Provides an overview of political corruption and its place in Japanese culture and society. Discusses recent scandals and efforts at political reform. These efforts are moving Japan from a "boss-patronage" system to a "civic-culture." Includes a table of post-war Japanese prime ministers and corruption scandals. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan designed to help students think about the qualities, types, and components of leadership and how these relate to the responsibilities of the US President. Includes sets of discussion questions, preceded by informational handouts, concerning, general qualities of leadership, specific leaders, and leadership in everyday life.…

Outlines three lesson plans designed to increase students' knowledge of candidates, public policy issues, and social responsibility as well as develop problem-solving skills. Different sets of activities address the issues of politicians vs. leaders; the relationship among politics, power, and conflict; identifying and prioritizing issues in an…

Provides a brief overview of the current arguments concerning campaign finance reform and congressional term limits. Discusses limits on spending, special interest contributions, "soft money," the power of incumbents, and the role of Political Action Committees. Includes a brief historical synopsis of campaign finance reform movements.…

Summarizes and reports on a large body of statistical evidence that suggests US voting patterns relate more to general attitudes and beliefs than to any substantive evaluation of policy positions. Studies reveal that voter preference often is determined by parental influence and party loyalty. Discusses possible reasons and implications. (MJP)

Proposes two motivational instruments that can help students gain an understanding of the issues and analyze their importance. The first step, F.I.N.D.(ing) an article, involves identifying Facts, Issues, Nation(s) Involved and Dilemma. The second step incorporates seeing R.E.D., (R)ecognizing the Issue, (E)valuating the Issue, and (D)efending the…

Discusses the National Standards use of Bloom's Taxonomy and how it relates to increasing levels of expectations for students. Includes several examples illustrating middle school level expectations, such as distinguishing between governments with a constitution and constitutional governments. Maintains that effective civics education can offset…

Agrees with the National Standards emphasis on the constructivist approach, stressing students applying their knowledge through active involvement. Reiterates the value of workshops and seminars in keeping teachers abreast of developments. Proposes publicizing successful strategies and supporting innovations. (MJP)

Reiterates the importance of voting and education to the democratic process. Praises President Clinton's efforts to increase voter participation and access including his support of the motor voter law. Briefly summarizes Clinton's vision for the future of the country. (MJP)

Presents a concise overview of the complicated web of laws and regulations governing the financing of federal political campaigns. Discusses related issues such as "soft money," and the conflict between restrictive campaign regulations and free speech. Notes that regulation of state elections remains with the states. (MJP)

Investigates the many factors pertaining to low voter turnout. Lack of education, poverty, and apathy contribute strongly to diminished voter participation. Language difficulties, a highly mobile society, and the discouraging effects of polls also contribute. Notes the positive correlation between voter registration and participation. (MJP)

Maintains that current campaign finance laws and regulations unfairly advantage incumbents and discourage challengers. This has resulted in the predominance of interest groups, media campaigns, and an emphasis on fund raising over political leadership. Argues for campaign finance laws written to serve the public interest. (MJP)

Presents a learning activity consisting of a forum where five students role play individuals arguing contrasting viewpoints concerning a mail-in ballot procedure for a U.S. senatorial special election. Other class members conduct independent research supporting their positions and help coach the forum members. (MJP)

Conflict resolution education (CRE) grew out of several parallel efforts: integrating social justice into schools, concerns about safety and youth violence, and desires to enhance responsible citizenship. Today, CRE encompasses, or is a component of, a broad range of initiatives in schools: violence prevention programs, diversity and tolerance…

This document outlines the framework and assessment design for the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) sponsored by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Over the past 50 years, IEA has conducted comparative research studies focusing on educational policies, practices, and…