Government Apps, Games, and Websites

With democracy and social advocacy playing such monumental roles in our society, it's never too early to start learning the basics of government and politics -- kids can develop critical-thinking skills and even get inspired toward political activism. But before you start investing in kid-size suits and powdered wigs, there's plenty of media available to introduce kids to the world of government. These apps, games, and websites will help spark interest in politics and provide a starting point for discussions. To help your kid understand the role of government in history and in other cultures, check out our list of Best Social Studies Apps, Games, and Websites.

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids Poster Image
WEBSITE

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

age 5+

Useful education tool, but games won't wow kids.

URL: http://bensguide.gpo.gov (2007)
Khan Academy Poster Image
WEBSITE

Khan Academy

age 5+

Excellent tutorials on math, humanities, and more, for free.

URL: https://www.khanacademy.org (2013)
Mr. Nussbaum! Learning + Fun Poster Image
WEBSITE

Mr. Nussbaum! Learning + Fun

age 7+

Engaging teacher-created edu site helps kids learn.

URL: https://www.mrnussbaum.com/ (2012)
News-O-Matic: Reading for Kids Poster Image
APP

News-O-Matic: Reading for Kids

age 7+

Fun, interactive way for kids to learn about current events.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2020)
BrainPOP Featured Movie Poster Image
APP

BrainPOP Featured Movie

age 8+

Daily films from educational group provide tons of learning.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Windows app (2011)
BrainPOP Icon
WEBSITE

BrainPOP

age 8+

Videos and activities are fun, accurate, and valuable.

URL: https://www.brainpop.com (2012)
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GAME

SimCity

age 10+

Exciting but technically flawed city-building simulation.

Platforms: Windows, Mac (2013)
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GAME

The Political Machine 2012

age 11+

Kids experience civics by building a dream candidate.

Platforms: Windows (2012)
Sid Meier's Civilization V Poster Image
GAME

Sid Meier's Civilization V

age 11+

Excellent strategy game is educational and accessible.

Platforms: Windows (2010)
Sid Meier's Civilization V: Brave New World Poster Image
GAME

Sid Meier's Civilization V: Brave New World

age 11+

Brilliant expansion makes Civ V more edifying than ever.

Platforms: Windows (2013)
iCivics Poster Image
WEBSITE

iCivics

age 12+

Engaging games give kids safe, smart civics lessons.

URL: https://www.icivics.org/ (2012)
The Learning Network Poster Image
WEBSITE

The Learning Network

age 12+

NYTimes blog gives young people fluff-free news, discussion.

URL: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning (2011)
YourCommonwealth Poster Image
WEBSITE

YourCommonwealth

age 12+

A global community of civic-minded young people.

URL: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org (2012)
PolitiFact Poster Image
WEBSITE

PolitiFact

age 13+

Find out who's telling the truth in politics.

URL: http://www.politifact.com/ (2015)
Mobilize.org Poster Image
WEBSITE

Mobilize.org

age 14+

Nonprofit site that empowers Millennials to get involved.

URL: http://mobilize.org/ (2012)
Street Law Poster Image
WEBSITE

Street Law

age 15+

Excellent info, activities get kids into SCOTUS case work.

URL: https://www.streetlaw.org/ (2015)
SCOTUSblog Poster Image
WEBSITE

SCOTUSblog

age 16+

Comprehensive unbiased coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court.

URL: http://www.scotusblog.com/ (2015)