This document addresses violence as one of the key challenges facing the democratic and pluralistic republic under the framework of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Primary focus is on criminal violence and the factors and behaviors that contribute to violent crime. The text is organized into three chapters: (1) "The Problem of Violence"; (2) "Law and Public Policy"; and (3) "Taking Action Against Violence." Chapter 1 examines the history, costs, and causes of crime. Chapter 2 explores the constitutional context of the political debate over violence and the question of how government works to stem the tide of violence without compromising the individual rights of U.S. citizens. Students are invited to engage in major policy discussions about gun control and youth curfews. Chapter 3 presents a survey of what citizens around the country are doing to protect themselves from violence and to make their communities and schools safer places. A teacher's guide designed to provide instructional support is included. (MM)