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Civics is something to learn and something to practice.

The Bill of Rights Institute helps teachers and students explore American history and consider the rights and responsibilities of citizenship — building the knowledge and judgment that self-government requires. Every resource is free.

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Explore American history and the ideas that shape our government

Help students examine founding documents, weigh historical evidence, and consider enduring questions about liberty, equality, and constitutional government. Explore more than 6,000 free lessons, primary sources, essays, and videos—designed with teachers and reviewed by scholars.

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Exploring what’s possible in civic learning.

BRI’s Civics Innovation Lab develops and tests new approaches to help students engage with history, ideas, and one another. From emerging technology to new models for civil dialogue, every project begins with the same question: How can we help students become more thoughtful, capable participants in civic life?

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Meet Rachel Morris, BRI’s National Civics Teacher of the Year

Every day, teachers create opportunities for students to ask questions, wrestle with ideas, and practice the skills of civic life. Meet this year’s winner and see what thoughtful civic education looks like in [his/her/their] classroom.

See Rachel's Story

Stronger teaching. More thoughtful participation.

Through teachers, BRI helps students examine evidence, discuss difficult questions, and develop their own informed judgments. Your support makes these learning opportunities available in classrooms across the country, at no cost to educators.

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Stories from the BRI Community

Behind every lesson, conversation, and civic project is a story. Meet some of the teachers and students who make BRI’s work matter.

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Your support keeps BRI resources free, helping nearly 100,000 teachers bring trusted history and civics resources to millions of students each year.

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