American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith Educators' Guide

Grade Range: 9-12
Resource Type(s): Lessons & Activities
Date Posted: 5/1/2018

American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith traces the unfolding of America’s experiment with government “of, by, and for the people” and illustrates the fact that democracy involves civic engagement and participation.

This exhibition and its companion book examine the nature of American democracy through a historical lens. High school history teachers will appreciate the rich primary source materials and clear, concise narratives, with special focus on the American Revolution and women’s suffrage. Government teachers can review and reinforce essential aspects of citizenship with students through historical examples and personal narratives. Instructors in both content areas will find this a useful resource to enrich classroom instruction.

Included in this teachers’ guide are comprehension and broader discussion questions as well as activities based on the content and themes of each chapter. The book includes rich imagery that can serve as illustrations in readings and class discussions on related topics in American history. For recommendations on using objects and images with students, see the National Museum of American History’s “Engaging Students with Primary Sources” teaching guide, https://historyexplorer.si.edu/sites/default/files/PrimarySources.pdf.


National Standards

Common Core State Standards (Grades K-12)

Common Core State Standards (Grades 9-10)

Common Core State Standards (Grades 11-12)

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards (Grades 9-12)