In May 2005, university administrators were rudely awakened from their civic slumbers by a "notice of implementation" from the U.S. Department of Education. With little advance comment from the academy, Congress had passed and the President had signed into law a requirement that "each educational institution that receives Federal…

Two high school students recommend a civics study program which would include (1) a required course on governmental structure, responsibilities, and the U.S. Constitution, and (2) elective courses on crime, juvenile delinquency, state and local government, and history of constitutional law. (AV)

Presents an activity designed to show the sources of power under our federal and state systems of government. Provides a visual demonstration of how power is divided, promotes study of the U.S. and state constitutions, and highlights the role of citizens in making democracy work. (JDH)

One of a series of modules designed to help people in Oklahoma become more self-sufficient in their personal and professional lives, this document is designed to introduce students to the function of various levels of U.S. government, symbols considered to have particular relevance to U.S. citizens, and how adults can make a difference as…

Promoting change in civic education means rethinking what are the important aspects to teach about the Constitution, law, and democracy to equip students to be effective and affective citizens. The scope of instruction needs to broaden to include specific comparisons between the U.S. federal system of law and constitutionalism with counterparts in…

This paper describes the activities of the Youth for Justice programs nationwide. Youth for Justice is a unique national initiative that uses the power of active learning about the law to build upon the vitality of young people and to address the risks of being young in American society today. Youth for Justice involves young people in law-related…

During the first year of its three-year existence, the Bicentennial Commission began to fulfill its mission, as defined by its chairman, to provide "a history and civics lesson for all of us." The Commission has decided to focus primarily on the educational potentialities of commemoration and to foster a firm understanding and…

This teacher's guide complements the student text's presentation of lesson plans on the subject of illegal drug use. The booklet begins with an explanation of the benefits of law-related education (LRE) for democratic education. The guide then outlines suggestions for handling controversy; directing discussion; organizing cooperative and small…

The "Focus on Government" video series consist of four parts: (1) "Congress and the Legislative Branch"; (2) "The Presidency and the Executive Branch"; (3) "The Supreme Court and the Constitution"; and (4) "The Media and Public Policy." Each of these parts is approximately twelve minutes long and…

The report examines law-related education materials and programs in the United States and evaluates roles played by various agencies and institutions in law-related education. The document consists of an introductory summary and six subsequent chapters. Chapter I defines the purpose of the Study Group on Law-Related Education as summarizing the…

Presents a concise overview of the responsibilities, membership, structure, and requirements of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Created in 1974, the FEC oversees the financial activities of candidates and political parties. Discusses corporate and union political action committees (PACs) as well as contribution limits and prohibitions. (MJP)

Presents a concise overview of the complicated web of laws and regulations governing the financing of federal political campaigns. Discusses related issues such as "soft money," and the conflict between restrictive campaign regulations and free speech. Notes that regulation of state elections remains with the states. (MJP)