Discusses the issues of the initiative and referenda process focusing on the arguments for and against referendum and voter initiatives. Includes research pointers on ballot initiatives, a brief quiz, and activity ideas, such as "Match States with Initiatives." (CMK)

Provides an overview and background information on the debate over gun control, as well as several teaching ideas. Handouts include a list of related topics drawn from various disciplines (economics, U.S. history), seven arguments for and against gun control, and a set of policy evaluation guidelines. (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 this Learning Activity Packet (LAP) students, mostly in small groups, analyze and compare a few major features of the Canadian and American governments. The LAP is divided into six learning objectives: 1) Both the United States and Canada are sovereign nations. What is sovereignty? What are nations?; 2) People throughout the world are governed…

Traces the application of the constitutional protection from "unreasonable searches and seizures" as it has evolved in response to public attitudes and changes in technology. Includes a synopsis of relevant cases and two lesson plans. The cases concern a police search through trash bags and drug testing for athletes. (MJP)

This unit is designed to lead high school students to consider seriously the U.S. role in the world. At the core of the unit is a framework of choices for U.S. foreign policy. These choices, or Futures as they are called in the unit, are intended to be a vehicle to guide students through the process involved in developing a reasoned opinion on the…

Twenty social studies units present an in-depth investigation of Nigerian geography, culture, history, and government. The guide is intended for use by elementary and secondary classroom teachers as they develop and implement educational programs on Nigeria. Providing general background information, the first two units focus on African geography…

Part of a series which offers educational resources and teaching techniques related to major social issues to high school social studies classroom teachers, the guide focuses on government regulation. The document is presented in four major chapters. Chapter I explores how economic and political science frameworks can be used to analyze policy…

Designed to encourage informed and critical thinking on contemporary political issues and processes, the articles, case studies, and activities in this student handbook can be incorporated into secondary school social studies units on government or current events. Seven chapters cover the executive branch of government, Congress, the judiciary,…

Designed to enhance participation in the Close-Up Program's week of study in Washington, D.C. for secondary students, the materials on political processes and issues provided in this student handbook can be useful in secondary level social studies, political science, and current events courses. The booklet is arranged into three sections. Section…

Designed to encourage informed and critical thinking on contemporary political issues and processes, the articles, case studies, and activities in this student handbook can be incorporated into secondary school social studies units on government or current events. Eight chapters cover the presidency, the federal bureaucracy, the Congress, the…

This unit on economic decision-making is the fourth of five units in a ninth grade social studies course (see SO 010 891). Major objectives are to help students (1) explain how dissent and protest may be used as effective means of change and to consider the consequences of such actions; (2) examine the judicial branch of government in order to…