Reviews the Association of American Colleges (AAC) report, "Integrity in the College Curriculum," a comprehensive look at the role of the undergraduate major in political science. The place of political science in the core curriculum is also examined. (Author/BSR)

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…

Contends that the basic assumption of the peace movement is the abuse of military power by the state. Argues that the peace movement is most effective through linkages with cultural, political, and economic forces in society. (BSR)

Discusses the historical and theoretical literature on alliances and examines the U.S. experiences with them. Identifies lessons that the United States must learn, such as the fact that alliance does not mean security and that alliances can be entangling. Describes how U.S. policies must adapt to current realities. (GEA)

Discusses the format and results of the first Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics Examinations given by high schools in May 1987. Findings show the need for further training of AP teachers, improved instruction, and increased student interest in political science. Provides ordering information for two AP guides to assist political…

Provides a 42-item list of references for elementary and secondary social studies. Among the items are a variety of atlases, biographies, law guides, and reference works on selected events and periods of United States history. (JDH)

While some teachers think cable television broadcasts of congressional proceedings reveal how public policy is made, others feel it is not a representative view, has limited access, and contains little useful material for the time required to obtain it. (MSE)

Provides a lesson plan and primary source material for exploring whether Richard M. Nixon should have been prosecuted for obstruction of justice following his resignation from the Presidency. Contains a reproduction of the special prosecutor's memorandum that lists the factors which support or detract from a decision to prosecute Richard Nixon.…

Reviews classical economists' views on the issue of public debt. Notes that from antiquity to modern times, it has always been rare for a state not to be in debt. Includes an examination of a state's repudiation of its debt and the impact such an action might have on its international relations. (JDH)

So that the same mistakes would never again be repeated, the Army War College prepared a clear and understandable analysis of America's strategic failure in Vietnam. One of the most positive aspects of the analysis was the rediscovery of the importance of traditional military history and classical military theory. (RM)

An ambitious effort to produce a comprehensive historical account of the war in Vietnam is underway within the United States government. The publications that have been completed to date and those to be issued later are discussed. A bibliography of the publications is also provided. (RM)

Presents results of survey of high school seniors taken in 1968 (N=825), 1972 (N=119), and 1984 (N=200). The survey consisted of 13 widely accepted attitudinal items and 16 demographic variables designed to measure degree of political cynicism and attitudes toward democracy. Concludes that 1984 results show a loss of innocence, increasing…

Explains the meaning of a writ of habeas corpus, provides a brief history of its use in England and the United States, and clarifies how the writ is used as an instrument which compels government to adhere to basic constitutional and legal principles rather than exercise power in an arbitrary and self-serving manner. (JDH)

Reviews the earliest roots of the legal values and principles embodied in the United States Constitution, much of which may be traced to the Magna Carta (1215) and other precedents set by English law. (JDH)

Advocates the use of "fantasy theme analysis," a speech communications dialog analysis device based on the sociological traditions of symbolic interactionism and phenomenology, to discover underlying themes and patterns of meaning narrators create for themselves. Illustrates the technique on oral history data collected about the civil…