Civics & Good Citizenship
How Government Works, Elections, Political Campaigns, Political Parties   |  
American Government   |  
Governments Around the World   |  
Fun and Games  |  
Good Books  |  
See also: Activism, Volunteering, Lobbying
What are civics?
What are civics and what does it mean to be a "good citizen"?
To teach civics is to educate a student in the rights and obligations of citizens. Civics is getting involved and making a difference. That can mean understanding and participating in government. Citizens play an important role in shaping and maintaining our government. Or it can mean actively lobbying for causes in which you believe or volunteering to help a good cause.
We are all citizens of this planet and it our civic duty to make this world a better place in which to live. If you do what you can to make this world a happier, healthier and safer place to live you are doing your part as a good citizen.
How Government Works
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Descriptions of Types of Government - Definitions of the many different type of governments.
Center for Civic Education, Project Citizen Student Forms - Set of seven forms to guide you through a project to solve any problem you may want to work on to improve your community.
American Government
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Commission on Presidential Debates - Debates are an effective way to inform and involve voters in the political process. Read about historic presidential debates. Learn how to organize a debate of your own.
White
House for Kids - Kids will enjoy this virtual tour of the White House as well as meeting President and Mrs. Bush's menagerie of pets. There is Spotty, the English Springer Spaniel and Barney, the Scottish Terrier. Ofelia, the longhorn cow and India, Laura Bush's black cat.
Dave Leip's Atlas
of U.S. Presidential Elections - The Atlas is a free internet resource providing results of U.S. Presidential Elections from as far back as 1789.
Election Comic Strips and Vocabulary - Fun ways to discuss and better understand election campaigns.
National Constitution Center - Explore this site and develop a better understanding of the United States Constitution.
History of
Presidential Elections - Read about the history of each Presidential election, the popular and electoral votes in each election, as well as states won, issues in the election and turnout.
Kids Democracy
Project - From PBS Kids. Learn about government and the role it plays in our own lives? Why do we need government? Come be president for one day.
Ben's Guide to the
US Government - Ben Franklin, the cartoon, takes on the task of guiding kids of all ages through a tour of the history of U.S. government. Just click on your grade level. A section is available for parents and teachers, too.
Congress for
Kids - Extend your learning in the basics about the American federal government.
National
Student/Parent Mock Election - makes students and parents aware of the power of their ballot by actively involving them in a full-fledged campaign and national election.
Teen Gov - This site had been created especially for teens and is aimed at teaching about government from local to national.
The Learning Center
- Kids in the House - Help kids learn about the United States House of Representatives. Learn how laws are made and how congressional history has influenced today's U.S. Government. Fun games included.
Government Around the World
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(Australia) Prime Minister's Site for Kids - The young person's personal Internet guide to the Prime Minister's office and Parliament. Tease your brain by taking the quiz, find out a bit more about your Prime Minister, or explore the history of the Lodge and Kirribilli House.
(Australia) Parlimentary Education
Office - Information about the Australian parliament includes role-playing, visits to teachers and students, teaching strateies, and resources in print and from website.
Canadians
and Their Government: A Resource Guide - A new resource guide to assist anyone in learning more about the Canadian system of government and its institutions. Request a free copy.
(Canada) The Prime Minister's Kids' Zone - Explore Canada's storied past and exciting present.
(Canada) First
Among Equals - This website looks at the job of prime minister. It also looks at the personal lives of the people who have been prime minister.
(United Kingdom) Junior Parliament - Learn what happens in Parliament and what goes on inside the Palace of Westminster.
Fun and Games
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Jennifer Government: Nation States - This simulation game allows you to create your own country and fashion it after your own political ideals.
Good Books
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