This video playlist is part of the New-York Historical Society’s Academy for American Democracy, an educational initiative focusing on history and civics education for sixth grade students. Videos explore the ideals of democracy, civic participation, the evolution of Ancient Athenian and American democracy, and the power of the people within democracies.
Untold Stories: Changemakers of the Civil Rights Era
iCivics presents a series of short, animated videos that examine the actions and accomplishments of civil rights activists of the 1950s and ’60s. Barbara Johns, Constance Baker Motley, and J.D. and Ethel Shelley, these figures probably haven’t made it to your textbook, and yet their contributions have helped shape our nation in insurmountable ways. Videos are assignable, end with questions for generating classroom discussion, and come with a downloadable Teacher’s Guide. Visit a video’s lesson page to view or assign it and access the guide.
U.S. Capitol Tour, Worksheet, Quiz – Middle School
This 3-room video tour of the U.S. Capitol, featuring the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, focuses on information relevant to students taking middle school level U.S. history and civics courses. A follow-along worksheet and a follow-along quiz are provided.
Take a Tour of the U.S. Capitol
Learn all about the U.S. Capitol by watching this video.
Videos About the U.S. Capitol
Find short videos about the U.S. Capitol, including Women in Capitol Art; virtual tours; exhibits; Capitol Moments and more.
Learn About Black History, Culture and Politics
Learn about Black history in the United States before and after the Civil War; the Civil Rights Movement; the history of Africa; African American art; and African American trailblazers.
Landmark Supreme Court Case: Roe v. Wade
The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution. Its rulings on cases determine the meaning of laws and acts of Congress and the president. Knowing the key decisions of the Supreme Court and the precedents they set is vital in understanding the meaning of laws, how our country has changed over time, and the direction the country is currently headed. In this lesson students will examine the case of Roe v. Wade.
The Seneca Falls Convention and the Declaration of Sentiments
The Seneca Falls Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19 to July 20, 1848, was the first women’s rights convention held in the United States. At that convention, the Declaration of Sentiments was written that outlined demands for women’s equality. This lesson uses video clips to have students understand the important people and events that led to the Declaration of Sentiments and then apply the text of the Declaration to today.
C-SPAN’s Impeachment Site
This site contains resources to help you teach about the historical and constitutional background of Congress’ impeachment power. You will find coverage and featured clips of the second impeachment and Senate trial of President Donald Trump; lessons on Congress’ role and history of impeachment; and Bell Ringers on the impeachment of Presidents Bill Clinton and
The Presidents Featured Resource Site
On this site, you will find C-SPAN Classroom content for each of the 46 U.S. presidents. Resources include biographies from the newly developed C-SPAN’s Virtual Presidents Exhibit as well as C-SPAN Classroom content that explore the lives and legacies of these chief executives. Content for each president may include an infographic, Bell Ringers, lesson plans, and video clips.