Civic Literacy

Below are links to resources related to basic knowledge about how government works and how to participate in a democracy.  

Constitution Day

National Constitution Day Conversations - AASCU

Resources for the kinds of facilitated conversations about the U.S. Constitution that can occur on campuses and in classrooms.

Constitution Workshop and DocsTeach | National Archives

Resources for school-age and postsecondary students and educators, including access to primary documents and tools for teaching about and through the Constitution and other founding texts.

Constitution Day | Library of Congress’ Office of Workforce Performance and Development

Resources on interpreting, researching, and teaching about the Constitution.

Constitution Day and Apportionment Resources | U. S. Census Bureau

Range of materials for educators and classroom use about the Constitution and the apportionment of representatives as directed in Article 1, Section 2.

Lesson Plans on the Constitution | National Constitution Center
Site provides nonpartisan curriculum, primary sources, videos, and more for student learners of all ages.

Founders’ Library | National Constitution Center
Collection of carefully curated primary texts spanning American history.

Pocket-size U.S. Constitution | McConnell Center
Downloadable Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file of U.S. Constitution full text.

Assessment of Civic Literacy

American Bar Association Survey of Civic Literacy

Annual survey that asks multiple choice questions based on the current U.S. Naturalization Test. 

Civically Engaged Learning Goals Rubric

Rubric developed by the Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement that includes civic knowledge.

Student Assessment Matrix for Civically Engaged Learning Goals

Tools for assessing civic knowledge in the curriculum.

Mapping Civic Measurement: How Are We Assessing Readiness and Opportunities for An Engaged Citizenry?

Resources listing tools to measure civic literacy, civic learning, and civic engagement.

Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey

Survey that tracks public understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

Civic Health Assessment

A 2023 report from Kentucky Secretary of looking at polarization, social civics, and democratic participation.

Foundations of American Political Thought

Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists | McConnell Center
A publication of the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center that explores the debates that shaped the U.S. Constitution and continue to influence American political thought.

Forgotten Founders | McConnell Center
Spotlight on influential but overlooked figures from the founding era who played critical roles in shaping the American republic, yet remain largely absent from mainstream historical narratives.

Full-Length Lectures Related Foundations of American Political Thought | McConnell Center
Lectures and videos related to the Federalist Papers, the electoral college, and other topics.