Acid rain is a complex environmental problem which affects the United States and many other countries around the world. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to address environmental issues, such as acid rain. Through its programs, EPA works to protect human health and the environment in the United States…

Designed to simulate a Senate committee hearing on software copyright laws, this role-playing game exposes students to a wide variety of viewpoints about software copying, including piracy. The game is structured to bring out as many points of view as possible; the goal of the simulation is exposure to these various points, not the final committee…

This booklet is part of a series designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. This unit on the New Deal era raises the following issues: (1) How responsible should the government be for the economic well being of citizens? To what extent should this responsibility outweigh traditional ideas of property rights? (2) What…

This document, part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues, discusses the changes that the railroads brought to the United States economy and society. As the first big businesses in this country, railroads had to grapple with a variety of challenges: raising enough money to launch companies…

This booklet is part of a series designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. In this unit, the progressive era, a major reform period in U.S. history that stretched from about 1900 to 1915 is discussed. The book suggests that large scale reform is difficult to achieve because reformers often assume that their interests,…

The document presents research and project-oriented activities at the secondary school level for studying Illinois' streams, water pollution, and methods for controlling pollution. Social, economic, and political issues are examined as part of the planning for pollution prevention. Following six teaching objectives, background information traces…

This instructor guide for a unit on legal issues in the PACE (Program for Acquiring Competence in Entrepreneurship) curriculum includes the full text of the student module and lesson plans, instructional suggestions, and other teacher resources. The competencies that are incorporated into this module are at Level 3 of learning--starting and…

This module on one's rights as a consumer is one of ten in the Money Smart curriculum, and includes an instructor guide and a take-home guide. It was developed to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. It is designed to enable participants to become familiar with their…

Traces recent developments in federal/state relations including the shift in federal aid from places to people. Examines the change in federal influence from grants to regulations. Concludes with a discussion of the differences between Congressional and White House attempts to trim the federal budget. (MJP)

Traces the historical development of the conflict between state sovereignty and the role of the federal government. State sovereignty, supposedly guaranteed by the 10th Amendment, has been seriously eroded by the federal government's extension of the commerce clause. Briefly discusses seminal cases in this development. (MJP)

Maintains that intergovernmental relations are dynamic because local, state, and federal governments constantly respond to changing expectations. This interdependent relationship requires the various governments to modify their pursuit of special interests through daily bargaining. This process affects every aspect of government. (MJP)

Encapsulates several brief articles providing perspectives from the states, the 104th Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. Issues covered include the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and the White House attempts to reduce the federal workforce. Authors include Hank Brown, Rita G. Koman, James L. Martin, and Joseph R. Marbach. (MJP)

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)

Encapsulates a series of brief essays exploring different aspects of modern federalism. Issues include further protection of individual rights extended through state constitutions and federalism and the world economy. Authors include Robert F. Williams, Earl H. Fry, and Daniel J. Elazar. (MJP)

Examines several recent decisions of the more conservative and constructionist Rehnquist Supreme Court. Discusses those judgements that challenge the regulatory power of the federal government. In separate cases concerning mandatory retirement of state judges and regulating toxic waste clean-up, the high court ruled in favor of state control. (MJP)