Presents historical background about the path to universal suffrage and voting rights for all U.S. citizens. Addresses reasons citizens do not use their right to vote. Asserts the importance of democracy and discusses this ideal. Includes questions for discussion. (CMK)

Focuses on the issue of redistricting in the United States with the release of the 2000 census. Discusses the redistricting principles that states must follow: (1) population equality specifically for the congressional and legislative districts; (2) the Voting Rights Act with a focus on Sections 5 and 2; and (3) racial gerrymandering. (CMK)

Discusses the issues addressed during the 2001-2002 term of the U.S. Supreme Court, which convened on October 1, 2001: (1) school vouchers; (2) affirmative action; (3) online pornography; and (4) the death penalty. (CMK)

Describes the theory and practice of an experiential civic education initiative, developed by the University of Minnesota, called "Public Achievement" which is based upon the concept of public work (the work of the people). Discusses how "Public Achievement" proves successful for undergraduate coaches in the education of young students. (CMK)

Traces the history of social studies curriculum in Africa, emphasizing three curriculum traditions: citizenship transmission, social science, and reflective inquiry. Discusses the Kenyan experience of integrating social studies into the curriculum, focusing on the change from a colonial educational system to one that reflects Kenyan values and…

Current efforts to promote issues-based education in elementary and secondary schools will not succeed unless educators know what issues-based education is, why it is an important part of education, and how to include it in the curriculum. (Author)

Describes several citizenship projects carried out by an eighth grade class, including interviews with community people about citizenship, voting, and veteran's day; letter-writing on school and community issues; and keeping citizenship journals to record all the activities. (SR)

Describes a number of projects through which elementary school students in Massachusetts learned about their local and state community and gained skills needed for active citizenship. (PRA)

Provides an outline for teachers who wish to incorporate a Letter to the Editor project in their classroom assignments. Reprints some actual letters from ninth graders based on this assignment. (MG)

Discusses cases reviewed under original jurisdiction and mandatory jurisdiction, regarding public-television debates, and National Endowment for the Arts grants. Includes case studies of court decisions on sexual harassment and attorney-client privilege, a description of the Supreme Court's functions, and a biography of Justice Sandra Day…

Observes that writing is a process of learning and that students learn best when the writing process is well-organized. Outlines a process for writing, named DRAFT (Design, Role, Audience, Format, and Topic), that bridges social studies with critical thinking and problem solving, and allows writing projects to be easily transformed into models…

Lists fundamental democratic concepts that make possible the sharing of educational ideas that foster democratic citizenship, and details how they are embodied in two programs: "We the People"...The Citizen and the Constitution, and "We the People"...Project Citizen. Describes how they are structured and have been adapted for curricula outside the…

Summarizes the events leading up to and the investigation that followed the Watergate break-in. Presents a lesson plan using primary documents that allows students to explore the workings of congressional investigations, the key figures in the scandal, and the arguments of the different participants. Includes copies of the documents. (DSK)

Responds to the article "The Past Need not be Prologue: Why Pessimism about Civic Education is Premature" by Stephen Earl Bennett. Addresses Bennett's (1) use of argument-by-exemplars, (2) discussion of William Bennett Munro, and (3) comments on the poor state of political science, increasing commitment to civic education, and attracting students.…

Describes the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Civic Education Study. Compares the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Report Card with the IEA Civic Education Study. Focuses on the gaps in the NAEP that the IEA research will fill. (CMK)