Help your children understand how our government works, why the Constitution matters, and how key laws shaped American life with these mini homeschool civics lessons in American History.
Each lesson is designed to take about 10 minutes and includes a short background summary plus a few “To Do” activities (read, watch, write, discuss, or research). While created for all ages, many lessons work well for upper elementary through middle school, with easy extensions for high school. You can easily make these lessons fit for Family Style or independent learning!
What You’ll Learn in These Homeschool Civics Lessons
These mini history lessons focus on topics like:
- The U.S. Constitution and early American government
- Important amendments and the purpose behind them
- Key laws and civic changes that shaped daily life
- Voting, elections, and peaceful transitions of power
- How to summarize, explain, and defend an idea in writing
While each lesson is designed to take around 10 minutes to complete, many topics lend themselves to lengthy rabbit trails of information! Occasionally take the time to research the topics that your children find fascinating. We all know that we remember and retain information easier when we enjoy the content!
Quick Ways to Use These Lessons in only 10 Minutes a Day
Choose the approach that fits your season of homeschool life:
- Morning Time: Read the short introduction together, then complete one activity, or all of them as time and interest allows.
- Independent Work: Assign the “To Do” list and have your student respond in a notebook.
- Notebook of Knowledge: Keep all responses in one binder or spiral notebook for an easy civics record.
Government & Constitution Mini Lessons Included
The following lessons are included in the Government and Constitution Mini History Lessons.
- Emancipation Proclamation – Abraham Lincoln signs this document that freed all slaves in the Southern States
- 55 mph Speed Limit Law – President Nixon enacted the federal speed limit law of 55 mph
- Connecticut Ratifies the U.S. Constitution – CT becomes the fifth state to ratify the Constitution
- Paine’s Common Sense is Published – Paine published his pamphlet, Common Sense, in Colonial Pennsylvania
- Flag Act of 1794 – Washington approved a measure adding 2 stars and 2 stripes to the American flag
- Treaty of Paris is Ratified – The Revolutionary War ends!
- Prohibition Begins – Prohibition began when the 18th Amendment took effect
- Congress Creates a Fixed Presidential Election Day – Fixed as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
- Lincoln Signs 13th Amendment – Lincoln signs to abolish slavery and involuntary solitude
- 25th Amendment Goes Into Effect – Presidential succession is established
- House Breaks Electoral Tie Between Jefferson and Burr – coming soon
- President Andrew Johnson is Impeached – coming soon
➡️ Click here to browse through all of the available American History Mini Lessons for your homeschool.
Emancipation Proclamation – Abraham Lincoln signs this document that freed all slaves in the Southern States
55 MPH Speed Limit Law – President Nixon enacted the federal speed limit law of 55 mph
Connecticut Ratifies the U.S. Constitution – CT becomes the fifth state to ratify the Constitution
Paine’s Common Sense is Published – Paine published his pamphlet, Common Sense, in Colonial Pennsylvania
Flag Act of 1794 – Washington approved a measure adding 2 stars and 2 stripes to the American flag
Treaty of Paris is Ratified – The Revolutionary War ends!
Prohibition Begins – Prohibition began when the 18th Amendment took effect
Congress Creates a Fixed Presidential Election Day – Fixed as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
Lincoln Signs 13th Amendment – Lincoln signs to abolish slavery and involuntary solitude
25th Amendment Goes Into Effect – Presidential succession is established
Want the Easy Done-for-You Monthly Packs?
If you’d like everything organized and ready at the beginning of the month, the monthly packs include the full set of lessons in one place plus clickable links, downloads, and answers where applicable.
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On This Day in American History January Calendar
Original price was: $10.$8Current price is: $8. -
On This Day in American History February Calendar
$10
If you’re ready to jump in, choose one lesson above and try it in morning time this week. And if you’d like everything organized and ready to go, the January and February Mini Lessons Packs include the full month in one place with clickable links, downloads, and answers where applicable.
For more themes, head back to the American History Mini Lessons Hub.
