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Welcome to C-SPAN Classroom's Lesson Plans!

This section of the website is designed to enhance social studies curriculums by providing teachers with structured lesson plans that examine a variety of topics and are supplemented with video clips of related C-SPAN programming. Our lessons are separated into categories commonly studied in social studies curriculums. Our lessons contain an overview, vocab words, suggested procedure and activities, as well as potential follow up assignments to reinforce student's learning.

Table of Contents

  • AP U.S. Government Key Terms

    • Constitution Speed Dating
      In this lesson, adapted from the work of Frankton (IN) High School teacher Kevin Cline, students will work in one of several groups to explore the major tenets of the U.S. Constitution. The lesson ope…
      3 minutes
    • Book That Shaped America - "The Federalist"
      In September 1787, the newly drafted Constitution of the United States was sent to the states for ratification. Responding to initial public criticism of the document, Alexander Hamilton, James Madiso…
      1 minute
    • Letter from a Birmingham Jail for AP U.S. Government
      Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" is one of the nine required, foundational documents for AP U.S. Government. This lesson includes a guided reading of the Letter, supported …
      23 minutes
    • Line-Item Veto
      The line-item veto provides a president or governor with the power to reject specific provisions in a bill. In this lesson, students will watch a short video clip and examine the rationale and existen…
      5 minutes
    • AP Government: Quantitative Analysis Question Practice
      This is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the Quantitative Analysis Question format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign. …
      31 seconds
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  • Bureaucracy & Regulation

    • Moot Court - Carson v Makin (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - City of Grants Pass v Johnson (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Garland v Cargill (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Shurtleff v City of Boston (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Reducing Intergenerational Poverty
      Three experts discuss a recent report from the National Academies on reducing intergenerational poverty. The Brooking’s Institution’s Center for Economic Security and Opportunity hosted this event.
      8 minutes
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  • Campaigns & Elections

    • Historic Presidential Elections - 1860 - Lincoln vs. Douglas vs. Breckinridge
      In the election of 1860, Republican Abraham Lincoln defeated Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas of the Democratic Party, Vice President and Southern Democratic Party candidate John Breckinridge, and for…
      5 minutes
    • Historic Presidential Elections - 1800 - John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson
      In the election of 1800, Vice President Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party defeated Federalist Party candidate and incumbent President John Adams in a contest that had to be decided b…
      2 minutes
    • Predicting the 2024 Presidential Election
      In this lesson, students will view video clips highlighting competitive states in the 2024 presidential race. Using information from these video clips and polling data, students will make predictions …
      3 minutes
    • Historic Convention Speeches
      This lesson features several notable examples of historic national party convention speeches, based on C-SPAN's 2024 television series of the same name. The lesson opens with an introductory video cli…
      4 minutes
    • Polling the Public on Politics
      In this lesson, students will hear Vanderbilt University Professor Joshua Clinton talk about the rise of public polling on political issues. They will view videos to learn about the impact of polling …
      2 minutes
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  • Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

  • Comparative Government

    • Queen Elizabeth II and the United States
      This lesson highlights several examples of Queen Elizabeth II's relationships with various U.S. presidents as part of the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States. The lesson, whic…
      3 minutes
    • China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-76)
      What was the Chinese Cultural Revolution of 1966-76? This lesson, which features "The Guardian" newspaper editorial writer and former China correspondent Tania Branigan, author of "Red Memory," guides…
      5 minutes
    • The War in Ukraine
      This lesson focusing on the War in Ukraine (2022-present) opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider the motivations for and effects of war. Students then view an introductory v…
      1 minute
    • Cold War Anti-Communist Trading Cards
      This lesson plan about the Bowman Bubblegum Anti-Communism Cold War Trading Cards opens with two reflective question that ask students to reflect on the Cold War and teaching the concepts of patriotis…
      1 minute
    • Hong Kong: British to Chinese Rule
      This lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their prior knowledge their guaranteed rights in the United States. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to an intro…
      3 minutes
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  • Constitutional Foundation

  • Criminal Law & Justice

    • "Auburn System," Convict Leasing, and Inmate William Freeman
      This lesson explores the impact of the Auburn State Prison (Auburn, NY) and the resultant "Auburn system" though the story of inmate William Freeman. The lesson, which features Harvard University prof…
      5 minutes
    • Kamala Harris and "The Truths We Hold"
      This lesson explores the life and career of Kamala Harris through the lens of her book, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." The lesson, which also features "Washington Post" opinion writer Jona…
      1 minute
    • Moot Court - City of Grants Pass v Johnson (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Hemphill v New York (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      3 minutes
    • Moot Court - McElrath v Georgia (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
      • View All

  • Economics & Financial Literacy

    • "Auburn System," Convict Leasing, and Inmate William Freeman
      This lesson explores the impact of the Auburn State Prison (Auburn, NY) and the resultant "Auburn system" though the story of inmate William Freeman. The lesson, which features Harvard University prof…
      5 minutes
    • J.D. Vance and "Hillbilly Elegy"
      This lesson explores the childhood and early life of J.D. Vance through the lens of his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to define the term "…
      2 minutes
    • The Whiskey Rebellion
      This lesson details the causes, events, and effects of the early 1790s Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania. The lesson, which features author Brady Crytzer speaking at an event at Slippery Rock …
      2 minutes
    • Reducing Intergenerational Poverty
      Three experts discuss a recent report from the National Academies on reducing intergenerational poverty. The Brooking’s Institution’s Center for Economic Security and Opportunity hosted this event.
      8 minutes
    • 1970s Labor Movements
      This lesson highlights the impact of 1970s labor movements then and now. The lesson, which features Wayne State University Professor Elizabeth Faue, opens with two reflective questions that ask studen…
      2 minutes
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  • Education

    • Harry Truman and Pablo Picasso
      This lesson, which features author Matthew Algeo speaking at an event hosted by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, explores the evolution of modern art in A…
      2 minutes
    • Extension - Legacy of César Chávez
      Born in Yuma, Arizona, César Chávez began his working life as a manual laborer. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chávez moved to California to join an organization which helped laborers register to vot…
      57 seconds
    • Moot Court - Students for Fair Admissions v President and Fellows of Harvard College (2023)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Carson v Makin (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Kennedy v Bremerton School District (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      3 minutes
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  • English & Literature

    • Civil War Journal - Case Study of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth
      This lesson uses the Civil War era writings of soldier Samuel Woodworth and his wife Ellen to explore the conflict from a unique perspective. The lesson, which features former President of the Michiga…
      3 minutes
    • Kamala Harris and "The Truths We Hold"
      This lesson explores the life and career of Kamala Harris through the lens of her book, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." The lesson, which also features "Washington Post" opinion writer Jona…
      1 minute
    • Extension - Legacy of César Chávez
      Born in Yuma, Arizona, César Chávez began his working life as a manual laborer. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chávez moved to California to join an organization which helped laborers register to vot…
      57 seconds
    • J.D. Vance and "Hillbilly Elegy"
      This lesson explores the childhood and early life of J.D. Vance through the lens of his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to define the term "…
      2 minutes
    • Extension - Frederick Douglass' "Narrative" and Beyond
      Born into slavery in Maryland, Frederick Douglass went on to become a writer, orator, statesman and key leader in the abolitionist movement. After his escape to freedom as an adult, Douglass in 1845 w…
      2 minutes
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  • Environmental Policy & Land Use

    • Gilded Age Architecture in New York City
      This lesson provides an overview of American Beaux-Arts Architecture associated with the opulence of the Gilded Age (1877-1920) and the stories of those who commissioned, designed, and built them. The…
      2 minutes
    • Camp Mohican and the CCC
      This lesson provides an overview of the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), with a focus on the CCC's efforts in Ohio's Mohican forest. The lesson, which features Cleo Redd Fisher Museum …
      3 minutes
    • Julius Robert Oppenheimer - The Manhattan Project
      As the United States became embroiled in World War 2, there was concern that Germany was going to develop an atomic bomb. Scientific and military experts in the United States began researching atomic …
      3 minutes
    • Weather and the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg
      This lesson highlights the work of battlefield guide Jeffrey Harding and Penn State University professor Jon Nese in determining the heat index during the three days of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. …
      5 minutes
    • Parking in the United States
      This lesson provides an overview of the history of parking in the United States and its connection to many aspects of our lives today. The lesson, which features Slate magazine staff writer and author…
      2 minutes
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  • Executive Branch

    • Constitution Speed Dating
      In this lesson, adapted from the work of Frankton (IN) High School teacher Kevin Cline, students will work in one of several groups to explore the major tenets of the U.S. Constitution. The lesson ope…
      3 minutes
    • Historic Presidential Elections - 1860 - Lincoln vs. Douglas vs. Breckinridge
      In the election of 1860, Republican Abraham Lincoln defeated Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas of the Democratic Party, Vice President and Southern Democratic Party candidate John Breckinridge, and for…
      5 minutes
    • Historic Presidential Elections - 1800 - John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson
      In the election of 1800, Vice President Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party defeated Federalist Party candidate and incumbent President John Adams in a contest that had to be decided b…
      2 minutes
    • Kamala Harris and "The Truths We Hold"
      This lesson explores the life and career of Kamala Harris through the lens of her book, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." The lesson, which also features "Washington Post" opinion writer Jona…
      1 minute
    • Historic Convention Speeches
      This lesson features several notable examples of historic national party convention speeches, based on C-SPAN's 2024 television series of the same name. The lesson opens with an introductory video cli…
      4 minutes
      • View All

  • Federalism and State Issues

    • "Auburn System," Convict Leasing, and Inmate William Freeman
      This lesson explores the impact of the Auburn State Prison (Auburn, NY) and the resultant "Auburn system" though the story of inmate William Freeman. The lesson, which features Harvard University prof…
      5 minutes
    • Kamala Harris and "The Truths We Hold"
      This lesson explores the life and career of Kamala Harris through the lens of her book, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey." The lesson, which also features "Washington Post" opinion writer Jona…
      1 minute
    • Thomas Dorr's Rebellion
      In the 1840s, Rhode Island was still being governed by the Royal Charter of 1663, and some residents felt this was restricting the rights of individuals, particularly the disfranchisement of groups. I…
      5 minutes
    • Book That Shaped America - "The Federalist"
      In September 1787, the newly drafted Constitution of the United States was sent to the states for ratification. Responding to initial public criticism of the document, Alexander Hamilton, James Madiso…
      1 minute
    • Choice Board - Compensating College Athletes for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
      The issue of student athletes having the right to be compensated for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) has been growing across the country. In addition, access to health care and equity are …
      3 minutes
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  • Foreign Policy

    • Harry Truman and Pablo Picasso
      This lesson, which features author Matthew Algeo speaking at an event hosted by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, explores the evolution of modern art in A…
      2 minutes
    • Americans at D-Day
      This lesson, which features the author of "The Americans at D-Day" John McManus speaking at an event that took place at the Gettysburg College and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society’s conference on the …
      2 minutes
    • Congress Investigates - Iran-Contra Affair
      While there is no specific provision in the U.S. Constitution authorizing congressional oversight or investigations, the Supreme Court has firmly established that Congress has oversight authority from…
      3 minutes
    • Queen Elizabeth II and the United States
      This lesson highlights several examples of Queen Elizabeth II's relationships with various U.S. presidents as part of the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States. The lesson, whic…
      3 minutes
    • The Cold War and Global Literature
      This lesson provides an overview of how the United States and the Soviet Union both shaped literature from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean during the Cold War. The lesson, which features University of…
      9 minutes
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  • Geography

    • Civil War Journal - Case Study of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth
      This lesson uses the Civil War era writings of soldier Samuel Woodworth and his wife Ellen to explore the conflict from a unique perspective. The lesson, which features former President of the Michiga…
      3 minutes
    • J.D. Vance and "Hillbilly Elegy"
      This lesson explores the childhood and early life of J.D. Vance through the lens of his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to define the term "…
      2 minutes
    • Americans at D-Day
      This lesson, which features the author of "The Americans at D-Day" John McManus speaking at an event that took place at the Gettysburg College and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society’s conference on the …
      2 minutes
    • Vietnam War Army Helicopter Pilot Dennis DuPuis
      This lesson focuses on the experiences of Dennis DuPuis, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider the roles tha…
      2 minutes
    • World War II Battle of the Atlantic
      This lesson provides an overview of the World War Two Battle of the Atlantic (1939-45). The lesson, which features University of Notre Dame military history professor Ian Ona Johnson, opens with refle…
      56 seconds
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  • Gun Rights & Firearm Legislation

    • Moot Court - Garland v Cargill (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • The Story of the AR-15
      This lesson provides an overview of the history and impact of the AR-15 firearm and features Zusha Elinson, "Wall Street Journal" reporter, and Cameron McWhirter, "Wall Street Journal" correspondent, …
      4 minutes
    • Weapon Makers That Transformed America
      This lesson plan opens with reflective question that asks students to reflect on the role that guns play in American society. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to two introductory video clips …
      5 minutes
    • Should the federal government enact "red flag" laws to prevent gun violence?
      This lesson looks at legislation that would provide federal grants for states to enact red flag laws. Red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders, allow law enforcement to remove firea…
      4 minutes
    • Second Amendment Supreme Court Cases: DC v Heller and McDonald v Chicago
      The D.C. v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court cases addressed issues relating to an individual's right to bear arms and the incorporation of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. This l…
      3 minutes
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  • Health

    • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Paul Schoeppe (1869)
      This lesson provides an overview of the 1869 state-level case Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Paul Schoeppe, which determined the way medical evidence was presented and appeals were conducted in crimi…
      2 minutes
    • Decline in Two-Parent Married Households
      This lesson, which features economist Melissa Kearney in conversation with the American Enterprise Institute’s Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility director Scott Winship, provides an overview of…
      5 minutes
    • Smallpox, Inoculation, and the American Revolution
      This lesson provides an overview of George Washington's decision to mandate smallpox inoculation for the Continental Army in 1777. The lesson, which features author Andrew Wehrman speaking at an event…
      4 minutes
    • Dinner with the President
      This lesson focuses on the relationship between food, culture, and politics in the American Presidency. The lesson, which features journalist Alex Prud’homme, opens with reflective questions that ask …
      3 minutes
    • Lincoln and the Evolution of the American Funeral
      This lesson focuses on the funeral of Abraham Lincoln and its impact on American funeral practices. The lesson, which features mortician and author Todd Harra speaking at an event hosted by the Lincol…
      4 minutes
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  • Immigration

    • Immigration Act of 1924 Legacy
      This lesson details the causes, impacts, and effects of the Immigration Act of 1924. The lesson, which features five experts speaking at the 2024 Organization of American Historians conference in New …
      2 minutes
    • Life During the American Industrial Age
      This lesson focuses on daily life during the American industrial age of the late 19th century and early 20th century, using the life of Bartolomeo Vanzetti as a case study. The lesson, which features …
      5 minutes
    • Irish Catholics and Tammany Hall
      This lesson focusing on the role of Tammany Hall in 19th century New York City and its impact on Irish Catholics and other immigrants opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider …
      3 minutes
    • Rural America after the Civil War
      This lesson plan about the history of rural America after the Civil War opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider differences between rural and urban areas. Students then watch, an…
      2 minutes
    • Changing American Demographics
      This lesson plan opens with reflective questions that ask students to reflect on the people who live in their local communities. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to three introductory videos …
      2 minutes
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  • Interest Groups & Lobbying

    • Congressional Committees
      This lesson provides an overview of the United States' congressional committee system. The lesson opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider how large groups of people build consens…
      3 minutes
    • The Bald Eagle
      This lesson focuses on the history of the bald eagle, particularly its evolving status as an American symbol. The lesson, which features Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jack Davis, opens with reflect…
      1 minute
    • Campaign Fundraising: An Investigation
      This lesson features an investigation of a selected member of Congress to determine whether they may have been influenced by campaign contributions. The lesson opens with reflective questions that ask…
      3 minutes
    • Walmart’s “Transformation”
      This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the Lim…
      2 minutes
    • Choice Board - Labor Movement in the U.S.
      Labor or Trade Unions represent thousands of workers in a variety of industries in the United States who seek improvements in working conditions and wages, among other rights. These organizations are …
      21 seconds
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  • Journalism

    • Predicting the 2024 Presidential Election
      In this lesson, students will view video clips highlighting competitive states in the 2024 presidential race. Using information from these video clips and polling data, students will make predictions …
      3 minutes
    • Slavery in Antebellum Newspapers
      This lesson details the intersection of Antebellum era newspapers with the institution of slavery. The lesson, which features Virginia Center for Civil War Studies director Paul Quigley speaking at th…
      3 minutes
    • Student Journalism and the 1st Amendment
      In this lesson, students will explore the intersection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and student journalism. Through a choice-based activity, students will become an expert in one of…
      2 minutes
    • U.S. Agency for Global Media
      Seeking to "inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy," the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) oversees six entities, including the Voice of America, th…
      2 minutes
    • Female Journalists During the Vietnam War
      This lesson plan about three key female journalists during the Vietnam War era opens with reflective questions that ask students to consider their prior knowledge of the Vietnam War and the role of jo…
      3 minutes
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  • Judicial Branch

    • Constitution Speed Dating
      In this lesson, adapted from the work of Frankton (IN) High School teacher Kevin Cline, students will work in one of several groups to explore the major tenets of the U.S. Constitution. The lesson ope…
      3 minutes
    • Moot Court - Hemphill v New York (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      3 minutes
    • Moot Court - McElrath v Georgia (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Trump v United States (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for …
      2 minutes
    • 45 Years of C-SPAN
      Starting on March 19, 1979, the cable television industry started C-SPAN as a public service providing unfiltered, unbiased coverage of Congress and the nation’s politics. Forty five years later we co…
      7 minutes
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  • Legislative Branch

    • Constitution Speed Dating
      In this lesson, adapted from the work of Frankton (IN) High School teacher Kevin Cline, students will work in one of several groups to explore the major tenets of the U.S. Constitution. The lesson ope…
      3 minutes
    • Moot Court - Garland v Cargill (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Congress Investigates - Tobacco Products
      While there is no specific provision in the U.S. Constitution authorizing congressional oversight or investigations, the Supreme Court has firmly established that Congress has oversight authority from…
      4 minutes
    • Congress Investigates - Waco Siege
      While there is no specific provision in the U.S. Constitution authorizing congressional oversight or investigations, the Supreme Court has firmly established that Congress has oversight authority from…
      3 minutes
    • Congress Investigates - Iran-Contra Affair
      While there is no specific provision in the U.S. Constitution authorizing congressional oversight or investigations, the Supreme Court has firmly established that Congress has oversight authority from…
      3 minutes
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  • Media

    • Predicting the 2024 Presidential Election
      In this lesson, students will view video clips highlighting competitive states in the 2024 presidential race. Using information from these video clips and polling data, students will make predictions …
      3 minutes
    • Historic Convention Speeches
      This lesson features several notable examples of historic national party convention speeches, based on C-SPAN's 2024 television series of the same name. The lesson opens with an introductory video cli…
      4 minutes
    • Most Courageous American (Bracketology)
      In this lesson, students will be participating in a March Madness style tournament to determine WHO in American History is the "Most Courageous American." Each student will nominate someone they belie…
      31 seconds
    • Recognizing Propaganda in Political Speeches & Advertisements
      In this lesson, students will learn about different types of propaganda by examining examples presented in the media. Students will then apply that knowledge to past and current presidential campaign …
      1 minute
    • 2024 Republican and Democratic National Conventions
      Using clips from the Republican National Convention (July 15-18, 2024) in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention (August 19-22, 2024) in Chicago, this lesson has students compare the speeche…
      8 minutes
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  • Political Parties

  • Science & Technology

    • Moot Court - Counterman v Colorado (2023)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Virtual Tour of the FBI Experience Museum
      This lesson features a tour of the “FBI Experience” museum which is located in FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. Students will view videos to hear FBI Historian John Fox talk about the purpose of t…
      2 minutes
    • Abraham Lincoln and the Telegraph
      This lesson explores Abraham Lincoln's use of the telegraph during the Civil War. The lesson, which features author Tom Wheeler speaking at an event at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Vir…
      4 minutes
    • Vietnam War Army Helicopter Pilot Dennis DuPuis
      This lesson focuses on the experiences of Dennis DuPuis, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to consider the roles tha…
      2 minutes
    • 45 Years of C-SPAN
      Starting on March 19, 1979, the cable television industry started C-SPAN as a public service providing unfiltered, unbiased coverage of Congress and the nation’s politics. Forty five years later we co…
      7 minutes
      • View All

  • Social Services

    • Reducing Intergenerational Poverty
      Three experts discuss a recent report from the National Academies on reducing intergenerational poverty. The Brooking’s Institution’s Center for Economic Security and Opportunity hosted this event.
      8 minutes
    • Decline in Two-Parent Married Households
      This lesson, which features economist Melissa Kearney in conversation with the American Enterprise Institute’s Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility director Scott Winship, provides an overview of…
      5 minutes
    • Walmart’s “Transformation”
      This lesson focuses on the growth of Walmart and its recent transformation. The lesson, which features journalist Rick Wartzman, author of "Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the Lim…
      2 minutes
    • The New Deal Subsistence Homesteads Program
      This lesson plan opens with a reflective question that asks students to consider the role of government of supporting those in need. Students then watch, analyze, and respond to two introductory video…
      3 minutes
    • President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society Initiatives
      In his 1965 State of the Union address, President Johnson called on Americans to continue on the “road to the great society,” proposing a sweeping national agenda from education reforms to a war on de…
      5 minutes
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  • State History

    • "Auburn System," Convict Leasing, and Inmate William Freeman
      This lesson explores the impact of the Auburn State Prison (Auburn, NY) and the resultant "Auburn system" though the story of inmate William Freeman. The lesson, which features Harvard University prof…
      5 minutes
    • Civil War Journal - Case Study of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth
      This lesson uses the Civil War era writings of soldier Samuel Woodworth and his wife Ellen to explore the conflict from a unique perspective. The lesson, which features former President of the Michiga…
      3 minutes
    • J.D. Vance and "Hillbilly Elegy"
      This lesson explores the childhood and early life of J.D. Vance through the lens of his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." The lesson opens with two reflective questions that ask students to define the term "…
      2 minutes
    • Landmark Civil Rights Hangout - Ben’s Chili Bowl
      This lesson, which features Ben's Chili Bowl owner Virginia Ali and official historian Bernard Demczuk, explores the impact and legacy of the landmark Washington, D.C. restaurant. The lesson opens wit…
      3 minutes
    • Fraternization During the Civil War
      During the years 1861-1865, the country was embroiled in a Civil war. It was the North vs. the South in which Union forces battled Confederate forces to determine the future of the country. In this le…
      4 minutes
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  • StudentCam

    • StudentCam Documentary Competition Step-by-Step Guide
      Looking for a project-based learning experience? StudentCam challenges middle and high school students to think critically about issues that affect them, their communities, and our country. Throughout…
      4 minutes
    • An Introduction to the C-SPAN Video Library
      This activity is a way to introduce your students to C-SPAN's extensive Video Library. This will help students gain an understanding of what content C-SPAN covers. It can also help prepare students …
      3 minutes
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  • Supreme Court Cases

    • Moot Court - Students for Fair Admissions v President and Fellows of Harvard College (2023)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Carson v Makin (2022)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - City of Grants Pass v Johnson (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Counterman v Colorado (2023)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
    • Moot Court - Garland v Cargill (2024)
      Moot courts provide an engaging environment for students to debate constitutional rights using contemporary issues that have been brought to the Supreme Court. This lesson provides the materials for s…
      2 minutes
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  • U.S. History

  • World History

    • Harry Truman and Pablo Picasso
      This lesson, which features author Matthew Algeo speaking at an event hosted by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, explores the evolution of modern art in A…
      2 minutes
    • Americans at D-Day
      This lesson, which features the author of "The Americans at D-Day" John McManus speaking at an event that took place at the Gettysburg College and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society’s conference on the …
      2 minutes
    • National World War II Museum Rare Artifacts Exhibit Tour
      In this lesson, students join in on a C-SPAN American History TV visit to the National World War II Museum (New Orleans, LA) and its Rare Artifacts Exhibit with the Museum's Education and Access Vice …
      4 minutes
    • George Takei and Japanese Internment
      This lesson explores Japanese American internment during World War Two from the perspective of actor and author George Takei, who experienced internment as a child. The lesson opens with two reflectiv…
      3 minutes
    • Modern World Leaders
      In this lesson, students will choose one of twelve notable world leaders to learn more about. After completing two reflective warm-up questions and selecting their specific leader, students will view …
      3 minutes
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Constitution Clips
Constitution Clips
Make the U.S. Constitution Come Alive with Video Clips
Classroom Deliberations
Classroom Deliberations
Engage Students on Current Issues with Video Clips
On This Day In History
On This Day In History
Understand Significant Historical Events with Video Clips