Discusses the use of "The Federalist Papers" in U.S. government textbooks to explain the political theory on which the U.S. Constitution is based. Presents an assessment of how 18 introductory texts covered the papers. (GEA)

Using the Iran-Contra Affair as an illustration, Shermis describes how civics instruction fails to prepare students for effective participation in U.S. society. Examining five textbooks, he concludes that issues are so condensed and sanitized that there is no opportunity for students to think critically and practice necessary problem-solving…

Maintains that in order for students to participate effectively in a democracy they must be exposed to different viewpoints. Shows that high school history textbooks avoid controversy, leave out vital information, and are biased. Argues textbooks should be subject to a fairness test that includes constitutional scrutiny. (RW)

The objective of this textbook review was to evaluate the textbook's capacity for imparting the knowledge and skills necessary for democratic citizenship along with an enthusiasm for civic participation. A panel of scholars reviewed 18 U.S. government and civics textbooks on the basis of: (1) coverage, (2) engagement, (3) constitutional themes,…

This report examines the portrayal of the Second Amendment of the Constitution (the right to keep and bear arms) in U.S. history and U.S. government textbooks. The document contends that not only were there numerous errors and misrepresentations of facts, but also there were many omissions of various events throughout history. Further research…

Discussed are the origins, objectives, activities, and achievements of a project which developed a book of lessons to teach high school students about the U.S. Constitution. A textbook study and an educational conference revealed the need to develop supplementary curriculum materials to strengthen textbook treatments of the Constitution. The book…

This publication was prepared as a resource guide to teaching strategies that help students understand the background, nature, and pervasive influence of the U.S. Constitution in the lives of every citizen. As the Constitutional Bicentennial approaches, the focus in many social studies classes increasingly will be on teaching about this most…