This unit is designed to encourage the students to discover the relevancy of American democratic ideals to their daily lives. It concentrates on the meaning of the fundamental freedoms expressed in the First Amendment: freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, and religion. In addition, the student should receive some concrete insights into the nature of our federal system, the role of the Constitution, and the functioning of the judiciary. Through the use of actual cases as documented in court decisions and the press, it is hoped that the student will develop an understanding of the concept of responsible freedom, and limitation of individual freedom when its exercise conflicts with the freedom of others. Inherent in this concept are the ideals of democratic society: respect for the individual, equality before the law, protection of the general welfare, promotion of law and order. The unit is designed primarily for the non-college-bound students, i.e., those high school students described as slow learners, under-achievers, culturally deprived, disadvantaged, or alienated. (See SO 000 161 for a listing of related documents.) (SBE)