This article discusses the constitutional amendment process. Although the process is not described in great detail, Article V of the United States Constitution allows for and provides instruction on amending the Constitution. While the amendment process currently consists of six steps, the Constitution is nevertheless quite difficult to change.…

This ERIC Digest examines (1) treatment of the U.S. Constitution in the curriculum of secondary schools, (2) public opinion and knowledge about the Constitution, and (3) guidelines for improvement of education on the Constitution. Although included in nearly every secondary school curriculum, education on the U.S. Constitution has suffered from…

The study guide, intended for adults wishing to obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate in Illinois, discusses the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and rules for displaying the U.S. flag. The objective is to aid adults in passing the constitution component of the GED examination.…

Argues that teaching about the United States Constitution can stimulate thinking about key political issues and citizenship values. Offers a list of constitutional issues and questions which students and teachers should address. Concludes that continued study and discussion are essential to the preservation of the ideals contained in the…

Argues that bicentennial celebrations of the U.S. Constitution should be focused on struggles throughout the life of the document rather than the "miracle" of its birth. Illustrates this point by reference to changes in the voting rights and citizenship of black citizens. (BSR)

Assesses Congress's role and development. Concludes that the Constitution's framers designed institutions well-matched to the Constitution's most fundamental purposes. If those purposes remain desirable, changes should be kept marginal. Some marginal changes are suggested. (PS)

Explains the relationship between politics, economics, and religion through the philosophies of Smith, Hobbes, and Locke. Maintains that the unamended Constitution is a reconciliation of politics, religion, and economics. Defends this claim by examining property rights and the Constitution's regard to means in pursuance of freedom and justice.…

Although it was not directly named in the U.S. Constitution, federalism is a central principle of U.S. government. It is important for students to learn about federalism to comprehend the U.S. federal system and recognize examples of federalism in other countries. Teaching and learning about federalism is essential to education for citizenship in…

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson guided a piece of foreign diplomacy through the U.S. Senate, the purchase of Louisiana territory from France. Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, who possessed frontiersman skills to explore the territory. Lewis, in turn, solicited the help of William Clark, whose abilities as a draftsman…

Discusses censorship, the Internet, and school librarians. Topics include the Communications Decency Act; the American Library Association's stand against censorship; the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; free flow of information versus responsible usage; the Internet's lack of government control; and school librarians as protectors of…

Discusses the issues addressed in the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court term, such as the First, Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, cruel and unusual punishment, sex offender registries, fair housing, cross burning, jury selection, affirmative action, abortion protests, and copyrights and the public domain. (CMK)

Presents an annotated bibliography of resources for students, teachers, and school library media specialists related to the topic, "Youth, Rights, and the Constitution," found in this issue of "Insights on Law and Society." Includes books and primary sources for students. (CMK)

Focuses on the issue of redistricting in the United States with the release of the 2000 census. Discusses the redistricting principles that states must follow: (1) population equality specifically for the congressional and legislative districts; (2) the Voting Rights Act with a focus on Sections 5 and 2; and (3) racial gerrymandering. (CMK)

Considers how the Bill of Rights originated and has evolved. Reviews the political views of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison and the nature of their support for the Bill of Rights. Explains nineteenth-century classical liberalism and its revolutionary view that political power inhered in the individual rather than in property ownership. (CH)

Offers seven reflections on the First Amendment and related issues by attorneys, a professor, project directors, and a university president. Highlights an activity where pairs of students prepare either a pro or con argument for each of the seven excerpts and then participate in a debate. (CMK)