iCivics Education

Presidents’ Day Activities & Lesson Plans

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.

Brief the Chief

Brief the Chief title slide

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.

Lesson Plan
6-8, 9-12
Influence Library

George Washington Mini-Lesson

From presiding over the Constitutional Convention to setting the standard for the American presidency, Washington led the way. 

One class period
Lesson Plan
6-8, 9-12
Influence Library

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. 

One class period
Lesson Plan
6-8, 9-12
Influence Library

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.

One class period
Private i
K-5

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.

One class period

Explore the Role of the President

Teach students how presidents are elected, the president’s responsibilities, and what it takes to run for president.

Video
6-8, 9-12
The Constitution EXPLAINED: Video Series

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.

<10 minutes
Video
6-8, 9-12
The Constitution EXPLAINED: Video Series

Constitution EXPLAINED: The Presidency Changes

Explore how the 20th, 22nd, and 25th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution affected the office of the president.

<10 minutes
Lesson Plan
6-8
The Executive Branch

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. 

One class period
Infographic
6-8, 9-12
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.

10-30 minutes

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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.