Political participation is seriously unequal. For example, young adults who finish college vote at almost three times the rate of contemporaries who have dropped out of high school. That gap translates into disparities by race and class. Effective civic education can reduce such inequality and make our democracy more representative. Teaching…

In November of 2001, less than two months after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Nebraska's state board of education approved a patriotism bill specifying content for the high school social studies curriculum in accordance with the state's 1949 statute--the Nebraska Americanism law. Nebraska was not alone. Within a few months, more…

To help high school students understand their political world, particularly in an election year, the article describes a teaching approach based on a comparison of political terminology to the transmission shift on an automobile. (DB)

A German version of the Sesame Street television program which integrates social and political education is described. (DE)

Techniques for teaching elementary students about relationships between people and governments are explored. (DE)

Participation in decision making, role playing, inquiry into community current events, and study of law and order in urban units facilitate learning concepts of law, order, conflict, and dissent. (VW)

Points out ways in which concepts from the discipline of political science can be useful in teaching American government and history. Emphasis is placed on helping students understand basic political action choices and decision-making strategies through group work in the social studies classroom. (DB)

Advocates utilizing an issues-centered approach to teaching controversial political issues in social studies classrooms. Recommends augmenting this approach with the development of a democratic classroom where student views are encouraged and considered. Identifies useful techniques for this approach, including debates, simulations, discussions,…