Discusses the eighteenth-century view of virtue as an end in itself. Observes that property, prosperity, and individualistic attitudes were essential aspects of economic virtue, whereas majority rule became a central tenet of civic virtue. Explains that public education and governmental checks and balances were seen as means of promoting economic…

The founding fathers of the United States were products of a classical education, and they used the Greek and Roman classics as republican models and classical virtues. In their writings, the founders frequently associated liberty and republicanism with the ancient commonwealths. John Adams spoke on three separate occasions of the need to reflect…

This book examines the difficulty in the United States of educating students about civic ethos. While most educators agree about the importance of civic education, many disagree over how to go about that education. This study concentrates on the role textbooks play in the debate over civic education. It examines education's role in reflecting and…

Maintains that Albert Bushnell Hart was a leading figure in history education. Discusses his contributions to history's emergence as a modern school subject and to its inclusion as a core component of the school curriculum. (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)

To maintain the legacy of freedom from the Age of Enlightenment, educators must effectively teach about the interrelated ideas of modern science and constitutional democracy in both social studies and science courses. The United States most directly and fully exemplifies the civic and scientific ideas which have developed as a result of the Age of…

Implemented in the Franklin (Wisconsin) Public Schools during the 1986-1987 school year, this project was aimed at improving citizenship development in high school students through an intensive study of the U.S. Constitution as it relates to the personal lives of citizens. The project's primary objective was to provide a structured program of…