Although American cities have changed and, many feel, declined, they remain important resources for educating. The life and architecture of the cities hold lessons for students from grade school to college. Using the city at hand, the teacher can help to create a new breed of informed, active urban citizens. (KH)

Describes cities as sovereign territorial systems engaging in political struggles with other sovereignties such as states, dominating their physical environment, and exercising jurisdiction over people and institutions within their boundaries. Calls for a more comprehensive history of the city and its residents. (CJS)