Civics4Action Collaborative
Our Mission
Expanding civics learning, civic engagement, and civil discourse
Civics in a Nutshell
by Luke E. Perry, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utica University
Created for The Civics4Action Collaborative, A 501c3 Nonpartisan Nonprofit
For nonprofit community organizations: libraries, museums, historical sites, after school programs, scouts, 4-H, and other similar organizations
Civics in a Nutshell is an 83-page civics guide (including appendices) written for teens, Gen Z, and other adults at every civics knowledge level. It explains how the American government works in plain, easy-to-understand language. The guide promotes American history, civics learning, and civil discussion, and it explores what it means to be an informed and engaged citizen.
Part I is the teaching portion on Civics Fundamentals. Chapter titles include: Politics and Power, Types of Government, Evolution of the American Government, Separation of Powers, Election of an American President, and Striving for a More Perfect Union. Part II includes thoughtful history and civics exercises and questions in both Civics In A Nutshell and in the Supplement.
The Appendix includes references to 6 historical presidential speeches and 6 informative organizations, along with copies of 3 of America’s founding documents, and Dr. Perry’s biography.
With their permission, the Supplement to Civics in a Nutshell uses the work of The Community Partners Task Force of Educating For American Democracy. educatingforamericandemocracy.org
The format is flexible. You can create your own questions and exercises to fit your community’s history and local issues. Invite local and state elected officials and/or bring together multi-generational groups to join your event, program, or workshop!
We encourage you to download and use our free guide!
Simply provide us with your name and email address and you’ll automatically be redirected to a page where you’ll be able to download our free civics guide and supplement.