Given the role that initiatives and referenda have played in state and local governance, it is interesting that there has never been a national initiative or referendum in the United States. The reason for this is that the Constitution of the United States does not provide for direct citizen initiation of, or direct popular votes on, either…

Movements calling for reform in undergraduate education and the initiative for civic responsibility are traced, demonstrating that they have mutual concerns and self-interests. Though largely separate from and unknown to each other, their complementarity provides the basis for joint action. By integrating efforts to increase student involvement in…

The political, social, and cultural attitudes of former high school participants in international exchange programs are analyzed. In 1981, faculty members at Indiana University and Purdue University examined survey responses of 57 individuals who participated in the Rotary International Exchange Program between 1971 and 1980. Participants also…

Guidelines are provided for implementing the modular Voter Education, Registration, Community Action Program (VERCAP) in high schools. VERCAP was developed in 1976 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The purposes of VERCAP are to help students become informed, active citizens who can understand the mechanics of registering…

To increase economic literacy among students in grades 8-12, the guide offers activities, discussion questions, background information, and explanation of economic concepts. The document is presented in three sections. Section I examines the economic framework of the United States. Topics discussed include economic problems, making economic…

Because a 1953 Congressional resolution established the policy of terminating the special relationship between American Indians and the Federal government, a review of historical information on this relationship is in order so that recommendations can be made with respect to the termination of services, funds, and authority. Termination should…

In this speech it is pointed out that New Jersey assumes only 21 percent of the cost of education and, thus, has relatively little control over educational quality at the local level. To compensate for the wide discrepancies which, as a result, occur in schools, the state must set minimum standards of educational quality and must tax sufficiently…

This paper attempts to aid Vermont educators in re-examining traditional education practices designed to foster responsible citizenship behavior patterns in youth, and establishes basic directions for new programs and procedures. The paper outlines behavioral objectives and goals of a new citizenship program in Vermont. It is the position of this…

Public education cannot be considered an efficient alternative to industrial pollution abatement. The public education alternative stresses that an informed non-industrial public will, out of civic responsibility, bring about sufficient social pressure on the industrial sector to end pollution. However, evidence suggests that the mere presence of…

The "Fairness Doctrine" of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that broadcasters allow ample time for presentation of differing opinions on controversial issues. The Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ acted as a consultant to citizen groups (when requested to do so) in more than 30 communities who…

THIS RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED TO PRODUCE A QUESTIONNAIRE THAT WOULD BE USEFUL FOR EXAMINING THE DEGREE TO WHICH PRESENT DAY COLLEGE ATTENDANCE FACILITATES THE DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE ORIENTATIONS LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE FUTURE GOOD CITIZENSHIP. A SECOND PURPOSE WAS TO BROADEN THE DOMAIN OF VALUES GENERALLY STUDIED BY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS TO INCLUDE THE…

Secretary of Education William Bennett proposes that gimmicky federal programs are not the key to boosting American economic competitiveness, but rather that developing in American schoolchildren the qualities of honesty, responsibility, and regard for others' rights will help Americans compete in world markets. (MSE)

This report explores questions about roles for citizens and governments in a good society by examining six Canadian experiences with civic engagement. Each case study involves different sectors of society, key players, goals, processes, and outcomes; touches on long-standing policy issues in Canada; and details how players have come together or…

California State Standard 7.1 is delineated in the following manner: "Students analyze the causes and effects of the vast expansion and ultimate disintegration of the Roman Empire." One important legacy of ancient Rome is the foundation it set for the development of modern democracies. The Roman Stoics built upon the Greek Stoic model by…

This guide is a learning tool to help indigenous people use the Internet to become self-directed learners, join with other self-directed learners to build learning communities, and train others to become self-directed learners. After presenting basic information on how to get online, the guide is organized around four successive levels of…