Discusses the mathematics of weighted voting schemes, including representative government. Shows how power is a decreasing function of population size and how tiny parties can have the same power as large constituencies. (MKR)

Proposes that by bringing our political system onto campuses and into classrooms, educators can play an important role in encouraging students to become engaged citizens. Highlights a number of different approaches to use with groups of young citizens that support participation in the political process. (GCP)

Examines factors related to immigrant incorporation and voting participation, adding immigrant-related variables to a model controlling for individual resources, social incorporation, institutional barriers, and contexts of political mobilization. Current Population Survey data indicate that there is little support for straight-line…

Objective: To learn about candidates for a political office by presenting and listening to speeches about the candidates and their platforms. Type of speech: Informative. Point value: 100 points, which is 10% of course grade. Requirements: (a) References: Minimum of 3 from recent and varying publications; (b) Length: 5-7 minutes; (c) Visual aid:…

There is increasing public discussion about whether the cultural institutions of the United States are ideologically skewed, relative to the general population. The major realms of political culture include the news media, K-12 schooling, academia, governmental institutions, cause-directed organizations, grant-making private foundations, the…

A voter education package was developed to aid institutional personnel in educating the residents from state mental health facilities in the methods of registering to vote, developing the necessary skills in the voting process, and the use of the voting machine. The curriculum was taught to 38 residents in the Harrisburg State Hospital who had…

This Polish language version of "Know Your Laws" consists of 24 self-contained modules designed to acquaint the Florida adult student with laws she/he will meet in everyday life; fundamentals of local, state, and federal governments; and the criminal and juvenile justice systems. (The 130 objectives are categorized in the first three…

This German language version of "Know Your Laws" consists of 24 self-contained modules designed to acquaint the Florida adult student with laws she/he will meet in everyday life; fundamentals of local, state, and federal governments; and the criminal and juvenile justice systems. (The 130 objectives are categorized in the first three…

Part of the "What If...Series," this booklet contains readings and activities which will help secondary students or adults learn about voting procedures and acquire effective coping skills. Specifically, the materials will provide students with a working knowledge of the rules, procedures, and requirements for voter registration. The materials are…

Part of the "What If...Series," this booklet contains readings and activities which will help secondary and adult students learn about how to cast a ballot and acquire the skills necessary to do so. By using the materials, students will learn who may vote; the qualifications required for voting; how voting rights have been expanded by…

Presents a chronology of important dates and events in the struggle for women's rights and women's suffrage. Begins in 1648 with the first call for women's suffrage in Maryland and concludes in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment by Tennessee. (CFR)

Maintains that between 1848 and 1920 when the 19th Amendment was ratified, women repeatedly petitioned both state and federal governments for the right to vote. Presents a lesson plan on a women's suffrage petition submitted to Congress in 1869. Includes the background of the petition, the petition's text, and suggested teaching activities. (CFR)

Bound to the notion of teenage apathy is the concern that young people are increasingly disengaged from political and community issues and lacking in social capital. Voting is often regarded as the ultimate form of civic engagement, which implicitly excludes young teenagers from consideration through their status as non-voters. Teenagers'…

The Democrats have their best chance in 10 years to make major gains in the congressional elections on November 7, 2006 while Republicans are striving to retain control of both the House and the Senate. For Republicans to lose control of both houses of the legislature, the Democrats need net gains of 15 House seats and six Senate seats. This…

Describes learning activities to be used in conjunction with a facsimile of the 92nd Congress's joint resolution passing the 26th Amendment extending the voting franchise to 18-year-olds. These activities include document analysis, time lines, class discussions, and storytelling. Briefly reviews the amendment process. (MJP)