Draws distinctions between classical and modern concepts of democracy. Contrasts Pythagoras' dislike of factions with Madison's support for economic differentiation and religious toleration. Discusses Aristotle's and Noah Webster's ideas on addressing class tensions. Examines early U.S. theorists' suspicions of direct democracy and support for…

Offers an interview with Radim Palous, rector of Prague's (Czechoslovakia) Charles University. Explores the development of the university's social sciences department. Identifies the influence of the former Marxist-Leninist regime on the university. Reviews Palous' experiences as a dissident philosopher and teacher. Examines the role of the…

Reports on a reading-discussion program of the Vermont Reading Project. Describes the origins, development, and operation of the program. Includes titles of literature works used in the project. (CFR)

Contends that, when laypeople read history, they prefer to read biographies--stories about leaders and people--rather than about social forces and ideas. Argues that the most effective way of writing biography is to write chronologically, not to use flashbacks or flash forward writing. (CFR)

Examines the views of six former U.S. Presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Grant, and Eisenhower) about their presidential role, federalism, and issues of their time that are still relevant today. Includes a paragraph for each President that provides a social and historical context. (CFR)