This report addresses the long-term educational responsibility of helping young people become more knowledgeable about the meaning and values of the U.S. Constitution in their personal and civic life. The Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution and the upcoming Bicentennial of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1991 present the opportunity to refocus…

Urges returning to the original federalist debates to understand contemporary federalism. Reviews "The Federalist Papers," how federalism has evolved, and the centralization of the national government through acts of Congress and Supreme Court decisions. Recommends teaching about federalism as part of teaching about U.S. government…

Discusses "new judicial federalism" as the rediscovery of state bills of rights for protecting civil liberties. Analyzes the differences in protection under state and federal bills of rights. Recommends that the growing importance of state constitutions be included in the political science curriculum and suggests bibliographic sources to…

Interviewed 800 police chiefs asking whether the Bill of Rights prevented police and prosecutors from protecting citizens against crime and found the answer was no. Urges more equitable funding for the criminal justice system, more public defenders for the poor, and teaching about justice in a free society. (NL)

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…