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Constitution 101 vs iCivics

Two homeschool civics and economics programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: viewpoint, what you study, teaching style, and how much you'll teach.

Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information

The short answer

Choose Constitution 101 if…

Teaching style: Books and discussion
High school credit: Yes, for the transcript
Video lessons: Video lessons a big plus
Teacher involvement: Plenty: I teach it

Choose iCivics if…

Teaching style: Projects and simulations
High school credit: No, just learning
Teacher involvement: Minimal: solo work

Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.

Compare for my child

Side by side

	Constitution 101	iCivics
Grades	9th–12th	6th–12th (games work from about 5th)
Viewpoint	Nonpartisan; presents contrasting views	Nonpartisan
Approach	Online modules with video, readings, vocabulary, graphic organizers and a 20-question test	Interactive games, short lessons and webquests
Who teaches	The program does the teaching	The program does the teaching
Parent prep	Moderate (online lesson plans; best with discussion)	Low (free account; pick a game or lesson)
Screen time	Online	Online
Video lessons	Included: each module includes video	Available: some lessons include video, but the games are the core
Cost	$0: free online course	$0: free with a free account
Parents love	Free and nonpartisan Heavy use of primary sources Gives students real writing and analysis practice	Entirely free Games make the courts and Congress concrete Little prep
Common complaints	Academically demanding Best as a group class Constitution only; no economics	Built for classrooms Games are single-player Not a full year of civics on its own

What parents say

Constitution 101

Cathy Duffy calls it free, in-depth and heavily built on primary sources, and notes it avoids pushing one side. It is demanding in reading and writing, works best as a group class or with a parent leading discussion, and its downloadable PDF manual has broken links, so use the online lessons. It covers the Constitution, not economics or state and local government.

iCivics

Reviewers praise the thoughtful games and easy-to-use lessons, all free. Common Sense Education notes the games are single-player and the site is built for classrooms, so homeschoolers may need to adapt it.

Questions parents ask

Is Constitution 101 or iCivics better?

Neither is better for every child. Constitution 101 is the stronger fit for books and discussion; yes, for the transcript; video lessons a big plus. iCivics is the stronger fit for projects and simulations; no, just learning; minimal.

What viewpoint does each teach from?

Constitution 101: nonpartisan; presents contrasting views. iCivics: nonpartisan.

Which costs less, Constitution 101 or iCivics?

Constitution 101: $0: free online course. iCivics: $0: free with a free account.

Sources (10)

Summaries are in our own words.