A law school course about the Constitution's history and theory in the era of its framers is described. The course explores their learning, ideas, and vision and examines the document's intellectual background, writing and ratification processes, major issues and alternatives confronted, and ideas about its function as a form of government. (MSE)

Designed to assist elementary school teachers, these materials present a series of lessons about the United States Constitution. Ten lesson plans and appropriate work sheets are included for grades K-3. The topics covered include the age of the Constitution, a constitutional convention, elected representatives, majority rule, voting, law making,…

Written by classroom teachers from around the country, this compilation of 28 lesson plans on the U.S. Constitution and related topics is adaptable to many grade levels. Lesson titles include "Exercise Your Constitution: Constitutional Olympics for the Classroom"; "ERA for Children"; "It's in Your Pocket" (minting of…

The contributions that George Washington and James Madison made to the creation of the United States Constitution are discussed. As host of the Mount Vernon Conference and president of the Philadelphia Convention, Washington brought to the growing movement for a new constitution great dignity and political stature. Washington's stamp of approval…

One of the basic principles of the Constitution--the separation of powers--and its contribution to the preservation and perpetuation of individual liberty is discussed. To renew public appreciation of the Constitution, our fundamental law and the philosophical foundation of our political order, is the most fitting bicentennial celebration U.S.…

In a speech given to judges, public officials, law teachers, lawyers, and students at the East China Institute of Politics and Law, Shanghai, the author discusses the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution made possible energetic government by majority rule, while also securing individual rights in their appropriate sphere. Not only does the…

Discusses interpretations of the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Outlines how Supreme Court decisions involving separation of church and state have been based on misinterpretations both of the First Amendment and of the intentions of its framers. (MD)

Examines the ideas of justice, equality, and property as they are represented in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Discusses how these ideas affect the way public schools operate and the lessons educators teach or don't teach about our society. Includes ideas for classroom activities. (JDH)

Analyzes how Black women fought for and won basic citizenship rights in the United States. Cites examples which show how the struggle of Black women helped to transform the U.S. Constitution. (Author/BSR)

This article traces the progress of U.S. political thought and economic development over the last two centuries. Although the psychological realism of the Founders predicted much, and has served the nation well, modern needs surpass those of a small and distant national government. (PS)

Presents a game which has students interpret Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution to understand the allocation of powers among the 3 branches of government. The game helps students understand the interaction between the 3 branches of government, stressing the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. (JDH)

Offers a lesson plan for teaching fifth graders about the concept of a constitution as a contract between the government and the people. The lesson begins with direct instruction on the concept of contracts and then has students look at the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. (JDH)

Describes a lesson which has students examine the limits of judicial power when executive branch decisions violate constitutional guarantees. The lesson is based on a hypothetical case involving living conditions in a run-down jail. (JDH)

This paper explains how upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger are expected to broadly affect the future of race-conscious affirmative action. In these cases, the Supreme Court addresses the constitutionality of admissions policies at the University of Michigan designed to promote educational diversity…

This digest highlights the Constitutional and statutory foundations of the United States Supreme Court, discusses the changing role of the Supreme Court, and recommends online resources helpful in teaching and learning about the United States Supreme Court. The digest addresses general concerns of delegates at the Constitutional Convention,…