Historical antecedents of modern constitutionalism are examined, and the concepts of citizen participation, civic responsibility, and limitation of government are explained in that context. Students must be exposed to the constitutional basics--why the document is retained, what values it incorporates, and where it has succeeded and failed. (PP)

Service learning in civic education combines in-school learning and out-of-school work to enhance democratic education and assist the community. This paper examines the evolution of service learning through several decades of scholarship in the genre of civic education, citing examples of past notable projects that have linked academic study with…

This textbook is third in a series of readers portraying people who have served their community. This volume examines some of the things which are civic in nature and about which every intelligent citizen should have some knowledge. It is not intended that a detailed study be made of the various topics. The principal object in view is to have the…

Examines the life of James Madison, Founding Father and "theoretic statesman." Focuses specifically on Madison's education and character, his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and his civic legacy: a selfless devotion to republican government and union. (JDH)

Discusses the transition to democratic government in the Republic of Latvia and the role of civic education in that process. Describes Latvia's history and demography, the Latvian constitution and government structure, the process of democratization, and the role of civic education organizations like the Democracy Advancement Center. (DSK)

Presents an overview of civic education for democracy in Poland. Focuses on the largest, most comprehensive project, Education for Democratic Citizenship in Poland (EDCP). Discusses the context of civic education, project origins and goals, international partnerships, project funding, project-developed curricula, teacher-education activities, and…

Explores topics related to civic education for democracy in post-communist Hungary. Includes discussions of the context and history of civic education in Hungary, challenges to the emergence of democratic civic education and principal approaches to it, and the roles of international civic education partners in this process. (DSK)

In April, 1919, at the request of the Board of Education of Memphis, Tennessee, the United States Commissioner of Education submitted the conditions on which the Bureau of Education would make a survey of the public school system of that city. This study of the Memphis schools is intended to be a study of policies and practices; not of persons.…

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is a fundamental document in the development of the United States. It is outranked in importance only by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The immediate purpose of the Northwest Ordinance was to provide government for the largely unsettled lands north and west of the Ohio River. In promising…

The traditional Chinese language held no term corresponding to the western idea of democracy. In the Confucian tradition the emphasis was entirely on people's obligations to society and the country, not on rights. The idea of democracy was brought to China early in the 20th century. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of Chinese "bourgeois…

For good citizenship men and women must not only have good will but an abiding interest in the welfare of the community. They must also have a working knowledge of social agencies, good judgment as to methods of social activities, and a more or less comprehensive understanding of fundamental principles of social life and progress. Much can be done…

Reports on the story of Daniel Shays' sale of a sword given to him by General Lafayette. The story was used by Shays' contemporaries as a means of attacking the rebellion. Notes that while Shay died a poor and homeless man, we remember and honor him for devotion to principle and the responsibility he showed toward his neighbors. (JDH)

Reviews the political history surrounding the development of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Includes a shortened and simplified version of the major articles of the Ordinance. Identifies three instructional resources for teaching about the Northwest Ordinance in secondary schools. (JDH)

Assesses the role played by revisionists in development of the social studies curriculum and reviews a movement in which revisionists consistently attempted to promote citizenship education through the problems of democracy course offered in high schools throughout the United States from 1916 to 1970. (Author/DB)

Takes issue with an essay by Lewis Lapham that criticizes the literacy and historical knowledge of school children and suggests that democracy depends on an informed and literate citizenry. Gives historical context to the idea of an informed citizenry by looking at public involvement and response to the Lincoln-Douglas debates. (TB)