This Framework is built upon the foundation of the 2003 and 1997 "Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Frameworks." Based in research on effective practice, it represents the contributions of members of the History and Social Science Curriculum Framework Review Panel, scholars who served as Content Advisors, and the more…

This document contains the national standards for civics and government for grades K-12. They are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of U.S. constitutional democracy. This document is…

A discussion of literary works can aid in the development of civic understanding among elementary school children. This resource provides reviews for more than 100 children's literature titles. Each entry includes grade level and bibliographic information. Teaching guides are provided for 20 titles and include a summary of the story, suggestions…

The central question of this book is, how can schools that are already overloaded with assignments from society find the time and techniques to produce effective citizens? Six chapters examine this problem. Chapter 1 documents the need for civic education and the problems related to providing an effective civic education. Chapter 2 explores the…

An annotated list of readings is suggested for high school teachers of U.S. history and geography at grade 11 and for teachers of courses in the principles of democracy at grade 12. The list was designed for use in California where the 11th grade curriculum emphasizes 20th century U.S. history and the 12th grade concentrates on the institution of…

This document presents the recommendations of the American Political Science Association for the certification of teachers of government, politics, and civics in secondary schools. For teachers of secondary school civics and government courses, notably American government and comparative government, courses are recommended in political science and…

This report contends that most U.S. history and government textbooks give only cursory attention to the Second Amendment "...the right of the people to keep and bear arms..." to the U.S. Constitution, and most endorse a particular political view of the amendment, rather than providing the necessary background for an informed political…

The purpose of Law Day is to call the citizenry's attention to the principles and practices of U.S. law and justice. Activities held by community groups and schools to celebrate Law Day include mock trials, debates, essay and poster contests, and films. This guide was developed to assist community groups or classes to participate in the observance…

Though the framers of the United States Constitution recognized the value of an independent judicial system, they knew that to provide justice the courts must have some accountability to the government. They knew that the system must be transparent to the public. Though the basic framework of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution clearly…

This lesson plan provides general information about local courts and tells how a teacher can prepare a class visit to the courts. Includes an outline on four popular government textbooks. (BT)

Describes one high school's response to challenges posed by the New York State Participation in Government course. Describes the course that requires students to assume an active role in examining government policies. Suggests that community leaders speak to students on why and how to become involved and make a positive impact. (DK)

This course of study guide describes the social studies curriculum to be offered by Idaho schools for secondary students. The guide puts forth content requirements that local school districts need to meet. The following courses are covered: United States history, American government, and economics. The information for the courses includes a…

The course content is organized around 15 major concepts and ideas identified as fundamental to the social studies program. The concepts are: (1) change, (2) choice, (3) citizenship, (4) culture, (5) diversity, (6) empathy, (7) environment, (8) human rights, (9) identity, (10) interdependence, (11) justice, (12) political system, (13) power, (14)…

The Tennessee social studies state standards present a vision of every child matriculating into a civic-minded citizen armed with the six content (culture; economics; geography; government and civics; history; and individuals, groups, and interactions) and four process standards of knowledge (communication; data analysis; historical awareness; and…

Indiana state and local government structure and the governance process are outlined in this comprehensive survey which is used in government courses throughout Indiana. Legislative power is granted to the General Assembly whose powers, duties, compensation, terms of office, and qualifications are explicated. The legislative process and financing…