Education is the foundation of democracy. As such it must work for all young people. Yet far too often young people disengage from learning and do not reach their full, human potential. Community schools--places where partners come together to offer a range of supports and opportunities for children, youth, families, and communities before,…

Offers three sample lesson plans for elementary grades designed to demonstrate the religious values inherent in the United States Constitution. Each lesson plan focuses on one amendment and includes a discussion of class activities. (DMM)

Educators, politicians and the media are using the concept of citizenship in new contexts and giving it new meanings. Citizenship can serve to unite a diverse population or to marginalise and exclude. The authors argue that, with the introduction of citizenship in school curricula, there is an urgent need for developing the concept of cosmopolitan…

The basic paradox of citizenship education in the United States is that the first steps toward the rational, autonomous, critical-minded citizen required by a democracy are necessarily non-rational and based on an unquestioned deference to authority. The movement from the morality of authority to the morality of principle constitutes the challenge…

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

Considers the fundamental values underlying American public school finance and investigates how these values have been reflected in the work of "founding fathers" such as Ellwood P. Cubberley, George D. Strayer, and Paul Mort. Demonstrates that public school finance in a democracy is a function of politics as well as economics. Includes 40…

Maintains that a course in U.S. political thought is necessary to increase students' knowledge of democracy, liberty, and human rights. Provides course goals, structure, and useful texts. Suggests a topical format rather than a chronological approach. Focuses on judicial opinions as an important indicator of traditional values. (RW)

Examines the contribution of William Prescott's historical writing and the influence that it still exerts over Spanish historical scholarship in the United States. Prescott posited Spain as decadent, aristocratic, and consumed by social stratification and religious dogma, the antithesis of a vigorous and democratic United States. (MJP)

Advances a vigorous argument for teaching the basic principles of liberal democracy that transcend countries, cultures, and historical eras. Articulates a vision of citizenship education that uses historical examples of totalitarian abuses to emphasize issues of accountability and morality. Discusses ways to make civic education real and relevant.…

Argues that political scientists should take a more active role in the current efforts to encourage the development of democratic institutions in developing countries. Maintains that political scientists could provide a needed perspective currently lacking in the efforts run by lawyers, ex-public officials, and journalists. (MJP)

If students are to fulfill their obligations and rights as U.S. citizens they must develop the ability to make careful judgements, based on a reasoned historical perspective and a meaningful conception of the basic democratic values underlying citizenship in our constitutional order. To this end, an agenda of 12 core civic values that are…

Asserts that, as society moves into an electronic age, the examination of the historical role of printed materials is developing as a new field of study. Reports on a project that will examine the history of the book in the United States and its significance in shaping and mirroring U.S. democratic values. (CFR)

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

This guide celebrates the 40th anniversary, in 1989, of the Federal Republic of Germany and is designed to provide an opportunity to review how firmly the principles of democracy have become established in the people and the government of West Germany today. Part 1 gives an overview of the West German democratic experience, covering such topics as…

Discusses the political developments in South Africa following the demise of apartheid and suggests ways to integrate this subject into the social studies curriculum. Examines the current obstacles and opportunities for the development of democracy in South Africa. Includes a series of teaching activities and related questions. (MJP)