Many studies of the United States voting have sought to explain why voter participation is declining. Recent research by Michael P. McDonald suggests that the much lamented "decline in voter participation" is an artifact of the way in which turnout rates have been measured. McDonald is an assistant professor of government and politics in…

In this article, the authors build upon the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in U.S. history and in current demographic studies, using examples from co-author Herschel Sarnoff's classroom in the Watts section of Los Angeles. They discuss theoretical and conceptual approaches that support student learning with GIS and provide resources…

Contends that the growing political and emotional split between the United States and Japan, the Pacific's two most powerful nations, may sever the unity of the Pacific Rim. Presents statistics, such as literacy and population growth rates, as well as economic data for thirteen Pacific Rim nations. (GEA)

Traces the development of the idea of refugees as distinct from other immigrants. Elaborates on the evolution of a definition of "refugee;" the impact of World War I, World War II, and subsequent population movements; codification of refugee rights by the United Nations; and the process of seeking asylum. (DSK)

Provides tabular information on demographic, social, and economic characteristics of people of Spanish background in the United States. Information is based on advance data from the March 1977 Current Population Survey. (DB)

Addresses the issue of heavy immigration to the United States from Latin America and Asia in the past two decades. Includes demographic data and an analysis of changing patterns of diversity. Poses challenges for educators related to institutional responses, overcoming stereotypes, and goals of assimilation versus acculturation. (DSK)

Today, the Census Bureau compiles extensive information every year about the people and the economy of the United States. That is how the authors know that in 2006 the United States is going to reach an extraordinary milestone--300 million people. In this article, the authors discuss the "now and then" of the U.S. society. The authors…

Comments on the importance of the census to the constitutional process. Stresses the census' origin and the importance of the 1990 Census. Remarks on the involvement of the National Council for the Social Studies' (NCSS) efforts to increase educators awareness of the 1990 Census. (LS)

Provides an inquiry lesson on aging for the intermediate grades. The goals of the lesson are to provide accurate information about the elderly, to enable children to assess their perceptions of the aging process, and to expose children to an unbiased look at the attributes, behaviors, and characteristics of the elderly. (JDH)

Examines the importance of the census to the management of a democratic government. States that the census has historically served as a means for apportioning representatives among the states and preventing corruption in political representation. Provides suggestions for teaching about the census in government classes. (LS)

Addresses the results of the 2000 U.S. Census, focusing on data that examines population by race. Includes two tables related to population: (1) "Resident Population of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; and (2) "Apportionment Population and Number of Representatives, by State." (CMK)

Reviews how census data are used every day to make decisions in businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. Identifies key tools used in demographic analysis, suggesting applications of demographic data at a local level. Concludes with ideas for student activities, including guidelines for creating a community profile. (LS)

Asserts that the participation of citizens in the U.S. Census is vital because the quality of the census is increased and in turn allows for the accurate depiction of U.S. society and allocation of resources. Believes that service learning enables students to learn about and participate in the U.S. Census. (CMK)

Suggests ways census data in the "Statistical Abstract of the United States" may be used to develop thinking skills in economics. Presents a lesson in which students collect data on different types of work done by a small group of workers. Emphasizes the process of classifying workers in order to provide experience with this reasoning…