The Century Book for Young Americans by Elbridge S. Brooks is an excellent introduction to the United States government for students of all ages. Told in story form, the book explores the Constitution, the office of president, Congress, the Supreme Court, and other institutions and symbols.
There are 16 weeks of lessons — enough for a half-year of study, or a full year-long course if you allow two weeks for each chapter.
We covered one chapter each week, rounding out the studies with additional information, suggestions, reading recommendations, helps for Mom, and notebooking resources. You’ll find links to the lessons listed here as they are added.
Free download options for the text can be found in the introduction.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 1: The Government. A visit to Washington, D.C. to learn how the United States of America came to be.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 2: The Constitution. How the Constitution was made and adopted.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 3: The President. The duties of the Chief Executive.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 4: The Cabinet. Why it is called “The Cabinet” and the people who have served in it.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 5: The Senate. What it is and what it does.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 6: The House of Representatives. A bird’s-eye view of the House of Representatives: What the House really is.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 7: The Supreme Court. The Supreme Court and its branches — What it is to America and Americans.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 8: The State & Defense Departments. Mt. Vernon, Alexandria, and the departments devoted to the business of the State and Defense.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 9: The Treasury & The Post Office. How the government makes and spends money and the curious Dead Letter Office.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 10: The Departments of Justice, Interior, & Agriculture. How the government goes to law and attends to the weather.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 11: The Office-Holder. How men and women are selected to work for the government.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 12: The Flag. The meaning of a flag and the history of “Old Glory.”
Free Civics Studies Lesson 13: The State, the City, and the Town. What a state is and the government of cities and towns.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 14: The Citizen. Citizenship and election day methods.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 15: The National Capital. What Washington is and why it exists.
Free Civics Studies Lesson 16: America’s Marvels. Material and intellectual marvels and America’s growth.
Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we trust and enthusiastically recommend. If you decide to use these links to make a purchase, we do receive a small compensation that helps support this site. Thank you! Read our full affiliate disclosure to learn more.
