A collection of resources for high school history and government teachers and their students, this volume treats core ideas on constitutional government in the United States. James Madison's ideas as found in "The Federalist Papers" are examined in conjunction with their counterpoints in essays of the Anti-Federalists. This volume…

This paper discusses the distinction between the Constitution and constitutional law. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the United States. It creates the institutions of government, enumerates the powers of these institutions, and delineates areas government may not enter. The Constitution is the instrument by which the consent of the…

A major constitutional issue in the twentieth century is the extent to which the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted to fit changing times and circumstances. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, the Supreme Court dispensed a "mechanical jurisprudence" based on an "objective" interpretation of the Constitution and…

The way in which Drew Pearson--who was involved in more than 100 libel actions during his nearly 37-year reporting career--fared in the courts and was affected by the ever-evolving libel law is considered in this paper. Among the topics discussed are the 1964 "Sullivan" decision, which held that a public official must prove "actual…

The author demonstrates why he thinks the Supreme Court has misinterpreted the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." The author claims that the Supreme Court, based on flawed reading of the…

In this document, the author points out that Americans have lost confidence in the government and political processes and shows how Common Cause can help restore trust in our institutions. Over the years, since the signing of the Constitution, Americans have believed that their political system was one in which they had a voice and that the system…

Discusses constitutional interpretations relating to capital punishment and protection of human dignity. Points out the document's effectiveness in creating a new society by adapting its principles to current problems and needs. Considers two views of the Constitution that lead to controversy over the legitimacy of judicial decisions. (PS)

Secondary students pretend to be members of a committee studying proposals for a new U.S. constitution. They are given a list of 24 constitutional civil rights, taken from the U.S. and Soviet constitutions, and asked to select the 12 they like best. Discussion and analysis follow the selection process. (RM)

Considers the way in which Drew Pearson--who was involved in more than 100 libel actions during his reporting career--fared in the courts and was affected by the ever-evolving libel law. (GT)

Presents a lesson for secondary students where they learn about the historical forces that have shaped the U.S. Constitution through the amendment process, examine the constitutional amending process, and discuss the freedoms of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment. Includes three student handouts. (CMK)

Designed to extend Law Day's impact, this program gives lawyers, judges, and other community leaders the opportunity to teach important lessons about the United States Constitution and the federal government. It is intended to stimulate opportunities for students to reflect on the country's constitutional heritage and gain appreciation for the…

This resource package contains ideas for local projects to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. The document includes a bicentennial chronology, a selection of general projects, educational projects, air and print media projects, and fine arts projects. Six appendices feature: (1) Bicentennial Chronology; (2)…

This book explores the lives of people who have shaped the laws and legal system of the United States and describes their impact on the U.S. Constitution. The new government's beginnings are examined in unit 1, through the pitfalls and triumphs of the First Continental Congress. The role of John Marshall, the First Chief Justice of the Supreme…

A series of articles focus on enduring Constitutional issues and methods for teaching about these in the classroom. Article 1 explores the nature of the judiciary as it has developed under the Constitution. Article 2, by discussing the uses of the Constitution in plays of the Federal Theater Project of the 1930's, examines the Constitution as a…

Presented in this document are a student's study guide and an accompanying teacher's manual. The purpose of the study guide is to present information on (1) what the U.S. Constitution means, (2) how the U.S. government is organized, (3) why the Constitution is a living document, and (4) why the Constitution is a source of pride for U.S. citizens.…