1. Learn
  2. Civics Connects
  3. Foundations of 
American Government
  4. Fundamental Principles

Civics Connects

Civics Connects

Welcome to Civics Connects, a comprehensive, classroom-ready resource for Virginia’s middle grades. 

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American Flag
  1. Learn
  2. Civics Connects
  3. Foundations of 
American Government
  4. Fundamental Principles
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Unit 2
Unit 2 - Now Available! | Lesson 2.1

Fundamental Principles

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What essential ideas guided the founders as they outlined a structure for the American government? In this lesson, students will explore the fundamental principles that helped shape our national government.

2023 Standards of Learning (SOL)
CE.1ae
Lesson Outline
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Download Outline

Lesson 2.1 Slide Deck

The interactive slides in this lesson can be used in multiple ways:

  • teachers can direct all students to generate their own copies of the Google Slides on a tablet or laptop, allowing the students to interact directly with the prompts individually.
  • teachers can use the deck as a presentation, guiding the entire classroom through the content as a large group.
  • by creating their own Google Slides copy, teachers may rearrange or edit the content to suit their own pacing or adaptation needs.
Copy Google Slides
Games & Activities
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2.1 Bellringer: Predict

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2.1 Headlines

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2.1 Matching Sets

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2.1 Build the Foundation

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2.1 Create the Nation

Additional Resources
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2.1 Vocabulary

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2.1 Exit Ticket

How should we think about the Constitution today?

Join Samuel, a student and aspiring judge, on a journey to learn more about America's founding documents. Samuel visits the National Archives in Washington, DC, where he meets historian Jessie Kratz and sees the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution firsthand. He then visits the Virginia Museum of History and Culture to speak with Judge John Charles Thomas about his interpretation of the founding documents today. 

Education Level
Middle School