A comparative study of constitutions and governments in world history is a key to deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution. While many countries have constitutions, the United States is among a minority of nations in today's world that has a constitutional government. Many nations' constitutions truly guarantee few protections of individual…

The document describes the establishment, development, procedures, and some landmark cases of the U.S. Supreme Court. The objective is to explore the history of the court and to explain its role in the American system of government. The booklet is presented in four chapters. The first chapter, entitled "A Heritage of Law," offers…

Traces the development of the judicial branch and arguments of Anti-Federalists and Federalists about the Supreme Court's proper sphere and role. Maintains that the Court possesses force, will, and consistent political support. Contends the public evinces more faith in this branch than the other two. (TRS)

By studying constitutional law, students learn about the relationship between democratic theory and practice, one of the main concerns of liberal education. The mind is enlarged when it must apply ethical standards and political ideas to real human problems. How a political science professor teaches constitutional law is discussed. (RM)

In 1877, Standing Bear and his people, the Ponca (Indians), were forcibly removed from their land in northern Nebraska and sent to Indian Territory. Since no provision for food or shelter had been made for them, a number of the tribe, including Standing Bear's son, did not survive the harsh winter. In defiance of the relocation order, Standing…

Describes a four week simulation of the U.S. Constitutional Convention in which ninth grade students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to debate the issues of the convention. Students are assigned identities and interest areas to stimulate the writing of a class constitution which is then compared with the U.S. Constitution. (LS)

Contends that much of the controversy of contemporary U.S. politics is a replay of the constitutional drama that occurred more than 200 years ago. Maintains that the roles of James Madison and Virginia in the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution provide six lessons for teachers and students. (CFR)

Focuses on the hate speech, gun, and privacy debates that today's youth will have to address in their future. Includes articles addressing the arguments in each issue: (1) "Debating Hate Speech" (Frank Kopecky); (2) "Debating the Gun Issue" (Denise Barr); and (3) "Debating the Right to Privacy" (Pinky Wassenberg.)…

This ERIC digest presents a rationale for teaching students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens under the U.S. Constitution. Social studies teachers have a special role in shaping the lives of young citizens and influencing whether students become politically involved adults. Specific constitutional rights such as the right of a…

This issue of "this Constitution" is devoted to commemorating the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. Materials include: "A Chronology of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights in the United States" (Herman Belz); "Constitutional Power to Enforce Individual Rights: The Legacy of McCulloch v.…

This document consists of lesson plans for teaching junior high school students about the U.S. Constitution. Lessons are derived from teaching methods that instructors have found useful and appropriate for the actual condition of the ordinary classroom, and account for the characteristics and needs of the early adolescent. The document includes a…

Issued by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, this collection of instructional materials is designed to help teach about the United States Constitution. The documents include: "Plant a Living Legacy"; "Teaching Guide to Accompany United States Presidents, 1789-1989"; "Skills Handbook: 200…

Designed to provide elementary teachers with practical materials for the study of the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution, each of the 10 lessons provided in the unit includes objectives, materials, procedure, and answer keys where needed. The 10 lessons are: (1) The Bill of Rights; (2) Amending the Constitution; (3)…

A compilation of diverse lesson plans, project ideas, and resources for teaching the United States Constitution to junior high and senior high school students is presented. The document contains seven sections: (1) Teaching the Constitution: An Interdisciplinary Approach; (2) A Sampling of New Books on the Constitution; (3) Films and Videotapes;…

Targeted toward young people aged 12 through 18, this handbook contains ideas for educational activities, suggestions for special events, a brief overview of the constitutional development period in U.S. history, and an outline of the Constitution. Excerpts from a few of the secondary materials developed for the Bicentennial of the U.S.…