In this paper we share findings of a textbook analysis in which we explored the treatment of segregated education in eight, widely-used secondary United States history and government textbooks. We positioned our findings within the historiography related to the African American school experience which challenges the notion that the lack of…

Political science students learn the fundamental principles and values about the American political system from American government/politics textbooks. Most of the major textbooks used in these courses utilize the traditional institutional and behavioral approaches to the study of American government and politics, which examines institutions and…

Designed to help prepare the nation for a thoughtful observance of the Constitutional bicentennial, this publication contains seven essays on the topic of democracy and the Constitution. "Democracy and the Constitution" (Gordon S. Wood) looks at the popular and democratic rhetoric used to justify the federalist system in the late 1700's.…

Second in a three-part series designed to help prepare the nation for a thoughtful observance of the Constitutional bicentennial, this publication contains seven essays on the topic of capitalism and the Constitution. "American Democracy and the Acquisitive Spirit" (Marc F. Plattner) supports the argument that the framers of the…

Examines approximately one-third of the more than 100 college-level U.S. government textbooks, separating them into four general categories: traditional, thematic, essentials, and ideological. Evaluates texts on the basis of accuracy, readability, adequacy, coverage of certain topics, treatment of women and minorities, and particular policy areas.…

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)

Third in a series designed to help prepare the nation for a thoughtful observance of the Constitutional bicentennial, this publication presents six essays addressing the issue of human rights and the Constitution. "How the Constitution Protects Our Rights: A Look at the Seminal Years" (Robert A. Rutland) focuses on James Madison's role…

Examines the essential elements of comparative government and politics textbooks, describing the difficulties involved in trying to cover all topics. Reviews several introductory political science textbooks, concluding that universal texts are too broad, and therefore inadequate. Proposes several qualities that contribute to good textbooks and…

Reviews the growing literature on the forecasting of elections, providing an example in the form of 1988 congressional election predictions. Briefly discusses the history of election outcome prediction and outlines two scientific forecasting models which, the authors state, are appropriate for use in the classroom. (GEA)

Student grades and student evaluations of teacher performance are unrelated. Demographic variables, e.g., student interest, class rank, are significantly related to instructor ratings. A teacher's overall rating is directly influenced by ability to stimulate interest and present course matter clearly, and indirectly influenced by organization and…

Questions the proper position for a teacher of political science regarding partisan controversy over issues such as ERA, the womens' movement, racism, and affirmative action. Examines writings on partisanship by social scientists David Easton, Max Weber, and John Stuart Mill. (Author/DB)

The components presented in this document are general and specific recommendations for improving instruction about the Constitution, including revised versions of the seven conference papers. The papers are: "Society's Expectations for School Instruction about the Constitution: An Historical Overview" (R. Freeman Butts); "What Youth…

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…

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC/ChESS resources related to the history of the United States Congress. Materials selected include books, academic journals, theme issues, workbooks, and curriculum guides. Includes information on locating, ordering, and reproduction of these resources. Also includes information for contacting ERIC/ChESS.…

Emphasizing the educational importance of the bicentennial celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, Miller reviews various curriculum materials related to the topic. Recommends works for all grade levels, citing, among others, LESSONS ON THE CONSTITUTION, LAW AND THE BICENTENNIAL, and computer software entitled THE UNITED STATES…