81+ Engaging Civics Project Ideas for High School Students

High school is more than textbooks and tests; it’s an opportunity to engage with the world and make a difference. Civics projects offer an avenue for students to tackle real-world issues, learn about civic responsibility, and actively contribute to their communities. Let’s explore a wealth of practical and impactful civics project ideas for high school students that they can easily undertake.

Simple Civics Project Ideas for High School

1. Analyze campaign speeches to evaluate persuasive techniques.
2. Profile a local politician and trace their career path.
3. Compare different forms of government around the world.
4. Explain differences between the House and Senate.
5. Study how political parties shape policy priorities.
6. Research the impact of political action committees on elections.
7. Examine how data analysis and polling are used in political campaigns.
8. Debate the merits of the electoral college system.
9. Evaluate arguments for and against congressional term limits.
10. Investigate how redistricting impacts election results.
11. Profile landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact.
12. Examine high-profile trials and the role of juries.
13. Research how laws are created at local, state and national levels.
14. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the juvenile justice system.
15. Document the steps from arrest to trial for a criminal case.
16. Analyze historical trends in crime and incarceration rates.
17. Debate policing policies like body cameras and civil asset forfeiture.
18. Study mandatory minimum sentencing laws and their effects.
19. Compare police training and use of force policies.
20. Examine how media coverage sways high profile trials.
21. Create a timeline of key moments in U.S. voting rights.
22. Profile important government whistleblowers.
23. Analyze successes and failures of Reconstruction.
24. Explain the adoption of key Constitutional amendments.
25. Explore the rise of political machines in the 1800s.
26. Document the growth of unions and progressive reforms in the early 1900s.
27. Research the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.
28. Profile major congressional investigations like Watergate.
29. Analyze past presidential elections and outcomes.
30. Compare historical events to their portrayal in films and media.
31. Debate immigration policies, DACA and paths to citizenship.
32. Evaluate costs and benefits of environmental regulations.
33. Research the charter school and Common Core movements.
34. Examine how zoning policies shape communities.
35. Analyze arguments surrounding gun control regulations.
36. Explore challenges like obesity, addiction and mental health.
37. Profile advocacy groups and their influence on public policy.
38. Investigate agricultural policies and subsidies.
39. Research policies on homelessness and affordable housing.
40. Study how infrastructure projects are funded and prioritized.
41. Volunteer on a political campaign or with an advocacy group.
42. Help register students and others to vote.
43. Create informational materials to educate others on a topic.
44. Organize a debate on a controversial issue with cited facts.
45. Launch a petition for a policy change at school or locally.
46. Plan a community forum to discuss solutions to a local problem.
47. Create a guide for contacting elected representatives.
48. Profile and support civic organizations working for change.
49. Document a local issue through interviews, photos and research.
50. Volunteer with groups providing services to those in need.
51. Analyze the criminal trial process step-by-step.
52. Review the history of gerrymandering and its impact.
53. Explain how bills become laws at the federal level.
54. Explore diverse viewpoints on tax policy.
55. Evaluate the role of media in shaping political narratives.
56. Research how the federal budget and debt ceiling are determined.
57. Document the timeline and key events of a historical political movement.
58. Profile federal agencies and departments and their scope.
59. Analyze the arguments around U.S. foreign policy decisions.
60. Examine debates over healthcare policy and insurance reform.
61. Create an overview of major social movements and their goals.
62. Research how economic policies are developed and critiqued.
63. Profile landmark cases related to civil rights and liberties.
64. Volunteer with a local government office.
65. Start an advocacy group to address a community need.
66. Organize a mock Congressional hearing on a topic.
67. Develop an action plan for electoral reform.
68. Design an infographic explaining how a bill becomes a law.
69. Compare policies and politics in the U.S. to other countries.
70. Start a podcast covering local government issues.
71. Create a public service announcement on an issue.
72. Launch a social media campaign for a cause.
73. Organize a voter registration event.
74. Volunteer as a poll worker on election day.
75. Attend and report on public government meetings.
76. Start a blog covering politics and policy.
77. Manage a campaign for student government.
78. Organize a debate watch event and discussion.
79. Develop a plan to increase youth voting and turnout.
80. Create a “get out the vote” awareness campaign.
81. Make a documentary on a local political or social justice issue.

Final words,

Civics projects teach critical skills while engaging students in our democracy. These ideas offer starting points to tailor hands-on learning experiences for your high school students.