The proper role and function of the Supreme Court in the United States' system of government has been a matter of great controversy in recent years. "The Federalist Papers," specifically the documents written by "Publius," have much insight to contribute to this debate. In "Federalist #78," Publius makes the case for…

Explores the issue of balancing liberty and order within the United States. Discusses the role of the Bill of Rights, focusing on the amendments in the document and the later amendments that ensure the liberty of U.S. citizens. Explains how order and liberty are ensured and includes discussion questions. (CMK)

Noting that the Supreme Court in 1997 considered the question of whether the Internet would be regulated by the government as broadcasting or whether it would remain as free as newspapers, this paper examines the difficulty involved in applying old law to new technology. It also notes that while journalism education generally has accepted…

The document describes the establishment, development, procedures, and some landmark cases of the U.S. Supreme Court. The objective is to explore the history of the court and to explain its role in the American system of government. The booklet is presented in four chapters. The first chapter, entitled "A Heritage of Law," offers…

Reviews facts and statistics regarding the use of emergency powers by the South African government. Details the effects of restrictions on constitutional rights and reveals that two-thirds of all killings which occurred during the state of emergency were done by security forces. (JDH)

Designed for students in grades 7-12, this social studies infusion unit examines individual rights and responsibilities in the context of the American criminal justice system and explores the balance between individual and group rights achieved at various levels of government. An introductory chapter establishes how crime control is…

Designed for teachers of students in grades 7-12, this social studies infusion unit examines individual rights and responsibilities in the context of the American criminal justice system and explores the balance between individual and group rights achieved at various levels of American government. An introductory chapter outlines the program and…

Traces recent developments in federal/state relations including the shift in federal aid from places to people. Examines the change in federal influence from grants to regulations. Concludes with a discussion of the differences between Congressional and White House attempts to trim the federal budget. (MJP)

Maintains that intergovernmental relations are dynamic because local, state, and federal governments constantly respond to changing expectations. This interdependent relationship requires the various governments to modify their pursuit of special interests through daily bargaining. This process affects every aspect of government. (MJP)

Encapsulates several brief articles providing perspectives from the states, the 104th Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. Issues covered include the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and the White House attempts to reduce the federal workforce. Authors include Hank Brown, Rita G. Koman, James L. Martin, and Joseph R. Marbach. (MJP)

This social studies unit considers the nature and sources of the individual rights of American citizenship as well as the complexity of the federal system as it operates on the liberties of the individual and relates to state government. The unit is structured chronologically to indicate that the history of liberty is largely the history of legal…

Remarks on experiences as a participant at a conference on constitution-writing that linked Czech and Slovak constitution writers with U.S. lawyers. Argues cultural traditions must be respected when advising how to write constitutions. Examines challenges facing Czech and Slovak constitution writers, including structuring the government; the…

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that examines the effects of Supreme Court decisions on state/federal relations using the issue of school safety. Student handouts discuss the constitutionality of the Gun Free School Zones Act as it relates to a specific criminal case. Activities include several structured discussions. (MJP)

Encapsulates a series of brief essays exploring different aspects of modern federalism. Issues include further protection of individual rights extended through state constitutions and federalism and the world economy. Authors include Robert F. Williams, Earl H. Fry, and Daniel J. Elazar. (MJP)