This curriculum project was designed to familiarize high school students with their own constitutional roots while gaining a better understanding of governmental systems developed by other nations. The project uses the U.S. Constitution as a baseline for analyzing the constitutions of other nations, and is intended to supplement courses in such…

The 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights' ratification will be celebrated in 1991. This document discusses the various ways the Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution has planned to celebrate this historic anniversary. Four sections are featured: (1) introduction; (2) programs and plans for 1990 and 1991; (3) how you can get…

Testimony concerning the Supreme Court decisions in the case of Grove City College v. Bell (1984) is presented in this document. The Courts ruling that Federal aid to a student constitutes funding only of the college's student air program, nor the entire institution, reflected the more persuasive reading of the Title IX Education Amendments,…

This special issue commemorates the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution by featuring high school students' interviews with prominent East Texas judges, political leaders, educators, clergy, businessmen, and a student. Those interviewed include: (1) William W. Justice, Chief Federal District Judge for East Texas; (2) Price Daniel, Governor of…

Law-related education (LRE) seeks to improve the citizenship skills and attitudes of young people by providing them with an understanding of law, the legal process, and the legal and political systems. This brochure describes five national law-related education projects supported by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the…

The purpose of this booklet is to clarify what can be taught about religion in public schools while remaining within constitutional guidelines and using teaching material that is pedagogically sound. The first section, "Religion is a Fact of Life," covers the historical background, the current situation, and issues to resolve in teaching about…

The purpose of Law Day is to call the citizenry's attention to the principles and practices of U.S. law and justice. Activities held by community groups and schools to celebrate Law Day include mock trials, debates, essay and poster contests, and films. This guide was developed to assist community groups or classes to participate in the observance…

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)

Provides a lesson intended to stimulate students' interest in the concept of justice and to focus attention on how the U.S. Constitution protects and promotes justice. (JDH)

Offers an eight-day unit on search and seizure for high school students. Includes condensed versions of famous court decisions, teaching materials, and day-by-day teaching procedures. (JDH)

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)

This article chronicles the history of judicial review, tracing it back to the early 17th century in England. Also included are sections on recent Supreme Court cases, and the colonial experience with judicial review. (JDH)

Debates over the separation or accommodation of religion and government have divided the United States since its founding. This collection of over 70 primary documents represents the ideas and issues on the interpretation of the United States Constitution's First Amendment clauses pertaining to establishment and free exercise of religion. The…

This document addresses violence as one of the key challenges facing the democratic and pluralistic republic under the framework of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Primary focus is on criminal violence and the factors and behaviors that contribute to violent crime. The text is organized into three chapters: (1) "The Problem of…

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)