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)

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)

Defends the grading of the advanced placement examinations in U.S. government and politics courses. Provides the criteria used for the selection of the readers. Points out among 27 readers in 1989, all had masters' degrees and 4 held doctorates in political science or international relations. Claims high school instructors in the program are…

Outlines the strategic setting of the 1988 U.S. presidential election, highlights what is at stake for each party, and considers those political issues that may affect its outcome. Examines domestic and foreign policy issues, stressing those that affect two key groups: northern workers and "have not/have little" white Southerners. (GEA)

Describes a special project designed for use in U.S. government courses. The project exposed students to the international dimensions of the U.S. government. Provides details for conducting the project. Reports that the activities of the project were successful in raising student awareness about the international aspects of U.S. government. (KO)

Describes a survey sent to 210 member schools of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) concerning attitudes toward obstacles to teaching ethics in public administrations courses. Lists 10 barriers preventing the offering of such courses in colleges and universities. (NL)

Describes an undergraduate class simulation project used to engage student interest in and knowledge of both "The Federalist Papers" and anti-federalist writings. Discusses the importance of simulation in the classroom and provides information concerning implementation of this technique. Notes that the simulation provides experience in…

Comments on the importance of teaching about state and local government, pointing out that it is not emphasized in college introductory U.S. government courses. Argues that the major reason for this lack of instruction is due to scant coverage in U.S. government textbooks. Suggests ways to incorporate this topic into introductory U.S. government…

Describes the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ChESS) at Indiana University which is responsible for disseminating information about social studies education. Provides examples of documents and information products from the ERIC database that can be used by teachers of government, civics, and political science.…

Views the stage as effective in teaching critical thinking, writing, research, computer and verbal communication skills. Uses historically accurate testimony from the court martial of Lt. William Calley to demonstrate the nature of warfare and United States involvement in Vietnam. Classes dramatize the moral and ethical judgments that are made.…

Surveys the changes in state legislatures since the 1960s, stating that the greatest change has been the enhancement of legislative capacity which reformulated the balance of power within state government. Suggests that political science students would benefit from a combination of observing state legislatures and studying the literature.…

States that the modern governor is a "new breed" of policy activist and skilled manager, leading revitalized state governments. Describes the forces that have transformed the governor's office and state legislatures. Concludes that state governors are more influential because state governments are better equipped for the task of…

Discusses classroom activities designed to enhance student learning about federalism and sovereignty. Describes classroom discussions on jurisdiction, federalism, and sovereignty generated by asking students to clarify the constitutional section referring to the Writ of Habeas Corpus. Concludes that this exercise clarifies the concepts and…

Suggests using simulation technique in the classroom to illustrate decision making, the perspectives of those in power, and the processes and institutions of government. Uses the simulation of a nuclear emergency alert to identify the issues and problems of nuclear confrontation. Provides instructions and an outline for the class. (NL)

Responds to claims that teachers are inadequately prepared to teach advanced placement courses in U.S. government and politics. Contends that political scientists can assist secondary teachers by offering summer workshops. Defends the curriculum as an accurate reflection of a college-level course in introductory politics. (NL)