“It is the citizens of our nation who must preserve our system of government and we cannot forget that.”

BOOST YOUR CIVICS IQ

Whether you never had civics in school or simply want to brush up, Civics 101 is here for you!

Civics 101 is a free, online comprehensive compilation of easy, accessible micro-lessons designed to provide every American citizen with the civic knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in our democracy.

When and Why America Stopped Teaching Civics?

In the 1960s, American classrooms began incorporating less civic education. Why? The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy shares its research and looks at how it has affected the generations.

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Civics 101

Explore the three branches of the United States government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Discover their unique roles and the carefully defined boundaries enshrined in the Constitution, forming an ingenious system of checks and balances.

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Click Here to Take Micro-Lesson

Welcome to Civics for Life

Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. Civics for Life is our multigenerational online resource center for civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement. Our free, online lifelong learning platform fills the civics knowledge gap for countless Americans.

U.S. Constitution Teachers Workshop

Held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on June 22 - June 27, 2025.

Camp O’Connor USA

Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based summer program for middle school students with a mission to educate, encourage and inspire the ...

John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship

The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil ...

Rediscovering Political Leadership, with John A. Burtka IV

The story is the same across much of the globe: citizens aren't currently wild about their leaders. As ...

Civics for Life Quarterly, Volume 2 | Issue 2

The research is clear: study after study shows that we Americans don't know civics. This is especially the ...

Civics 101 Quiz

Take this short quiz and test your civics knowledge!

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