A democratic constitutional system is one in which the majority has a general right to determine public policy. At the same time, however, the rights of that majority are limited. Individual citizens enjoy "certain basic rights" by virtue of the fact that each individual person "is a human being." If schools are to prepare students to be responsible citizens in a constitutional democracy, it is essential that students be introduced to the role public opinion plays in a democratic society. Essential components in a secondary school social studies curriculum that emphasizes the role public opinion plays in a constitutional democracy are discussed.