very first presidents? Introduce students to the presidents who paved the way for the country.
George Washington Mini-Lesson
From presiding over the Constitutional Convention to setting the standard for the American presidency, Washington led the way.
Thomas Jefferson Mini-Lesson
Jefferson’s political life influenced the country in many ways, from the founding documents to the shape of our nation on the map.
James Madison Mini-Lesson
Madison advocated for a strong national government, yet fought for the addition of a federal bill of rights, resulting in the blueprint for government that we use to this day.
What Made People Think George Washington Was a Good Leader?
In this lesson, students will use inquiry to discover what made people at the time think George Washington would be a good president.
Explore the Role of the President
Teach students how presidents are elected, the president’s responsibilities, and what it takes to run for president.
Constitution EXPLAINED: Who Chooses the President?
Article II of the U.S. Constitution creates the office of the President, determines how they are selected, and states the oath of office.
Constitution EXPLAINED: The Presidency Changes
Explore how the 20th, 22nd, and 25th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution affected the office of the president.
For The President, All In A Day's Work
Students learn the primary responsibilities of the president and how those duties connect to the powers the Constitution grants to the Executive Branch.
Running for President (Infographic)
In this printable infographic, your students will see the requirements to run for president, how candidates prepare, and the hurdles they have to overcome to make it to Inauguration Day.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-teaching-lifetime opportunity! Join educators across the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
All you need to do to be eligible is to use one of the resources on this page. Then, fill out a simple form for the chance to be one of the winners of 400+ prizes for yourself and your school.
Ready to dig in?
Discover lessons designed to meet all of your instructional needs. Our nonpartisan classroom resources engage students with complex concepts in ways they can understand and relate to.