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Free Online Civics Classes - Learn How Government Works
Why this matters
With many Americans not understanding how government works, Civics 101 helps build the knowledge people need to participate in democracy. It also provides tools for educators who want to teach civics in schools or community settings. This resource helps people understand the systems that affect their daily lives and builds confidence in participating in public life..
Overview
Civics 101 is a free online program that teaches Americans how their government works. Created by the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute, it offers quick lessons about the Constitution, three branches of government, and your rights as a citizen. The program includes fun quizzes, quarterly publications, and special programs for young people like the Civics Challenge and Camp O'Connor USA. Teachers can use these resources in classrooms or community groups. With many Americans not understanding how government works, Civics 101 helps build the knowledge people need to participate in democracy. The program serves everyone from middle school students to retirees with easy-to-understand lessons that can be completed at your own pace. It also provides tools for educators who want to teach civics in schools or community settings. This resource helps people understand the systems that affect their daily lives and builds confidence in participating in public life.
Civics 101 – Civics for Life LEARNING CENTER ACTIVITIES AND DIY KITS Jul 11 Written By THECHANGELAB Free, fast, and foundational civics education for all ages. CONTACT JOIN ONLINE COMMUNITY WEBSITE Mission Civics for Life is a project of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy , dedicated to advancing American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse, and civic engagement.
The Civics 101 initiative delivers accessible online learning to strengthen civic knowledge and inspire informed participation in public life. Why It Matters Millions of Americans lack a working knowledge of how government functions or what their civic responsibilities entail. Civics 101 meets this challenge head-on with fast, foundational lessons that help people of all ages—from students to retirees—understand the systems that shape their daily lives.
With trust in institutions declining and polarization rising, resources like Civics 101 play a vital role in rebuilding civic competence and confidence. Alignment with The Change Lab Civics 101 is an essential resource for Level 1: Awareness & Access and Level 2: Exploration & Expression on The Change Lab’s Civic Engagement Pathway. It directly supports Civic Literacy , a core subject within the Change Lab’s framework, and offers an easy on-ramp for learners, educators, and community groups seeking to build a stronger foundation for democracy.
Its tools can be embedded into workshops, community events, and DIY civic kits. -based, globally accessible) Population Served: Adults, lifelong learners, educators, and students (Grades 6–12) Current Projects / Notes: High alignment with Change Lab’s Civic Literacy track. Consider featuring in DIY Civic Toolkits and Youth Engagement Packs.
Level 2: Exploration & Expression Civic Imagination Systems Thinking Belonging & Inclusion Civic Education American Democracy Online Learning E-Course Micro-sessions Civic Engagement Lifelong Learning Civic Literacy U S Government Constitution Civil Discourse Voter Education Public Service Community Engagement Educational Resources Civic Responsibility Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy Civics 101 – Civics for Life Free, fast, and foundational civics education for all ages.
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