US Government and Civics
The Acellus® U.S. Government and Civics course helps students understand how American democracy works. Through engaging lessons, students will explore the Constitution, the branches of government, and their role as citizens.
Assessment: Lesson Practice, Unit Exams, Mid-Term Exam, Final Exam
Language: English
High School Civics Curriculum
The Acellus® U.S. Government course explores how American democracy works, the branches of government, and their role as citizens. Students begin with the big ideas—unlimited vs. limited government and classic thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu—laying the foundation for what democracy means.
Next, the class dives into America’s origins: English legal roots, the French & Indian War, British policies, the spark of revolution on April 19, 1775, and the Declaration of Independence. They will study why the Articles of Confederation failed, the compromises at the Constitutional Convention, and the Federalist‑Anti‑Federalist debates.
As they move on, they unpack the Constitution itself—its five articles, all three branches of government, federalism, checks and balances, impeachment, the Electoral College, and presidential succession. In the units that follow, students explore federal, state, and local government. They take a close look at the Bill of Rights and all 27 amendments, then analyze landmark Supreme Court cases like TLO, Plessy, Brown, Gideon, and Miranda.
Finally, students dive into civic life—political parties, voting rights, elections, media, public policy, interest groups, constitutional rights, and active citizenship—tying it all together and showing students how to register, vote, or even run for office.
Video Based Lessons
These video based lesson are accessible and can be rewatched, making them a flexible learning option.
Interactive Practice Questions
The interactive practice problems offer an engaging and effective way to learn, helping students deepen their knowledge and develop essential academic skills.
Government and Civics Worksheets
Special lessons provide students with engaging hands-on learning opportunities and help support parents in facilitating these lessons effectively by providing comprehensive parent resources.
High School History Curriculum
With our high school civics curriculum, students will gain a confident understanding of American government and civic responsibility. They will explore political theory and the roots of the Constitution, learning how the three branches, federalism, and checks and balances shape power. Students will trace America’s founding and constitutional debates, examine all 27 amendments and landmark Supreme Court cases, and discover how citizens influence public policy through voting, political parties, media, interest groups, and civic actions. Alongside historical context, students will build civic literacy, critical thinking, and the confidence to engage—whether by registering to vote, discussing issues, or pursuing advanced social studies.