Omar Bennett
The Constitution is taught in high schools across the United States in various ways. Some states require a civics and government course to graduate, while others offer Constitution 101 courses through the National Constitution Center and Khan Academy. Additionally, volunteer lawyers and law students can teach lessons on constitutional topics through the ACS's Constitution in the Classroom program. The Constitution can also be incorporated into various subjects, including social studies and law classes. Federal law mandates that schools receiving federal funding provide Constitution courses on Constitution Day, September 17.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Teacher-led or student-led |
| Curriculum | Constitution 101 |
| Curriculum Provider | Constitution Center, Khan Academy |
| Curriculum Format | 15 modules or 9 units |
| Curriculum Features | Videos, activities, assessments, primary source documents, landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, enrichment activities, quizzes |
| Course Features | Self-paced, complementary to teacher-led curriculum |
| Course Content | Constitutional debates, constitutional concepts, constitutional scholars' video interviews, relevant exercises |
| Teaching Methods | Nonpartisan analysis, deep thinking, analysis of founding principles |
| Teaching Resources | NCC's Interactive Constitution, videos, podcasts, blog posts, primary texts, historical documents |
| Teaching Time | One hour |
| Teaching Providers | ACS, lawyers, law students, educators |
| Teaching Time | Constitution Day (September 17), Law Day (May 1) |
| Federal Law | H.R. 4818 |
| Federal Law Requirement | Schools receiving federal funding must provide a course on the Constitution on Constitution Day |
| State Requirements | Varying requirements for civics and government courses across states |
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What You'll Learn
History and philosophical foundations
In the United States, federal law mandates that all schools receiving federal funding provide a course on the Constitution to their students on Constitution Day, September 17. However, the law does not specify the educational program's content or format, allowing for flexibility in teaching methods and approaches. This has resulted in various initiatives and programs designed to educate students about the Constitution and its historical and philosophical foundations.
One notable program is "Constitution in the Classroom" by ACS (American Constitution Society), which brings lawyers, law students, and educators into primary, middle, and high school classrooms to teach fundamental constitutional principles. This program aims to engage and excite young minds about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution. It provides topical lesson plans and encourages civic participation and constitutional dialogue.
Another popular resource is the "Constitution 101" course offered by the Constitution Center. This course is available in teacher-led and student-led formats and is designed to be flexible and engaging. It offers modules with videos, activities, assessments, and primary source documents, allowing students to explore the historical and philosophical foundations of America's founding principles. The Constitution Center has also partnered with Khan Academy to create a free, self-paced educational experience that empowers students to learn at their own pace.
Additionally, some states have taken initiatives to integrate civics education into their curricula. For example, Colorado requires all high schools to teach a year of civics, covering topics such as the origins of democracy, the structure of American government, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Idaho has also focused on introducing civics education early on, integrating it into every social studies class from kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Constitution and encourage civic engagement.
Overall, the teaching of the Constitution in high schools varies, but the goal is to ensure that students gain a solid understanding of its historical and philosophical foundations, empowering them to actively participate in their communities and contribute to a healthy democracy.
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Landmark Supreme Court cases
In the United States, federal law mandates that all schools receiving federal funding must provide a course on the Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17. This law applies to all levels of education, from elementary to college. Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.
The Constitution is a broad subject that can be incorporated into various subjects in high school. Teachers can use different resources, such as the Constitution for Kids Page, to introduce constitutional concepts in a simplified manner. Additionally, organizations like the American Bar Association and the National Constitution Center offer educational materials and programs to teach about the Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): The Supreme Court upheld the doctrine of "separate but equal," sanctioning racial segregation. However, in 1954, the Court reversed this decision, stating that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." This reversal played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and the push for integration.
Brown v. Board of Education: This case is closely related to Plessy v. Ferguson. In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court held that state laws mandating or permitting racially segregated schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Mendez v. Westminster: While less well-known than Brown, this case also challenged racial segregation in the Topeka, Kansas, school system.
Cooper v. Aaron (1958): The Supreme Court affirmed that states cannot nullify decisions made by federal courts. This case arose from the refusal of several southern state officials to comply with the Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
Marbury v. Madison (1803): This case established the principle of judicial review. While the Judiciary Act of 1789 granted the Supreme Court the authority to issue certain judicial writs, the Constitution did not explicitly provide this power.
Miranda v. Arizona (1966): The Supreme Court ruled that police must inform suspects of their rights before any interrogation. This led to the creation of the "Miranda warnings," which are now a standard part of police procedure.
Mapp v. Ohio (1961): The Court held that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in criminal trials, applying the exclusionary rule to state courts.
Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser (1987): The Court ruled that students do not have a First Amendment right to make obscene speeches in school, upholding the suspension of a student who delivered a provocative speech during a school event.
These are just a few examples of landmark Supreme Court cases that are often studied in conjunction with the Constitution in high school and beyond. These cases illustrate how the Supreme Court's interpretations and applications of constitutional principles have shaped the legal landscape in the United States.
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Student rights
In the United States, federal law requires that all schools receiving federal funding provide a course on the Constitution to their students. This law, known as H.R. 4818, mandates that schools offer these courses on Constitution Day, which falls on September 17, recognising the adoption of the US Constitution in 1787.
While the Constitution itself may be too advanced for younger students, there are resources available to introduce its concepts to high school students. Courses such as "Constitution 101" on Khan Academy provide teachers with interactive and engaging materials to help students develop a deeper understanding of the Constitution.
Freedom of Speech and Expression:
Students have the right to express themselves on school grounds. However, schools may regulate or ban speech that is deemed disruptive or inconsistent with the educational mission of the institution. The Supreme Court has ruled that schools can restrict certain types of speech, such as obscene or offensive language, even if similar speech might be protected outside the school context. This includes speech promoting illegal activities, such as drug use. Nevertheless, schools must respect passive forms of expression, such as wearing an armband to protest, as per the Tinker v. Des Moines case, where the Court upheld a student's right to free speech.
Freedom of the Press:
Student publications, such as newspapers, often fall under the scrutiny of school administrators. While schools have a duty to ensure the content aligns with their educational mission, students' rights to free press are also considered. In Hazelwood School v. Kuhlmeier, the Supreme Court ruled that schools could censor articles counter to their educational values. However, students may have protections for "underground" publications or web pages.
Freedom from Unwarranted Search and Seizure:
Schools must conduct searches in a reasonable manner, taking into account the student's age, sex, and seriousness of the suspected offence. A full strip search, for example, was deemed excessively intrusive and a violation of the Fourth Amendment in the case of Safford Unified School District #1 v. Redding.
Right to Education:
Students with disabilities have the right to access educational services. Federal statutes, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, mandate that school systems provide accommodations for students facing physical, emotional, intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric obstacles.
The exploration of student rights in high school often involves navigating the balance between individual freedoms and the responsibilities of educational institutions to maintain an orderly and educationally focused environment.
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Civic engagement
Secondly, students can be engaged in election campaigning, debating, and voting, which teaches them that their choices matter. Inviting elected officials to share their experiences can deepen students' understanding of real-world applications. Students can use discussion platforms to structure their decision-making when identifying the best candidate in an election. Additionally, students can analyse data to create campaigns highlighting the importance of voting. They can identify areas with low voter turnout and create targeted campaigns.
Thirdly, students can be connected to the broader world by building a community based on care and mutual respect and advancing justice and equity. Teachers can incorporate pedagogy that centres student voices, experiences, and solutions. For example, students can propose solutions to problems by identifying electoral maps in government classes or adapting to climate change in environmental science studies.
Finally, experiential learning approaches can be employed, such as service learning, where students work on community projects with organisations, or extracurricular activities that foster collaboration. Schools can also model civic values by becoming gathering places for community members to connect. These strategies empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary for civic engagement and active citizenship.
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Federal law and funding
The ESEA has undergone reauthorization multiple times, with the most recent changes during the Obama presidency, including updates to testing, teacher qualifications, and clarifications on the utilisation of federal funding. The Higher Education Act (HEA), enacted in 1965, focuses on postsecondary education and provides financial aid to assist students in pursuing college.
In 2004, a significant development occurred with the passage of federal law H.R. 4818. This law mandates that all schools receiving federal funding must provide a course on the Constitution to their students on Constitution Day, September 17. This requirement applies to all educational levels, from elementary to college.
The Constitution can be incorporated into various subjects within the high school curriculum. Social studies and history classes, for example, can explore the events leading to the creation of the Constitution and the underlying principles. Additionally, law societies or clubs in high schools can invite lawyers and law students to deliver lessons on constitutional topics, promoting awareness of fundamental constitutional rights and responsibilities.
The National Constitution Center's Constitution 101 curriculum, offered in collaboration with Khan Academy, provides a flexible and engaging approach to teaching the Constitution. It includes 15 modules with videos, activities, and assessments, utilising primary source documents and landmark Supreme Court cases to deepen students' understanding of the Constitution and America's founding principles.
Federal funding also plays a role in supporting educational programs and services for disadvantaged populations. Federal agencies like the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation contribute to education research and recommend teaching strategies to maintain consistent educational quality across the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution 101 is a course offered by the National Constitution Center in partnership with Khan Academy. It is a teacher-led high school curriculum that offers 15 modules, each with videos, activities, and assessments. The course covers the Constitution, its history, and America's founding principles.
Teaching the Constitution in schools helps students understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities. It also provides an opportunity to discuss fundamental constitutional principles and their application in real-world scenarios.
Yes, a federal law passed in 2004, known as H.R. 4818, requires all schools receiving federal funding to provide a course on the Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17.
Topics may include individual rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. It may also cover concepts like "separation of powers" and the compromise between small and large states during the Constitution's framing.
Yes, there are several initiatives and organizations focused on teaching the Constitution. For example, "Constitution in the Classroom" by ACS brings lawyers and law students into classrooms to teach constitutional topics. Generation Citizen is another nonprofit that teaches "action civics" and provides detailed curricula to middle and high school students. Additionally, some states, like Colorado and Idaho, have integrated civics education into their social studies curricula.
