Presents an activities package designed for teachers to use in teaching elementary or secondary students about political processes in an election year. Includes topics such as voting procedures, political parties, political campaigns, issues, and rating the candidates. (CK)

This articles examines the possibility that military organizations may find that common environmental problems serve as a basis for establishing new relationships outside traditional alliances that otherwise would not be possible. The elimination of the need for chloroflourocarbons, halons, and other ozone-depleting substances is used as an…

Identifies the better known Anglo-American liberal political theories and critically analyzes the values that underlie these theories (i.e. individualism, proceduralism, tolerance, science, and objectivity). Provides an alternative to the present liberal pedagogy and suggests implications for future political education. (JDH)

Political scientists have much to learn through the practice of government. A political scientist discusses his experiences in running for a local school board position. He deals with four subjects: elections, interest groups, bureaucratic politics, and the political community. (RM)

Examines new aspects of the post-Cold War international situation that need to be reflected in the K-12 curriculum: integrating studies of cooperation as well as conflict; emphasizing the importance of economic issues; and noting the changed role of international organization, the increased concern with democracy, and changing concepts of…

The impact of social and political events on the development of political attitudes in children is examined. Political learning is seen as an invariant sequence of developmental stages dependent upon physical and intellectual growth, and current events. The data consist of interviews with children at the third through the ninth grade levels. The…

In the wake of Watergate, this paper purports the need for a new approach to teaching about the American presidency. Traditionally, American government textbooks focus on institutional descriptions and constitutional arrangements of the presidency. This textbook approach to the presidency describes and values a chief executive who is generally…

Highlights the Cable News Network's (CNN) documentary series "The Cold War." Interviews executive producer Jeremy Issacs and producer Martin Smith about the series and its usefulness for educators. Includes a broadcast schedule for the 24 episodes. Notes that the series is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies. (DSK)

Asserts that teachers and students are ready to go beyond traditional coverage of the interactions of political science and history to applying economic analysis to historical and contemporary social issues. Provides three lesson plans illustrating the use of public choice theory in U.S. history. (CFR)

This paper examines the determinants of systemic education reform in the American states. Socioeconomic, political, and cultural variables are all found to affect the level of systemic education policy in each state. Unlike many studies of policy determinants, urbanization is negatively associated with this particular policy. The political factors…

The core civic ideas that helped form a consensus around a United States Constitution in 1787 are the seeds that produce the civic culture of the United States today. Constitutionalism, republicanism, communitarianism, and classical liberalism were related ideas at the center of U.S. civic culture in the 1780s. Two hundred years later, with some…

Endorses U.S. political history as a colorful and interesting resource for teaching important historical and social science concepts: order and change, elitism and pluralism, creating structures, the Constitution, and the formation of political parties. Discusses these concepts and gives examples of each. (MJP)

This teacher-oriented guide presents information and resources for use in increasing political literacy of K-12 social studies students. The main objective of the guide is to further civic literacy through increased knowledge and understanding of political structures and processes and of effective citizen participation. Emphasis is on helping…

In spite of the claims of the conservatives, the principles underlying capitalism and democracy are not in concert with one another; they are, in fact, very much in conflict. The recent political changes in Eastern Europe need to be seen in greater complexity than simply the victory of the U.S. democratic-capitalist system over the communist…

The author contends that conceptions of citizenship education must be updated to prepare students for participation in an increasingly interdependent, complex, and changing world. Good citizenship refers to the degree to which decisions regarding public affairs are undertaken self-consciously and purposively. Responsible citizenship involves a…