Examines the ideas of justice, equality, and property as they are represented in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Discusses how these ideas affect the way public schools operate and the lessons educators teach or don't teach about our society. Includes ideas for classroom activities. (JDH)

The relation between the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the provisions of the Bill of Rights or the first 10 Constitutional amendments is discussed. (RM)

The relationship between the history of racism and the denial of equal participation for Blacks today is discussed. The implications of the Bakke decision for the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions criteria are examined. It is shown that the government is constitutionally both permitted and required to take affirmative action. (MC)

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)

This monograph briefly examines justice in the United States as it has evolved historically in four areas: (1) the right to vote; (2) the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press; (3) the rights of persons accused of crimes; and (4) the right to equal protection under the law. Each area is analyzed. Historical background information…

Examines the Supreme Court's historical treatment of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment to better understand the meaning of the Constitution's founding. That the Constitution does not offer an absolute protection is supported by analyzing a broad outline of the Constitution and several court cases involving due process. (TRS)

Presents the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Provides teaching suggestions, a review quiz, and includes the five points of the Miranda Warning. (CFR)

This document contains 24 teacher authored lessons focusing on citizenship and citizenship education. The book is organized by grade level with elementary lessons at the beginning and high school lessons at the end, although several lessons can be adapted to all levels. Each lesson begins with an abstract that gives an overview of the lesson. In…

Presenting U.S. history teachers with a set of 26 lessons, this book is designed to help educators teach about the Bill of Rights and to assist students in understanding important events and concepts related to the Bill of Rights. The book begins with the fundamental concepts of government, law, and historical roots of the Bill of Rights and…

Reviews constitutional principles and case law in three areas of U.S. society where black Americans have made efforts to effect change. Specific changes are for fairness in education, the abolition of capital punishment, and the prohibition of discrimination against the poor. (JDH)

Introduces a lesson designed to help students understand the role that each branch of the federal government can take in redressing the impact of past discrimination while protecting the rights of individuals whose opportunities may be limited by an affirmative action program. The lesson is based on a case study and includes student handouts. (JDH)

Examines the origins of the U. S. Bill of Rights and constitutional guarantees, focusing on trial rights, tracing them to English antecedents and the colonial period. Explains changes in understanding and the application of trial rights, highlighting the U.S. Supreme Court's evolving influence since the nineteenth century. Outlines contemporary…

This document is a collection of 16 lessons designed for use in United States history and American government courses at the high school level. The lessons are divided into four distinct categories: (1) religion and the Establishment Clause; (2) freedom of expression; (3) due process and other rights of the accused; and (4) equal protection of the…

A 4-day simulation activity encourages high school students to confront issues of law and journalism through exploration of seven legal issues: prior restraint, access to courts, rights of reply, libel, privacy, confidential sources, and use of stolen documents. The kit contains all materials needed for the simulation, including a director's…

Asserts that freedom of speech issues were among the first major confrontations in U.S. constitutional law. Maintains that lessons from the controversies surrounding the Sedition Act of 1798 have continuing practical relevance. Describes and discusses the significance of freedom of speech to the U.S. political system. (CFR)