Four articles expressing the views of nine prominent United States citizens about the Constitution provide a context for reflecting on the meaning of the Constitution in present-day America. In "Why Has the Constitution Endured So Long?" Don Edwards, chairman of the House Civil and Constitutional Rights Subcommittee, discusses why the…

Presents a learning activity in which students compare their state constitution's bill of rights with the federal Bill of Rights. Provides a chart for identifying comparisons of enumerated rights. Includes background information and explains objectives and procedures. (CH)

This booklet is part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. The unit presented here explores questions about when people should challenge authority through a study of the Civil War and slavery. The booklet is divided into six sections. The first and last are an introduction and review…

This kit, the second of four learning circles on civics and citizenship, explores Australia's federal system of government and the three spheres of government. Introductory materials include lists of 53 print resources, 47 Internet sites, and 7 videos and CDs; and a glossary. Session guides are provided for six sessions: The Three Spheres of…

Contends that, although civil liberties are part of the higher education and secondary curriculum, the development of constitutional liberty by state supreme courts and state constitutions is almost totally ignored. Reviews 11 college-level textbooks and analyzes their treatment of civil liberties related to state laws and courts. (CFR)

Urges returning to the original federalist debates to understand contemporary federalism. Reviews "The Federalist Papers," how federalism has evolved, and the centralization of the national government through acts of Congress and Supreme Court decisions. Recommends teaching about federalism as part of teaching about U.S. government…