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Constitution 101 (National Constitution Center)

A free, nonpartisan one-semester online course on the Constitution, with 15 modules of video, readings and tests.

Updated September 2026 · 5 sources

Grades	9th–12th
Viewpoint	Nonpartisan; presents contrasting views
Approach	Online modules with video, readings, vocabulary, graphic organizers and a 20-question test
Who teaches	The program does the teaching
Parent prep	Moderate (online lesson plans; best with discussion)
Screen time	Online
Video lessons	Included: each module includes video
Cost	$0: free online course (source)
Placement	National Constitution Center: About Constitution 101 15 modules; use all of them or pick single ones

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how Constitution 101 ranks against 13 other programs.

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What parents say

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.

Parents love

Free and nonpartisan
Heavy use of primary sources
Gives students real writing and analysis practice

Common complaints

Academically demanding
Best as a group class
Constitution only; no economics

Who it fits

Best for

Government and the Constitution. In-depth Constitution course
Nonpartisan, no stated viewpoint. Nonpartisan; shows opposing views
Books and discussion. Primary sources and discussion
Video or online lessons. Video in every module
Yes, for the transcript. A one-semester course with tests
Online. Runs online
Video lessons a big plus. Each module includes video
Video lessons nice to have. Each module includes video
Some: 20–30 min daily. Parent leads discussion
Plenty: I teach it.

Less suited for

Economics. Constitution only, no economics
Personal finance. No personal finance
Mostly offline. Screen-based

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

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Documents of FreedomA free online course built on primary sources, with nine units and 66 lesson plans on government and free enterprise

Comparisons

Questions parents ask

How does Constitution 101 teach civics and economics?

Constitution 101 is described as online modules with video, readings, vocabulary, graphic organizers and a 20-question test. Parent prep: moderate (online lesson plans; best with discussion).

What grades does Constitution 101 cover?

Constitution 101 covers grades 9th–12th.

How much does Constitution 101 cost?

$0: free online course.

What viewpoint does Constitution 101 teach from?

Nonpartisan; presents contrasting views.

Does Constitution 101 count for a high school credit?

Yes. A one-semester course with tests

Is Constitution 101 online?

Online. The program does the teaching.

Does Constitution 101 have a placement test?

Yes. National Constitution Center: About Constitution 101. 15 modules; use all of them or pick single ones

Sources (5)

Summaries are in our own words.