This paper contends that the issues of constitutional government debated during the founding of the United States should be in the core curriculum of any school that seeks to educate students to become responsible citizens of a constitutional democracy. For purposes of teaching students, the issues debated by founding-era political thinkers can be…

The importance of studying Athenian democracy is emphasized. Suggestions and source materials for teaching Athenian democracy are presented, and a teaching method is detailed. (SW)

Focuses on incorporating feminist thinking into teaching to show the limitations of mainstream analyses of a theory. Uses a democratic feminist theory in discussing environmental problems, and suggests projects that involve students in political activity. Provides a course syllabus and a reading list with applications of feminist theory. (NL)

Maintains there is a positive correlation between the study of ideologies and democracy, stressing that political theorists should teach political ideologies. Examines the current debate over the study of ideologies and the history of ideology. Suggests ways studying ideologies teaches students democratic values, and defines democratic thinking as…

Asserts that majority rule in a democratic society follows a cyclical pattern. Discusses the paradox between the concept of majority rule and protection of the rights of voting minorities. Compares the difficulty of achieving democracy to that of achieving justice through jury trials. (CFR)

This unit on the Federalist era of U.S. history examines some of the issues that have endured from the earliest days of the nation to the present: free speech, the right to rebel, foreign policy, the balance of federal and state authority, and the relative importance of various constituencies. Student understanding of such issues develops through…

Argues Fukayama's assertion of "end of history" must be seen as attempt to establish new civil theology to guide political deliberations. Asserts Fukayama thesis is based on Hegelian view of ideas becoming real through human imagination and will. Claims end of era is not identical to end of history and that socialism will be reborn in…

Maintains that political liberalism and the democratic ideal provide the foundation for almost all contemporary political thought. Argues that, contrary to most theoretical constructs, there is a natural tension between the fundamental ideals of liberalism and those of democracy. (CFR)

Describes a team-taught, interdisciplinary college honors course on politics and literature, including the origins and theoretical underpinning of the course, issues related to the intersection of the disciplines, evolution of the teacher's role in the course, and outcomes. Concludes that despite the difficulties of interdisciplinary team…

Stresses the need to challenge students' unrealistic ideas and heightened expectations of U.S. presidential performance. Maintains that college courses about the presidency must stress the role of the president within the context of democratic accountability, Madisonian principles, and the separation of powers doctrine. Discusses presidential…

Maintains that a course in U.S. political thought is necessary to increase students' knowledge of democracy, liberty, and human rights. Provides course goals, structure, and useful texts. Suggests a topical format rather than a chronological approach. Focuses on judicial opinions as an important indicator of traditional values. (RW)

Outlines Thomas Jefferson's views of classic philosophical writers and various interpretations of their views on morality and epicureanism. Explains why teaching ancient and medieval political philosophy is necessary as an ethical supplement to U.S. political thought. States liberal democracy depends on the tension between reason and revelation.…

Examines changes in the foreign policy of Portugal from their transition to democracy to more recent years. Maintains that emerging democracies go through a period of change where nationalist cultural and political ideas give way to more internationalist concerns. Reviews the major players, actions, and political theories that have dominated…

Discusses a course on U.S. Congress in which students analyze Congress as an institution, the role of Congress in the political system, and Congressional members. Emphasizes the role Congress should play in the Madisonian policy process. Examines the history of Congress, budgetary politics, foreign policy, and congressional reforms. Includes…

This teaching guide contains two essays about Thomas Jefferson, along with teaching activities, resources and organizations, a chronology, and quotes. The two essays are: (1) "The Architect of Democracy" (Merrill D. Peterson); and (2) "Jefferson's Legacy: Civic Learning in Public Education" (R. Freeman Butts). Teaching…