Liberty by Design: The U.S. Constitution and American Government

A One-Semester High School Government and Civics Course

Help your high school student move beyond memorizing facts and begin thinking like a citizen.

Liberty by Design: The U.S. Constitution and American Government is an engaging, project-based homeschool government curriculum that brings America's founding principles to life through discussion, simulations, debates, writing, and hands-on learning. Rather than relying on worksheets and traditional tests, students wrestle with the same questions the Founding Fathers faced while building one of history's most enduring constitutional republics. The course structure, topics, and culminating Liberty Project are outlined throughout the curriculum.

Students read and analyze the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, selected Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings, and other foundational documents while exploring the principles of liberty, limited government, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and responsible citizenship. Throughout the semester, they defend ideas, solve constitutional problems, conduct mock elections, debate real issues, build models of government, and complete meaningful portfolio projects instead of taking conventional exams.

Designed for grades 9 through 12, this facilitator-led course emphasizes critical thinking, civil discourse, constitutional literacy, and real-world civic engagement. Students maintain a Liberty Journal, complete six unit projects, participate in hands-on simulations, and finish the semester by creating and defending an original Liberty Project that demonstrates their understanding of American government and constitutional principles.

Whether your student plans to attend college, enter the military, launch a business, or become an informed voter, Liberty by Design develops the knowledge and reasoning skills needed to understand how the American system of government works and why constitutional self-government depends upon informed citizens.

Course Features

• One-semester high school government course (18 weeks)

• Grades 9 through 12

• Earns 0.5 high school Government/Civics credit

• Facilitator-led homeschool curriculum

• Hands-on, discussion-based learning

• No traditional tests or quizzes

• Portfolio and project-based assessment

• Primary source document study

• Mock Congress, Moot Court, constitutional debates, elections, and civic simulations

• Liberty Journal for reflection and critical thinking

• Culminating Liberty Project

• Optional free iCivics digital activities integrated throughout the course

• Aligns with major national civics frameworks and California Principles of American Democracy standards.

Students Will Explore

• The Declaration of Independence

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitutional Convention

• Federalists and Anti-Federalists

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Federalism

• Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court

• Constitutional amendments

• Elections and the Electoral College

• Rights and responsibilities of American citizens

• Civic engagement and constitutional decision-making.

Perfect for homeschool families seeking a rigorous, engaging, and discussion-rich government curriculum, Liberty by Design equips students to understand America's constitutional framework while becoming thoughtful, informed, and active participants in civic life.