This bibliography focuses on the origins and development of the United States Constitution. This single bibliography is organized into two versions: (1) The Abbreviated Bibliography provides a long catalog of some major sources for a basic understanding of the events and ideas of the writing and ratification of the Constitution; and (2) the…

James Madison's thoughts on various interpretations of the Constitution maintain that public opinion is the ultimate method of legitimizing the document. The Constitution must prevail against mere public opinion, but public opinion may be used to establish the meaning of the Constitution when conflicting interpretations exist. The public good and…

Courses on the Constitution must focus on the principles of government. Those principles and how the understanding of those principles shaped the document are appropriate subjects for consideration. The best sources for an examination of the Constitution are "The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787" and "The Federalist."…

This article examines the history and thinking of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in order to explain the formation of the ideas which allow the U.S. Constitution to provide for an effective government without sacrificing vital individual liberties. (JDH)

In four historic cases, the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court were faced with a broad range of disputes--some major, some seemingly minor--but with one overriding issue: Who shall interpret the Constitution? The President? The Congress? The States? The U.S. Supreme Court emerged as the law's final arbiter. (RM)

Presented is the history of the Scottsboro case, in which eight Black men were found guilty and sentenced to death for raping two White women in Alabama. At the heart of the Scottsboro trials was the issue of whether the U.S. Constitution established standards of justice in state criminal trials. (RM)

Designed to assist elementary school teachers, these materials present a series of lessons about the United States Constitution. Ten lesson plans and appropriate work sheets are included for grades K-3. The topics covered include the age of the Constitution, a constitutional convention, elected representatives, majority rule, voting, law making,…

Written by classroom teachers from around the country, this compilation of 28 lesson plans on the U.S. Constitution and related topics is adaptable to many grade levels. Lesson titles include "Exercise Your Constitution: Constitutional Olympics for the Classroom"; "ERA for Children"; "It's in Your Pocket" (minting of…

The contributions that George Washington and James Madison made to the creation of the United States Constitution are discussed. As host of the Mount Vernon Conference and president of the Philadelphia Convention, Washington brought to the growing movement for a new constitution great dignity and political stature. Washington's stamp of approval…

One of the basic principles of the Constitution--the separation of powers--and its contribution to the preservation and perpetuation of individual liberty is discussed. To renew public appreciation of the Constitution, our fundamental law and the philosophical foundation of our political order, is the most fitting bicentennial celebration U.S.…

An analysis of the Supreme Court's First Amendment decisions under Chief Justice Warren Burger does not indicate any pattern of repudiation of doctrinal advances made by earlier courts. Like its predecessors, the Burger Court has dealt most frequently with First Amendment cases requiring definition and interpretation of government abridgement. In…

In a speech given to judges, public officials, law teachers, lawyers, and students at the East China Institute of Politics and Law, Shanghai, the author discusses the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution made possible energetic government by majority rule, while also securing individual rights in their appropriate sphere. Not only does the…

Discusses interpretations of the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Outlines how Supreme Court decisions involving separation of church and state have been based on misinterpretations both of the First Amendment and of the intentions of its framers. (MD)

Analyzes how Black women fought for and won basic citizenship rights in the United States. Cites examples which show how the struggle of Black women helped to transform the U.S. Constitution. (Author/BSR)

This article traces the progress of U.S. political thought and economic development over the last two centuries. Although the psychological realism of the Founders predicted much, and has served the nation well, modern needs surpass those of a small and distant national government. (PS)