Reproduced along with background information and teaching activities are the first three pages from Kennedy's speech to the nation which led to federal enforcement of James Meridith's attempt to enroll in the University of Mississippi. (JDH)

Since its founding more than 200 years ago, America has stood for the promise, if not always the practice, of freedom. On its best days, America is a nation committed to the revolutionary proposition that more freedom, not less, is the key to a vibrant, equitable, and secure democracy. However, the results of a recent national study, "The…

Reviews the recent history of the Fifth Amendment focusing primarily on its use by government officials during the Iran-Contra hearings and by teachers during the McCarthy era hearings. Concludes that social studies teachers must encourage discussion of the political and philosophical issues contained in the Iran-Contra hearings. (JDH)

In some ways America's response to the murderous surprise attacks of September 11, 200l, resembled that of previous wars. The nation was mobilized and its military directed to hit back as soon as possible. Unlike past wars, however, the enemy proved to be a shadowy terrorist organization with a religious identity, a long-term strategy, and no…

Designed for Grades 3-5, this lesson plan aims to let the students learn how the Constitution of the United States provided the framework for the country's democratic form of government. Students will learn how the Constitution provided for representation within the government. A short story about the Boston Tea Party gives the background related…

In this learning activity senior high social studies students examine and discuss specific parts of the Soviet Constitution and learn that there is often a big difference between theory and reality. (RM)

Techniques are presented which explore a single dimension of the subject under consideration as no technique, in and of itself, provides for a comprehensive analysis of the constitution. Approaches are presented which can be most effectively utilized by the teacher. (JB)

This article discusses the constitutional amendment process. Although the process is not described in great detail, Article V of the United States Constitution allows for and provides instruction on amending the Constitution. While the amendment process currently consists of six steps, the Constitution is nevertheless quite difficult to change.…

Discusses assumptions underlying human need for privacy. Provides case studies and teaching strategies related to privacy, constitutional principles, legal cases, and decision making. Strategies include role playing, class discussion, writing, and art projects. (KC)

Images of heretics burning at the stake or of traitors being drawn, hanged, and quartered for disloyalty to the king seem well removed from twenty-first century America. Yet the laws that defined these offenses--which included heresy and blasphemy, sedition and treason--were at the heart of some of the most significant debates defining the shape…

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier, where the Court heard arguments on whether a school-sponsored student publication is protected under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes related cases, teaching procedures, and selected resources. (JDH)

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier. Offers quotes from the majority and minority opinions. (JDH)

Interprets the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) censorship case. Contends that, because classrooms are places where ideas and expressions are presented to be studied and challenged, special limitations on the free speech rights of students are misplaced. Advocates a differentiated standard for free speech in schools, a standard that is fully…

We often hear that democracy is not a spectator sport. This is certainly true of trial by jury, a cornerstone of our democracy, which depends on the willingness of Americans from all walks of life to devote themselves to the difficult work of determining another person's guilt or innocence of a crime. But the work of those citizens selected to…

Describes the striking dichotomy of South Africa's beauty and the squalor resulting from the apartheid policies of the government. Reviews reactions of black South Africans to recent constitutional changes and details efforts to secure more sweeping reform. Includes stories of several individuals who have taken actions which oppose the system of…