When Congress can’t agree on a budget, the government shuts down—but what does that really mean for everyday Americans?
In this one-day mini unit, teens explore how funding battles in Washington affect workers, the economy, and the balance of power in our democracy. From the 1980s to the present, they’ll trace the evolution of shutdowns, examine real-world consequences, and wrestle with critical questions about checks and balances, power, and accountability.

Inside this Mini Unit:

• Engaging, source-linked reading that connects history to today’s headlines

• Glossary of key civics and government terms

• 3 Critical Thinking Questions for classroom or discussion use

• Short comprehension quiz with answer key

Perfect for:
Homeschool civics lessons, current events discussions, or one-day government studies.
Designed for middle and high school students who are ready to think deeply about how our government really works.

👉 Teach students to understand—not just memorize—how political decisions shape real lives.