The Civics Club

Free Civics Lesson: The Creation of U.S. Democracy

Students and community members participating in a town hall meeting.

Free civics lesson: Explore the complete first lesson from EPLS 101: The Creation of U.S. Democracy.

From EPLS 101: Democracy and the American Electoral Process

This page contains the complete first lesson, The Creation of U.S. Democracy, from EPLS 101: Democracy and the American Electoral Process. Continue below to explore the full course outline and preview the curriculum included with The Civics Club.

About the Full Course

EPLS 101 introduces students to the history and fundamentals of the American electoral system.

Topics include the foundation of U.S. democracy and governmental structures; the three branches of government; the roles of local, state, and federal elections; the differences between primary and general elections; an overview of political parties and independents; and modern-day considerations for the conscientious candidate.

This free civics lesson includes the complete first lesson exactly as students experience it, including lesson content, topics, quizzes, and progress tracking. It offers a representative look at the learning experience found throughout The Civics Club curriculum.

Course Sections:

  1. The Creation of U.S. Democracy
  2. The Structure of the U.S. Federal Government: Checks and Balances
  3. The Legislative Branch
  4. The Life-Cycle of a Law
  5. The Judicial Branch
  6. An Introduction to Federalism
  7. Local Government
  8. The American Electoral Process
  9. Local and State Elections and Their Importance
  10. Federal Elections
  11. Primary Vs. General Elections
  12. Political Parties and Independents
  13. Partisanship, Polarization, and Platforms
  14. Navigating Partisanship and Developing Your Policy Aims

Course Content