The Power of One Citizen

Overview:

This lesson explores the idea that citizenship is more than a legal status; it’s a commitment to uphold justice, fairness, and ethical responsibility, even when it’s difficult. Students will examine how individuals like Robert H. Jackson demonstrated civic courage through their choices and public service, and how ordinary citizens today can do the same.

As a Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials, Robert H. Jackson believed that true citizenship required integrity and moral strength. In his famous 1940 speech “The Federal Prosecutor”, Jackson warned that those who wield power must do so with humility and fairness. His leadership at Nuremberg embodied the highest ideals of citizenship and justice.

Through this lesson, students will reflect on how one person’s actions can strengthen democracy and inspire others to stand up for what’s right.

Learning Goals:

Understand the concept of civic courage and how it relates to citizenship.
Analyze how Robert H. Jackson and others demonstrated moral and civic responsibility.
Identify ways individuals can contribute to justice and democracy in their own communities.
Develop their own “Citizen’s Code” inspired by Jackson’s values.

Learning Standards:

New York State
- Social Studies: 1.1, 1.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
- ELA Literacy in History/Social Studies: RH1, RH2, RH3, RH4
Pennsylvania
- History: 8.3.3, 8.3.6, 8.3.9, 8.3.12,
- Civics and Government: 5.1.3, 5.1.6, 5.1.9, 5.1.12, 5.2.3, 5.2.6, 5.2.9, 5.2.12
- Reading in History and Social Studies: 8.5.6-8B, 8.5.6-8C, 8.5.6-8D, 8.5.6-8E, 8.5.9-10B, 8.5.9-10C, 8.5.9-10D, 8.5.9-10E, 8.5.11-12B, 8.5.11-12C, 8.5.11-12D, 8.5.11-12E

Assessment/Evaluation:

Participation in discussion and group work
Completion of “Citizen’s Code” worksheet
Extension Idea
- Have students research a local or historical figure who showed civic courage and create a short presentation or poster.

Materials Needed:

For Students:
- Excerpts from Robert H. Jackson’s “The Federal Prosecutor” speech
- Case Study Handouts: “Citizens Who Made a Difference”
- “My Citizen’s Code” worksheet
Teacher Resource: Brief background on Jackson and the Nuremberg Trials
Teacher Resource: My Citizen’s Code example

Lesson Flow
                          Introduction
                                                
                          5 min
                      
                                          Begin with a warm-up question:
“When is it difficult to do the right thing? Can one person’s decision make a difference?”

Ask students for real-life or historical examples of people who showed courage.
Introduce Robert H. Jackson as someone who believed citizenship meant acting with conscience and fairness, not just following rules.

                          Jackson on Duty and Justice
                                                
                          10 min
                      
                                          Distribute a short excerpt from “The Federal Prosecutor” speech.
Discussion Questions:
What responsibility is Jackson describing here?
How does this quote show civic courage?
What might Jackson mean by using power “for good” instead of “for harm”?

Connect to Jackson’s later work at Nuremberg: holding powerful leaders accountable under the law.

                          Case Studies
                                                
                          15 min
                      
                                          Break students into small groups. Assign each group a short case study.
Ask groups to discuss:
What challenge did this person face?
How did they show civic courage?

How did their actions strengthen democracy or justice?
Each group presents one takeaway.

                          Creating “My Citizen’s Code” 
                                                
                          10 min
                      
                                          Distribute the “Citizen’s Code” worksheet.
Ask students to write 3–5 statements that describe what they believe makes a good citizen, inspired by Jackson’s ideas. (see Teacher Resource example)
Optional extension: Create a classroom “Citizens’ Wall” where codes are displayed.

                          Wrap-Up / Homework
                                                
                          5 min
                      
                                          Discuss:
“What does civic courage look like in your school or community?”
“How can you be a citizen who makes a difference, like Jackson?”

Encourage students to share their Citizen’s Codes at home or with their class.