To help elementary school social students understand how a government works, the article describes an activity which requires a combination of government-related knowledge and procedural skills. The activity focuses on citizenship decision making and includes a mock presidential election. (DB)

Describes how the West German parliamentary government, although originally modeled after the British parliament, is different because it allows for separation of powers similar to the U.S. government. Illustrates how a teacher can use an examination of the executive office to describe governmental relationships. (GG)

Examines four simulation games used in higher education to teach the role of elections in promoting governmental responsibility, the effects of imperfect accountability on governmental policy, and ways to make governments more accountable. These games simulate interest group lobbying, political party formation, bureaucratic policy making, and…

This guide is designed for those who participate in North Dakota's Close Up program, a program that provides the state's young people with the opportunity to experience government firsthand in an innovative and participatory setting. The state's 1991 legislative program offers a broad range of activities for student participants, including:…

Argues that inefficiency resulting from government regulation is the natural result of a process that does not have efficiency as its primary goal. Presents three examples of government regulation as supporting evidence. Concludes that efficiency is more likely to come from elected policymakers than from bureaucrats working in regulatory agencies.…

Describes the history of struggles that have led to recent revolutions and reforms in Poland. Attributes the breakup of the Soviet bloc to both internal and external factors. Discusses local government in Poland from 1950 to the current trend toward decentralization. Addresses political, organizational, economic, and financial issues. Makes…

Reminds teachers that American Indians played a major role in shaping the modern world. Notes that the indigenous peoples of the Americas introduced European American settlers to a variety of foods and agricultural methods. Argues that American Indians also contributed to U.S. concepts of democracy and federalism. Provides guidelines for teaching…

Reports on a teacher's eight-month sabbatical trip through south and southeast Asia. Asserts that the people of this area are accepting globalization and proceeding to participate successfully in the international marketplace. Describes political, social, and economic characteristics of the eight nations visited on the trip. (CFR)

Notes the blurring of boundaries between public and private sectors, pointing out that the interaction between governmental and non-profit agencies is increasing in the areas of public policy. Argues that these increasing interactions need to be integrated into the political science curriculum. (GG)

Examines and corrects political science textbook errors concerning the electoral college. Textbooks frequently attribute specific provisions and functions of the college to the federal government when, in fact, they are controlled by the states. Historical dates and contingency provisions are other areas erroneously cited. (MJP)

Asserts that presidential elections and the Electoral College provide opportunities to combine instruction in government and geography. Presents a week-long unit designed for grades 6-12 that utilizes 4 different instructional strategies. Includes relevant excerpts from the U.S. Constitution and data sheets, maps, and charts. (CFR)

Describes a middle school experiment where the student government was reorganized and structured along the model of the U.S. government. The government contains a senate, house of representatives, and a judiciary. Legislation, committees, and student appointments are handled in a manner paralleling the national government. (MJP)

Asserts that historians should not think of American Indians and white colonists as having two distinct historical experiences but "mutual history of continuous interaction and influence." Contends that European and American colonials recognized the power and subtlety of the American Indian confederacies. (CFR)

Examines the controversies and consequences involved in drawing proper districts for federal and state representatives. Discusses the Supreme Court's role in deciding these questions. Provides definitions and related court cases concerning gerrymandering and malapportionment, the two most common abuses of the districting process. (MJP)

Examines the dichotomy between Canada's excellent record of social programs, educational attainment, and income and Canadians' continued negative perceptions of their country. Explores issues that particularly vex the Canadians including decentralization and the separatist movement in Quebec. Concludes that Canada's penchant for self-criticism…