Civics for Democracy is a high school course designed specifically for homeschoolers who want a meaningful, engaging, and rigorous civics education. This course doesn’t just teach the branches of government or the steps of an election. Students learn that government isn’t just a set of institutions—it’s a system built on ideas. The class gives students a guiding structure based on the six fundamental concepts that make American democracy work:
- Limited Government
- Popular Sovereignty
- Checks and Balances
- Federalism
- Equal Justice and Individual Rights
- Civic Participation and Civil Engagement
Throughout the semester, we will explore:
The global history of democracy
The debates and compromises behind the writing of the Constitution
The structure and purpose of the three branches of government
Federalism and the distribution of local, state, and national power
How campaigns, elections, and political parties shape civic life
How rights, responsibilities, and participation define citizenship
We will finish the semester with a Harvard-created case study that brings together history, government, voting behavior, and democratic decision-making.
Is There Homework?
Yes! Students are expected to complete work before each class that will be used to inform our discussions and to cement what we are learning. Students can expect to spend 2-3 hours out of class on work during weeks 1-12. Our case student in weeks 12-15 will require more intense preparation for class.
Can Students Get A Grade For The Class?
Yes! Students may opt to take the class for a grade. Grades will be based on class participation (20%), weekly written reflections (35%) and homework (15%), and a final project or paper based on the case study (30%).
Are Accommodations Available For Learning Differences?
I strive to make all of my classes as accessible as possible. All readings are accessible for eye or ear reading (via text to voice). All videos have available transcripts. Writing requirements can be modified per student needs. Please ask!
What Is The Case Study?
I completed training in the case study method in June 2025 and am excited to apply what I have learned to my own classes. The case study method is often associated with business schools, and is an in-depth study of a real life situation. Historian David Moss has used that methodology and applied it to real situations in history, giving students the opportunity to explore primary sources and to apply their knowledge to the situation with guidance from the teacher. We will be using the case study designed around the adoption of the Australian ballot, as part of a larger discussion on civic engagement and citizen participation in a democracy. This case study is accessible to all learners, even though the topic itself is advanced. Annotated and audio versions will be made available to students who need them.
What Sources Are Used To Guide The Creation Of The Class?
This class was designed using a wide range of high-quality educational resources that emphasize factual accuracy, primary sources, and thoughtful analysis of the principles that underpin American government and civic life. Rather than relying on a single textbook, I draw from multiple respected institutions to ensure students encounter well-rounded perspectives, credible evidence, and diverse interpretations.
Core instructional sources include materials from:
- The National Constitution Center
- The National Archives
- The Library of Congress
- The Smithsonian Institution
- The Brookings Institution
- iCivics
- The Council on Foreign Relations
- PBS LearningMedia
- The Crash Course
- The Bill of Rights Institute
These organizations provide access to primary documents, scholarly research, historical analysis, multimedia resources, and interactive learning tools. Together, they allow students to explore constitutional principles, historical context, current events, and civic responsibility in a way that is accurate, engaging, and intellectually honest.
All course content is carefully curated and adapted to support critical thinking, civil discourse, and evidence-based reasoning. The goal is not to promote any political ideology, but to help students develop the skills needed to understand complex issues, evaluate sources thoughtfully, and engage respectfully in democratic dialogue.
Can I See A Homework Sample?
Click Here for a sample of the homework for week 4.
Click Here for a sample journal prompt.
