This lesson for grade 12 is designed to increase student awareness of the debate surrounding flag burning, the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit flag burning, and the constitutional issues involved, specifically the First Amendment. Students play the role of staff members for a U.S. Senator. They research the issue and prepare both pro…

Based on a 1993 survey of 1,351 high school students from across the United States, this report demonstrates that students in high school civics, government, and U.S. history classes display more "political tolerance" than the average citizen. The study also establishes that students in classes using all or part of the Center for Civic…

Traces the application of the constitutional protection from "unreasonable searches and seizures" as it has evolved in response to public attitudes and changes in technology. Includes a synopsis of relevant cases and two lesson plans. The cases concern a police search through trash bags and drug testing for athletes. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to analyze the goals and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Instructional materials include handouts describing three criminal situations involving teenagers and copies of an article on the juvenile justice system. Activities include small group discussions followed by a class discussion.…

Asserts that American revolutionaries so revered the rule of law that they relied on it to help rule their slaves. Maintains that Thomas Jefferson was no exception to this dilemma of justifying slavery while upholding liberty. Describes slavery at Jefferson's plantation, Monticello, within a legal and social structure. (CFR)

Presents a lesson tracing the legal evolution toward greater justice in U.S. society from 1865-1965 through congressional acts and Supreme Court decisions. Includes student handouts of major civil rights cases, legislation, and background information. Provides a bar graph for evaluating Supreme Court decisions and congressional acts that advance…

Advocates teaching constitutional history and principles to middle school students in accordance with the 1988 California History-Social Science Framework. Reports findings of a survey of 118 California middle school and high school teachers that revealed a need for improved teacher knowledge about the U.S. Constitution. Recommends steps to ensure…

Describes the development and structure of the German constitution, known as The Basic Law. Discusses recent changes, particularly in areas of family law and women's rights. Contends that the German parliament is considering expanding provisions related to human rights. (CFR)

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)

Examines the controversies and consequences involved in drawing proper districts for federal and state representatives. Discusses the Supreme Court's role in deciding these questions. Provides definitions and related court cases concerning gerrymandering and malapportionment, the two most common abuses of the districting process. (MJP)

This serial issue concerns itself with several conflicts between individual rights and allegedly wrongful acts that the Supreme Court has not considered previously. The articles on these topics illuminate the constitutional issues of equal protection, due process, and freedom of expression. Specific issues addressed include: (1) equal educational…

This guide is to help lawyers and law students work with young students and classroom teachers to integrate lessons on the Bill of Rights into the regular classroom program. Suggestions are given on adapting the lessons for learning disabled, hearing impaired, and gifted students. Lesson plans contain objectives, key concepts and vocabulary, notes…

This teacher's guide was designed to accompany six 30-minute video programs on the fundamental constitutional principles that form this nation's foundation. Each lesson in the guide contains an introduction to the main ideas of the program, a program summary, and suggested activities to carry out before and after the program. The topics emphasized…

Intended to educate youth and parents about the rights and responsibilities of youth in society, this manual outlines the prevailing rules as well as U.S. and Illinois laws applying to youth. Separated into four categories, the manual explores the relationship of youth to society, youth to family, social controls on youth, and the rights and…

Designed to help make the Bill of Rights a living document, the student text (user's guide) describes the history of each right in the Bill of Rights and explains how the Supreme Court has interpreted those rights throughout history. The units trace the history of the Bill of Rights, describe and analyze the first ten amendments, and explain the…