These links to other Internet sites are provided for informational purposes only. The Montana Legislative Branch is in no way responsible for the contents of these sites, and their presence on this page should not be construed as an endorsement. If you would like to suggest additional links for this page, or if you notice broken links, please contact the Montana Legislative Information Officer.
Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship Provides programs, institutes, activities and resources for educators to implement more powerful citizenship programs and opportunities that result in active student involvement in schools and communities. Affiliated with Purdue University.
American Political Science Association Professional organization for the study of political science. Brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors within and outside academe in order to expand awareness and understanding of politics. Back to top
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids A service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). Provides learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers that teach how our government works, the use of the primary source materials of GPO Access, and how one can use GPO Access to carry out one's civic responsibilities. Back to top
Bill of Rights Institute Educates young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our founding documents, and how our founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. Offers instructional and curricular material, as well as e-lessons. Back to top
Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Coalition of 40 organizations committed to improving the quality of civic learning in American schools. The goal of the campaign is to increase and improve civic learning in grades K-12. Back to top
Center for Civic Education Educational nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries. Back to top
Center for Democracy & Citizenship Develops citizenship initiatives around the concept of public work. Public work is sustained, visible, serious effort by a diverse mix of ordinary people that creates things of lasting civic or public significance. Affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Back to top
Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Conducts research on civic and political engagement of young Americans and provides data and analysis that helps clarify the strengths and weaknesses of civic education, broadly defined. Founded in 2001 with a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts and based at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. Back to top
Center on Congress Works to improve the public's understanding of Congress and to improve civic engagement, especially among young people, as a way to strengthen the basic institutions of government. Explains the work and role of Congress through newspaper op-eds, radio commentaries, website articles and brochures, teaching materials, conferences, books, television spots, and videos and interactive learning programs for students. Affiliated with Indiana University. Back to top
Civic Education Project Promotes pluralism and international standards in social science education in transitioning countries through the creation of knowledge networks and student-centered teaching. Back to top
Civication, Inc. Promotes civic learning by providing educational outreach intended to bring people together in study groups, public and private schools, colleges, universities, and other organizations, to discuss, debate, and learn the meaning of the U.S. Constitution, American constitutional values, and civil responsibility.
Civics Online Collaborative Internet project to provide teachers, students, and parents with an array of multi-media primary source materials, learning tools, and professional development resources to enhance current approaches to teaching civics in the classroom. Back to top
Civitas International Creates and implements civic education programs for students in the United States to help them better understand the history and experiences of emerging democracies and other advanced democracies. Back to top
CIVNET A worldwide, online, civic education community of civic educators, scholars, policymakers, civic-minded journalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other individuals promoting civic education all over the world. Back to top
Close Up Foundation Through Washington, D.C.-based experiential learning programs and multi-media publications, helps students and teachers nationwide develop the skills needed to begin a lifetime of active citizenship. Back to top
Constitutional Rights Foundation Develops, produces, and distributes programs and materials to teachers, students, and public-minded citizens all across the nation with the goal of educating America's young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society. Back to top
Council for State Governments Provides leadership education, research, and information services to executive, legislative and judicial branches of state governments. Back to top
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Fosters the principles and obligations of freedom through interactive educational programs for elementary and secondary students through to graduate-level programs. Engages teachers and leaders from all walks of life and celebrates veterans and their families with numerous programs and events. Back to top
Justice Learning Issue-based approach for engaging high school students in informed political discourse. The website uses audio from the "Justice Talking" show on National Public Radio and articles from The New York Times to teach students about reasoned debate and the often-conflicting values inherent in our democracy. Back to top
Lesson Plans for Social Studies Teachers A collection of links to lesson plans and other resources on the Internet that may be of use to social studies teachers. Compiled by a professor emeritus of secondary education at California State University, Northridge. Back to top
Montana YMCA Youth and Government This program gives high school students in Montana an opportunity to learn about state government and the political process by participating in realistic mock sessions of the Montana Legislature and Supreme Court. Back to top
National Alliance for Civic Education Committed to advancing civic knowledge and engagement to ensure that the next generation of citizens understands and values democracy and participates in the ongoing work of building democracy in America. Back to top
National Conference of State Legislatures Bipartisan organization that serves legislators and staffs of the 50 states by providing research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on pressing state issues. Back to top
National Council for the Social Studies An umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. Back to top
National Standards for Civics & Government Voluntary standards for grades K-12. Developed by the Center for Civic Education and supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy. Back to top
Partnership for 21st Century Skills A collaborative partnership among education, business, community, and government leaders hoping to position 21st century skills at the center of K-12 education. 21st century skills include information and communication skills; thinking and problem-solving skills;, interpersonal and self-direction skills; global awareness; financial, economic and business literacy; and civic literacy. Back to top
Project Citizen A curricular program for middle, secondary, and post-secondary students, youth organizations, and adult groups that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. Back to top
Project VoteSmart A Montana-based research organization that provides information crucial to self-government, such as voting records, issue positions, and campaign finance information. Also offers internship and volunteer opportunities. Back to top
Public Achievement A youth civic engagement initiative focused on the most basic concepts of citizenship, democracy and public work. Goal is to integrate civic education into institutions that work with young people and test whether young people can have an impact on problems in their schools and neighborhoods in a serious way and define this work in political terms. Back to top
Representative Democracy in America A national project designed to reinvigorate and educate Americans on the critical relationship between government and the people it serves. The project introduces citizens, particularly young people, to the representatives, institutions, and processes that serve to realize the goal of a government of, by, and for the people. Back to top
We the People Promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation's elementary and secondary students, in part through the use of simulated congressional hearings. Provides free professional development opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school educators; university and college professors; and members of the legal community. Back to top
Youth Leadership Initiative Develops free K-12 civic education resources designed to encourage student interest and participation in the American political process. Students may participate in mock elections/mock constitutional conventions, a mock congress and campaign simulations, and teachers may download civics and government lesson plans. Back to top
