Scholarship programs authored by state legislatures may conflict with a state's constitution. In the case of "Locke v. Davey" 540 U.S. 807 (2003), Joshua Davey challenged the State of Washington's withdrawal of his Promise Scholarship claiming violation of his First Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. This…

Presents a lesson for secondary students which teaches that the U.S. Constitution has changed in a variety of ways and that it has a direct effect upon the lives of citizens. Provides a worksheet and a lecture outline covering three methods of constitutional change and Supreme Court cases such as Dred Scott and Brown vs. Board of Education. (GEA)

Presents a bibliographic essay surveying research and literature on the United States Supreme Court. Divides literature on the Court into six categories: (1) constitutional interpretation; (2) general and period histories; (3) biographies; (4) case studies; (5) judicial process; and (6) reference works. Includes a four-page bibliography. (DSK)

Techniques are presented which explore a single dimension of the subject under consideration as no technique, in and of itself, provides for a comprehensive analysis of the constitution. Approaches are presented which can be most effectively utilized by the teacher. (JB)

Four articles expressing the views of nine prominent United States citizens about the Constitution provide a context for reflecting on the meaning of the Constitution in present-day America. In "Why Has the Constitution Endured So Long?" Don Edwards, chairman of the House Civil and Constitutional Rights Subcommittee, discusses why the…

This package introduces college students to the elements of the Prince System, a widely used system for making political forecasts and developing political strategies. Designed to be completed in two to three weeks, the two exercises enable students to (1) identify political issues that the Prince System can help them understand, (2) determine the…

Paul Robeson was an athlete-scholar-concert artist-actor who was also an activist for civil and human rights. The son of a former slave, he was born and raised during segregation, lynching, and open racism. Robeson was one of the top performers of his time, earning more money than many white entertainers. His travels overseas opened his awareness…

Describes the court case of Chicago v. Morales in which an anti-loitering ordinance challenged the constitutional right of assembly by giving the police the power to disperse anyone associated with gang members in public. Illustrates the importance of retaining Fifth Amendment rights even after pleading guilty in the case of Mitchell v. U.S. (CMK)

Presents a student- and community-produced assembly program in which several Supreme Court cases are reenacted. Focuses on student rights concerning search and seizure, freedom of speech, and freedom of of the press. Provides a 40- to 50-minute script with roles for narrators, administrators, police officers, reporters, lawyers, and students. (CH)

Explains a lesson in which secondary social studies or history students research origins of the freedoms to assemble and petition the government. Points out that the lesson provides students with an opportunity to examine how these freedoms evolved since the American Revolution. Reports that students discuss how to protect these freedoms during…

Reaffirms the importance of civic education and active learning about the Bill of Rights and attendant civic responsibilities. Identifies four categories of knowledge deficiencies about the Bill of Rights. Explores four key ways to improve teaching and learning about the Bill of Rights. Stresses connections between civic knowledge and the vitality…

Offers suggestions for teaching constitutional issues and the Bill of Rights. Observes that student achievement and response is significant when core content, primary documents, and case studies are employed. Describes procedures for class discussions and recommends U.S. Supreme Court landmark cases for freedom of the press and speech issues. (NL)

Provides a lesson for middle school students, examining the expansion and contraction of civil rights in response to sociopolitical developments. Suggests that students review voting rights extensions and analyze case studies involving students' freedom of speech. Lists topics for student research on a variety of free speech issues. (CH)