Resources

Although we have checked each of these sites for content appropriateness before providing the links below, the Virginia General Assembly is not responsible for the information contained within any of the following web sites, pages linked from these sites, or for any changes made to these web sites since their inclusion on this list. We offer these links solely as a service to citizens.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

American Democracy Game
The American Democracy game was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures to help the public; primarily students in grades 6-8, better understand the working of representative democracy.
Annenberg Classroom
This site connects curriculum on the Constitution and its amendments to daily civics news and student discussion.

B

Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids
The US Government Printing Office developed site provides learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers. The resources teach how the federal government works.

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C

C-SPAN in the Classroom
A free membership service for social studies teachers. The mission is to enhance the teaching of social studies through C-SPAN’s primary source programming and websites.
Center for Civic Education
The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.
The Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier
The Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the study and teaching of founding principles and constitutional ideals.
Colonial Williamsburg
The official history site of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation features education, publications, research, museums, and multimedia information and programs.
Commonwealth of Virginia
Find information on government, business, education, visiting, and other services for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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E

Everyday Civics
The Virginia Department of Education and Prince William County Public Schools collaborative site on civics resources for Virginia educators based on the History and Social Science SOLs.
Executive Mansion
To learn more about the Executive Mansion, Virginia's Governors, the State of Virginia, and how to take a tour. If you are unable to visit in person the Explore section will show more images of the rooms, and additional information about the house and people who live there.
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F

Federal Judiciary
The U.S. Courts are an independent judiciary providing fair and impartial justice within the jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution and Congress. The teacher and student link offers interactive court simulations, national initiatives, constitution resources, and other multimedia options.
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H

Historic Jamestowne
The National Park Service Jamestown National Historic Site is the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and the birthplace of the Virginia General Assembly.

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I

iCivics
Founded by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, iCivics prepares young Americans to become knowledgeable, engaged 21st century citizens by creating free and innovative educational materials.

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J

Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Experience the story of America's beginnings – from the founding of America's first permanent English colony in 1607 to the Revolution and the establishment of a new nation almost two centuries later. Explore the museums' exhibition galleries and learn about life in the 17th and 18th centuries in the outdoor living-history areas. Outreach education programs bring history into the classroom and videos, audio, and podcasts offer multimedia learning opportunities.
John Marshall Foundation
The John Marshall Foundation is an organization that sponsors educational and public interest programs or other activities in the fields of law, government, history and public affairs to promote a greater public understanding of Chief Justice John Marshall and his many contributions and accomplishments related to the foundation of our nation. Education programs include Justice in the Classroom and National Teachers Seminar.

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K

Kids in the House
The Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives provides educational and entertaining information about the legislative branch of the United States Government to students of grades K-12.

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L

League of Women Voters
Since 1920, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters is a citizens' organization to improve government and engage all citizens in the decisions that impact their lives.
The Library of Congress American Memory
Free and open access to written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience.
The Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia, with more than 110 million manuscript items, is the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture, and government. Link to "Virginia Memory" for educator information and resources.

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M

Morven Park
Morven Park's Center for Civic Impact offers programs to assist teachers and K-12 youth the skills for active citizenship.  Programs take place at Morven Park (a 1,000 acres historic site), in class, at after school clubs, and online (coming soon!).

N

National Archives
Explore our nation's history through documents, photos, and records.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Featuring the America's Legislators Back to School Program that helps educators and students from around the county meet their legislators.
National Constitution Center
Learn about the U.S. Constitution through multimedia exhibitions, performances, public programs and educational resources. The National Constitution Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution for the Constitution.

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Our Documents
The Our Documents initiative is a cooperative effort among National History Day, The National Archives and Records Administration, and USA Freedom Corps. The site explores 100 milestone documents of American history.

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P

Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia, a private non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader and is dedicated to perpetuating and revitalizing Virginia's cultural, architectural and historic heritage. Properties include Historic Jamestowne, Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, Bacon's Castle, and the John Marshall House.
Project Vote Smart
A nonpartisan website providing information on over 40,000 candidates and officials.

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R

Rock the Vote
Rock the Vote is dedicated to building the political power of young people by engaging them in the electoral process, urging politicians to pay attention to issues that matter to young voters, and protecting their fundamental right to vote.

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T

THOMAS
Legislative information from the Library of Congress.

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U

U.S. House of Representatives

See also - Kids in the House

Find your Representatives, follow session, legislation, and committees, visit the U.S. Capitol, and learn the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Kids in the House website provides educational and entertaining information about the legislative branch of the United States Government to students of all ages. Topics covered include the role of the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislative process, and House history.
U.S. Senate
Find your U.S. Senators, follow session, legislation, and committees, visit the U.S. Capitol, and view artifacts and learn the history of the U.S. Senate.

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V

Virginia Department of Education: History and Social Science SOLs
History and Social Science Standards of Learning and other learning resources.
The Virginia Public Access Project
The Virginia Public Access Project is a nonprofit group that demonstrates how technology can improve public understanding of money's role in Virginia politics.
Virginia State Board of Elections
The State Board of Elections (SBE) was created in 1946 as a bipartisan agency responsible for ensuring uniformity, fairness, accuracy and purity in all elections in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The website offers information on voter registration, voting, absentee voting, elections and candidates, polling places, campaign finance disclosure, and online services.
Virginia's Judicial System

See also - Journey through Justice

Virginia's judicial system is comprised of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, circuit courts in thirty-one judicial circuits, general district and juvenile and domestic relations district courts in thirty-two districts, and magistrates in offices in thirty-two districts. The education links for teachers and students includes Journey Through Justice, an interactive website about the oldest judicial system in America where one can explore how every Virginian, as active and responsible citizens, helps to make the courts work.
Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia's monument to honor the memory of Virginia's men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. The Memorial offers exhibits, an education center, and tours.

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W

The White House

See also - About the White House

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. Learn more about its art and architecture, the Presidents and First Ladies who have lived there, and how you can take a virtual tour.

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Y

Youth Leadership Initiative
A program of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, develops free education resources designed to assist civics teachers, and encourage students to participate in the political process.

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