The United States Constitution is the bedrock upon which government and society rest, yet its precepts remain generally unfamiliar to contemporary college students. Considering the extent of its impact and the misinformation regarding its purpose, content, efficacy, and limits, the authors provide suggestions for civic learning based on this…

This report, intended primarily for civics reformers considering how best to defend and improve traditional American civics education, surveys a selection of different civics offerings, both the traditional and the radical. Surveyed providers include organizations such as the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, We the People, and Hillsdale…

A classroom examination of the featured historical article announcing North Carolina's ratification of the Constitution can springboard into a lesson on federalism, the Bill of Rights, and the ratification process.

The nationwide commemoration in 2020 of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment is an opportunity to explore not only women's long struggle to achieve this landmark moment, but also to engage in an exploration of women's civic engagement during the woman suffrage movement. The terms "woman suffrage" and "suffragist" often…

This article is a guided inquiry into past and present uses of war powers. From the Constitutional framers' intent through Thomas Jefferson's adaptation to modern presidents' implementation, students extract meaning from the best available evidence. Evocative primary sources--some of which are contemporaneous to modern readers--and engaging…

On August 18, 2020, The United States will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which gave women the vote. Belle La Follette played an important role in helping women gain the right to vote guaranteed in this amendment. She advocated for women in her home state of Wisconsin and across the country. This article…

At the turn of the 20th century, Pink Teas (alternately known as "suffrage teas") were held by women who championed women's right to vote. In this article, the author provides historical background on Pink Teas and ideas of how to teach about them in the elementary classroom.

To seriously consider one's rights under the US Constitution, one must grapple with the realization that many rights are not absolute. Instead, they are contested. But how to introduce younger students to such a complex concept, given short attention spans? In this article, we discuss the opportunities, pitfalls, and planning logistics of the 2013…

This research study analyzed the impact of teacher self-efficacy and student engagement on eleventh-grade South Carolina U.S. History and Constitution end-of-course state exam scores. Research questions centered on analyzing the relationships between the variables of teacher efficacy, student engagement, and student achievement as measured by the…

For students of history, the acrimonious and contentious 1876 presidential canvass came to mind during the 2000 election imbroglio. Democrat Samuel J. Tilden won the popular vote, but to the dismay of outraged Democrats, an electoral commission of eight Republicans and seven Democrats decided along strict party lines to give twenty disputed…

This article identifies six problems that teachers routinely encounter in teaching about the U.S. Constitution and suggests practical ways to overcome them. Among the problems covered are the heavy concept load and difficult reading level. (Author/BSR)

Uses five myths about the Constitution of the United States to help students better understand the basis for and the ratification of this important historical document. Among the myths included are the heart of the Constitution is the Bill of Rights and the Constitution was created by reactionary commercial interests to maintain the status quo.…

The Foreign Policy Research Institute held its 11th History Institute for Teachers on June 5-6, 2004, bringing together forty-five teachers from fifteen states for a weekend of lectures and seminars. Sessions included; (1) Colonial Origins of American Identity (Walter McDougall); (2) Migration and Colonization (Daniel Richter); (3) Liberty and…

Focuses on the process of amending the U.S. Constitution and describes Article V in detail. Explores the intent of the framers of the Constitution and provides historical information on the the various amendments. Addresses proposed amendments and the failure to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Includes questions for discussion. (CMK)

Provides background information on four constitutional amendment proposals: (1) flag protection amendment; (2) school prayer amendment; (3) balanced-budget amendment; and (4) victim rights amendment. Evaluates each in terms of timeliness, the support base, and the strength of their opposition. Includes questions for discussion. (CMK)