The U.S. Constitution bicentennial celebrations across the state of Virginia have contributed to greater public understanding of the Constitution and enhanced appreciation of the immense contribution that Virginians made to the document. Virginians have discovered that the story of the U.S. founding is also a Virginia story. Even after the…

Reviews the different contributions the study of the U. S. Constitution can make to public administration courses. Maintains that such study may force students to a deeper appreciation of the United States political community, ultimately strengthening their thinking on future practical problems in public administration. (JDH)

Teaching about the U.S. Constitution must enable students to appreciate the meaning of the U.S. system of government and civil liberties. Many methods beyond rote memorization are available to ensure that adults understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. (SK)

A study conducted by Public Agenda Foundation, in partnership with the National Constitution Center, examined what typical adults know and believe about the U.S. Constitution, probed what they understand their rights and civic responsibilities to be, and reported their views on the document's importance and relevance in their lives today. The…

Historical antecedents of modern constitutionalism are examined, and the concepts of citizen participation, civic responsibility, and limitation of government are explained in that context. Students must be exposed to the constitutional basics--why the document is retained, what values it incorporates, and where it has succeeded and failed. (PP)

The visible signs of patriotism displayed in the United States since the events of September 11, 2001 are at once an expression of pride and a palliative for people's grief and sorrow, an understandable response to a national tragedy. But more important is a kind of less visible patriotism that calls for fidelity to the values and principles for…

Reviews the Bills of Rights' creation and rationale. Discusses the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments and analyzes their current status. Emphasizes the Supreme Court's interpretive role. Argues that reliance on the courts will eventually result in legal interpretations that reflect dominant national opinion. Urges greater citizen responsibility for…

The address discusses the meaning and structure of the United States Constitution and how it relates to the importance of citizenship. The Constitution's history is sketched in a brief discussion of its creation, founders, theoretical roots, and the concept of delegation of powers. The idea of limited governmental powers rests on an informed…

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)

Targeted for children aged 5 through 12, this handbook contains some ideas for educational activities, a brief overview of the constitutional development period in U.S. history, and a simplified annotated outline of the Constitution. This material should prove helpful in teaching children the following: (1) the intrinsic values embedded in the…

Contains three essays on civic responsibility and the two-year college's role in civic education. Includes "Warren Burger and the Power of the Constitution," an interview with Burger by Dale Parnell; "Educating for Citizenship," by Herbert M. Atherton; and "Sustaining the Nation's Commitment to Civic Responsibility,"…

Like other institutions, schools are occupied by people whose duties and liberties are in conflict. Understanding the Bill of Rights can help resolve school problems as well as major social problems outside the court system. Students should value the first eight constitutional amendments as not tied to majority rule and should study them…

These lesson plans on the First Amendment are designed to help elementary school students to understand the history and meaning of the First Amendment and its importance in today's society. Seven lessons for primary grades cover the following topics: (1) Forms of expression; (2) Rights in daily life; (3) The First Amendment; (4) The right to meet…

These lesson plans on the First Amendment are designed to help secondary school students to understand the history and meaning of the First Amendment and its importance in today's society. The manual has two sections, one for middle school, the other for high school. Ten lessons for middle school students cover the following topics: (1) Throwing…

Given the role that initiatives and referenda have played in state and local governance, it is interesting that there has never been a national initiative or referendum in the United States. The reason for this is that the Constitution of the United States does not provide for direct citizen initiation of, or direct popular votes on, either…