Civics
for All of US

No Conscription Without Representation: Voting Rights and the Constitution

Grades 9-12
Members of the military are lined up in their uniforms in the field to vote one by one
Members of the United States Air Force with their ballots in hand, are ready to exercise their freedom to vote under field conditions. Published in AIRMAN Magazine October 1996. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6499293
A civic education program from the National Archives for students in grades 9–12.

Teachers and caregivers: register your high school students for a special webinar presentation of No Conscription Without Representation: Voting Rights and the Constitution!

Using the Constitution, constitutional amendments, legislation, and a Supreme Court case, students will explore the progression of voting rights in the United States with particular focus on the effort to lower the voting age to 18. Additional primary source documents from the National Archives, including photographs, video recordings, and political cartoons, will enhance student understanding of the ways in which contemporary events and public civic engagement influence their lives today.

After registering, you will receive the Zoom connection information via email the week of the event. Participants’ cameras and microphones will be off and participant comments will be shared only with presenters to ensure a student-friendly environment. Registration will close 24 hours before each event.

Check out the teacher guide for optional pre- and post program activities.