This report evaluates the Bill of Rights in a Multicultural Society Project. The project was developed by the Social Studies Unit of the Board of Education's Division of Instruction and Professional Development of the city of New York. The purpose of the project, which consisted of a week long summer institute in August 1991 at Brooklyn Law…

This report addresses the long-term educational responsibility of helping young people become more knowledgeable about the meaning and values of the U.S. Constitution in their personal and civic life. The Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution and the upcoming Bicentennial of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1991 present the opportunity to refocus…

Discusses faculty seminars on the philosophical roots of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Explores the argument between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over respective views on the Bill of Rights. Traces the historical and philosophical origins of Republicanism. Provides an outline of themes and readings for each seminar. (RW)

Discusses a faculty seminar on landmark cases in the judicial interpretation of civil rights in the United States. States that the seminar is designed as a faculty development project to enhance the teaching of the Bill of Rights. Identifies the nature of the judicial process. Includes seminar syllabus and suggested readings. (RW)

Presents Clarence Earl Gideon's petition for counsel as a primary source document to be used in social studies units on the Bill of Right's Sixth Amendment. Examines the constitutional issues of due process and right to counsel. Outlines teaching activities that develop vocabulary and analyzes Gideon v. Wainwright as a case study. (CH)

Identifies four areas of deficiency in understanding and applying the principles of the Bill of Rights. Provides guidelines to improve instruction, emphasizing systematic coverage of Bill of Rights topics; analysis of case studies on Bill of Rights issues; and discussion of Bill of Rights issues in an open classroom environment. (CH)

This curriculum unit focuses on individual and personal freedoms as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as interpreted by the courts. In particular, the unit which includes illustrated student materials and a teacher's guide, underscores the idea of fundamental rights as expressed through the concepts of liberty, justice, and equality. Through…

This curriculum unit for high school government or civic classes was developed as a requirement of a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship seminar in Indonesia. It deals with aspects of political control that the government exercises over citizen rights. The unit compares the situation in the United States, where the Bill of Rights guarantees the freedom of…

This curriculum presents lessons and materials designed to teach immigrant students their rights and responsibilities under the U.S. legal system. The lessons employ interactive strategies, and develop higher order thinking skills as they foster English language learning. The curriculum contains eight units: (1) "Roots of Rights: Introduction…

Interviewed 800 police chiefs asking whether the Bill of Rights prevented police and prosecutors from protecting citizens against crime and found the answer was no. Urges more equitable funding for the criminal justice system, more public defenders for the poor, and teaching about justice in a free society. (NL)

Discusses the history, development, and addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Describes the role of delegates from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in this process. Includes a bibliography and suggestions for planning student assignments and activities on this topic. (CFR)

Argues students' understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights is enhanced by reviewing historical decisions concerning ratification. Classroom discussion using "Original Intent" documents allows students to develop insight into the relationship between church and state and into judicial application of the Establishment…

This practicum was designed to develop a national model for teaching students with deafness or hearing impairments about their legal rights and responsibilities. The model included implementing a law-related education curriculum specifically written for students with deafness or hearing impairments, addressing their needs in legal knowledge and…

Directed to secondary school teachers of history, government, and civics, this book is designed to fit common educational objectives in secondary school curriculum guides that call for teaching and learning about the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. The volume is intended to encourage careful reading, analysis, and classroom…

Reaffirms the importance of civic education and active learning about the Bill of Rights and attendant civic responsibilities. Identifies four categories of knowledge deficiencies about the Bill of Rights. Explores four key ways to improve teaching and learning about the Bill of Rights. Stresses connections between civic knowledge and the vitality…