By studying constitutional law, students learn about the relationship between democratic theory and practice, one of the main concerns of liberal education. The mind is enlarged when it must apply ethical standards and political ideas to real human problems. How a political science professor teaches constitutional law is discussed. (RM)

Government and ethics teachers should educate students in the "wholesale sanity" of American democracy. In particular they should (1) identify and defend the principles of the American constitutional order, (2) criticize government actions departing from these principles, and (3) seek means by which to correct for these departures. (RM)

Social studies should be viewed as a major subject matter area in kindergarten through eighth grade, and in specific courses in high school. Students should develop the knowledge and skills to understand and cope with change, resolve conflict, analyze issues, and appreciate diversity in a representative democracy. By the time Maryland students…

This North Carolina curriculum guide provides a social studies framework for grades K-12. Divided into overview, introduction, primary, elementary/middle, and high school sections, the guide outlines a purpose and philosophy, framework goals, rationale for social studies in the curriculum, content overview (for the disciplines of history,…

This report is part of an annual national survey that examines salaries of full-time teaching faculty in 54 selected disciplines. Data for the study as a whole were collected from 305 public and 403 private institutions for the baseline year of 1997-1998 and the trend year of 1999-2000. This portion of the study covers salary data for Political…

Data from probability samples of U.S. graduate faculty in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and political science are examined to determine whether variation in disciplinary consensus on research priorities and techniques is associated with differences in status-attainment patterns. Results support the hypothesis. (Author/AM)

States that the political socialization process leads citizens to perceive little opportunity for personal participation in international policymaking, despite the local impact of international affairs. Describes how local international links of community organizations can lead to citizen participation in foreign policy, citing an international…

Statistically examines the impact of an overseas political science program on student attitudes about world-mindedness, support for the United Nations, self-esteem, and tolerance of ambiguity. A substantial degree of change occurred only on the self-esteem variable. (Author/CK)

Convinced that many current social studies programs are not effective in teaching government and politics, author encourages schools to initiate political field experiences. Describes how, explains why, and warns of the problems school administrators are likely to encounter. (Editor/RK)

Argues that the long reign of the behavioralists and the postbehavioralists has reduced political science theory to a Tower of Babel. Loudly trumpets the revival of Aristotelian political philosophy and identifies some of its leading adherents. Posits three fundamental objections to behavioral political theory. (MJP)

Describes a step-by-step process utilized in an undergraduate statistics course for social science teachers. The approach emphasized basic concepts, story problems, and cooperative learning. Evaluation was provided by examinations and research papers using statistical analysis. Student improvement throughout the course was consistent and…

Highlights the strengths of the Advanced Placement American Government and Politics program and observes the program produces students who do well in college. Mentions a major weakness is the educational background of the instructors, and recommends using summer teaching institutes to ensure a minimal level of competency. (NL)

Maintains that a course in U.S. political thought is necessary to increase students' knowledge of democracy, liberty, and human rights. Provides course goals, structure, and useful texts. Suggests a topical format rather than a chronological approach. Focuses on judicial opinions as an important indicator of traditional values. (RW)

Compares political attitudes of West German and U.S. twelfth-year students 16 to 18 years old. Analyzes 39 items of an 80-item questionnaire from a cross-sectional survey of 552 West German and 483 U.S. students. Finds that West German students are more questioning and realistic than U.S. students. (KO)

Contends that much of the controversy of contemporary U.S. politics is a replay of the constitutional drama that occurred more than 200 years ago. Maintains that the roles of James Madison and Virginia in the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution provide six lessons for teachers and students. (CFR)