Center for American Civics

February 14 is Arizona Statehood Day.

On this day in 1912, Arizona became the 48th state in the United States. Statehood marked the beginning of Arizona’s constitutional government and the foundation of the public institutions that serve communities across the state today.

Statehood Day is an opportunity to reflect on Arizona’s history, the evolution of its government, and the responsibilities that come with self governance.

Learn about Arizona’s constitution, state offices, and civic processes through the Arizona Civics Podcast and related resources.

📚🇺🇸 Fear now shapes too many civics classrooms. Nearly 4 out of 5 teachers say they’ve self-censored—worried about parent pushback, social media blowups, or being called into the principal’s office.

When that happens, lessons shrink to “safe” lists of branches and timelines. Students lose the chance to practice democracy: disagreeing without contempt, weighing trade-offs, building coalitions, and arguing from evidence.

Civics isn’t just about what happened—it’s about why it matters today. Anchoring tough issues in founding documents reframes heated debates as long-running civic conversations instead of partisan brawls. But teachers need both clear standards and district backing to lead those discussions with confidence.

🎙️ In our latest conversation with Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, we dig into why guidance is so thin, how standards fall short, and what schools can do to give teachers cover to teach the civics our democracy demands.

The stakes are real: America 250 is around the corner, and young people are growing up in a media world that rewards outrage over nuance. If schools step back, social media fills the gap.

👥 Let’s reset the risk calculus, equip teachers with real preparation, and give students the necessary civic skills.

👉 Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1917210/episodes/17927638

Alice Sheehan from AllSides joins Center for American Civics to discuss the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and resisting vilifying the other side. "...whatever habits you can kind of build into your own life to be less hateful towards things that are different from you is helpful to our democracy.” Listen to the podcast: Beyond Left and Right: Rediscovering Common Ground Through Media Literacy here: https://apple.co/46cH7Rq

Dr. Porwancher takes us on a fascinating journey through the hidden influence of James Bradley Thayer, a Harvard Law professor whose mentorship shaped America's legal giants like Louis Brandeis, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Felix Frankfurter. What makes this exploration particularly special is its creation – a collaborative book co-authored with former students, mirroring Thayer's dedication to mentorship and student development.

Check out the Constitution Day episode of the Arizona Civics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

As we mark this Constitution Day in the wake of tragic political violence, the survival of our republic depends not only on the words of the Constitution but on our individual and collective commitments to live by its principles.

Constitution Day Calls Us to Honor Peaceful Disagreement The survival of our republic depends not only on the words of the Constitution but on our individual and collective commitments to live by its principles.

In 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

To commemorate this milestone, the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership has partnered with the Center for American Civics to launch the “Civics in a Year” podcast, which will release 250 mini episodes leading up to the anniversary.

Read more here: https://news.asu.edu/20250905-law-journalism-and-politics-reigniting-civic-literacy-arizona-and-beyond

Remembering 9/11: Honoring the Courage and Unity

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and the brave first responders who showed incredible courage on September 11, 2001. This day reminds us of the importance of compassion, resilience, and unity in times of tragedy. As educators and students, let us honor the memories of those affected by fostering kindness, understanding, and a commitment to peace in our communities. May we never forget the lessons of that day and continue to build a future based on hope and solidarity.

Image Credit: Josh Withers via Pexels

"None of us holds the absolute truth on the world." Media literacy isn't about finding the "right" source but understanding different perspectives. Discover how AllSides is helping teachers navigate tough political conversations while building critical thinking skills.

Check out our latest episode wherever you get your podcasts!

📚✨ Calling all elementary educators! ✨📚

Join us for a one-day workshop launching BRI Jr., a brand-new elementary curriculum designed to spark curiosity, civic virtue, and a love for American history in your classroom. 🇺🇸

👩‍🏫 What to expect:
✨ Hands-on strategies for teaching liberty & equality
✨ Fresh resources to make civics engaging & relevant
✨ Lesson planning with BRI staff to kickstart the school year
✨ Practical ways to connect history, government & students’ lives

Together, we’ll explore how to help young learners see their role in the American experiment of self-government and empower them to shape a brighter future. 🌟

📅 September 25, 2025
📍 Chandler Innovation Center
$100 Stipends and lunch provided!

🔗 Register today & be part of the first wave of educators bringing BRI Jr. to life!

Arizona elementary teachers! Join us 9/25 at ASU Chandler for a PD workshop designed to introduce our new elementary curriculum, BRI Jr. Make meaningful connections between our history, civics, and government, ensuring relevance to the students' lives. https://bit.ly/3H9twC3

Not in Arizona? Discover the free, engaging resources on your own on our site: https://bit.ly/3WB3UTK

✨ Civics (Taylor’s Version) ✨

Just like Taylor has her eras, America has its own — from the Declaration Era to the Constitution Era and beyond. 🎶📜

On our Civics in a Year podcast, we just wrapped our Declaration of Independence Era (all the drama, all the revolutionary vibes 💥) and now we’re heading straight into the Constitution Era (new rules, new structure, a brand new sound for democracy 🎤).

Think of it as the ultimate civics playlist — one question, one episode at a time. 🇺🇸

Which “era” are you most excited for? 👀