LibGuides: Civics Project: Home

Topic Exploration and Research

Get the password for the passwords list from your teacher! The Passwords list is under the "Online Materials" dropdown menu near the top of this page. When the menu opens, select "Passwords" then enter the password for the passwords to access. If you are not able to see the list please contact the library.

SIRS Researcher This link opens in a new window Provides insight into social issues by delivering the pros and cons from selected documents and graphics curated from over 2,000 global sources.
Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues.
Issues: Understanding Controversy & Society (ABC-CLIO) This link opens in a new window Provides context, diverse perspectives, and selected primary and secondary sources for understanding the issues that currently affect global society.
American Government (ABC-CLIO) This link opens in a new window American Government connects contemporary issues with the foundations of government and compares the political and economic systems of the United States with those of other countries.
Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new window Search thousands of academic journals at once. Topics include: Biology; Chemistry; Engineering; Ethnic and multicultural studies; Geology; Law; Mathematics; Music; Pharmaceutical sciences; Psychology; Religion and philosophy; Science and technology; Veterinary science; Women's studies; Zoology

Cite Your Sources As You Go!

NoodleTools

Explore these website to find topics that interest you.

ProCon.org
“Understand the issues. Understand each other."
Times Topics
New York Times compiled information on current and social issues.

Explore Newspapers

New York Times This link opens in a new window
Search the full text of The New York Times starting in 1985.

The Boston Globe

Search full text articles from The Boston Globe from 1980 to today.

Stuck?

Search for a Federal or State Law

Congress.gov
The official website for Congress. Search here for federal bills, laws and resolutions related to your topic.
Massachusetts Legislature
Search here to find state bills, laws and resolutions related to your topic. All of the information here is specific to Massachusetts.

Executive Orders and Departments

Find an Executive Order that relates to your topic.

Locate a Federal Department that best fits your topic.

This guide from the University of Washington has a great list of the various departments.

USA.gov has a searchable index of Federal Government Departments and Agencies.

Explore the current administration's Cabinet.

Court Cases

Search Supreme Court Cases and learn about the Justices.

Another site where to search for both US Supreme Court cases as well as Massachusetts Court cases

The Constitution

Explore how your topic connects to the Articles and Amendments in the Constitution.

Insider has an excellent article detailing the 27 Amendments.

Government Groups

Town of Lexington, MA
Town of Lexington webpage with department and person-to-contact listings.
State and Federal Gov't Offices in Boston
Website meant for BU students looking for internships, this lists different State and Government agencies located in Boston. May give you some ideas for people to contact.
US Government Branches
US Government Branches, what they do, how they work, and groups and agencies that work under them. Link to the individual agency pages.
Government Track US
Find government issues that affect you and where it is in the legislative process. Also has easy search option to look up topics

Tips from the Pros!

If you come across a website that will not let you access information without a "donation"...RUN AWAY!

Find Special Interest Groups

Reminder: Special interest groups and lobbying groups, by definition, have a specific point of view but may also have some good research information. Proceed with that in mind.

PACS

Government website that gives brief descriptions about types of PACs. On the right-hand side, has links to SuperPACs and hybrid-PACs lists.