A survey was conducted in 1968 to determine the extent to which introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in American State and local government and intergovernmental relations are contained in college and university political science curricula. A questionnaire (appended) was mailed to political science department chairmen of 833 colleges…

Ecological problems are explored in this book of sixteen student readings and exercises aimed at developing and applying critical thinking skills. The readings, mostly extracts from books and periodicals, are introduced by the editor and accompanied by questions. Chapter I, The Population Controversy, includes selections from Paul Ehrlich's The…

I intend to identify some of the important propositions which issue from fourteen empirical studies on political socialization, and to point to implications for schools and especially civic education programs. I define political socialization as the process of acquiring and changing the culture of one's own political environment. Among the…

Twelfth grade students have the opportunity to explore the governing process in a one semester elective course presented in this preliminary draft. The objective of the course is to prepare students for full citizenship responsibilities by giving them a realistic understanding of the processes of governing in the United States. Focus is upon…

Applications of academic values in productive service activities are exemplified by public service internships in Georgia and policy research in Texas. Described are Jimmy Carter's Georgia Intern Program and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. (Editor/LBH)

How a fictitious international corporation is used to train managers in comparative governmental and legal processes is described. Masters of business and public management students are exposed to the simulated operation of an international firm that integrates the economic, market, legal, and political environments of managerial decision making.…

This paper grows out of a project under the auspices of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching which seeks to strengthen the means for American higher education to prepare morally thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible citizens. This study examines the experiences of three institutions that recognize the importance of…

Provides an overview of U.S. politics from 1994 to 1996 for the secondary school student. Emphasizes election results and the conflicts and compromises between Republicans and Democrats in a system of divided government. Includes an extensive list of questions to be used for class discussions or research papers. (MJP)

Analyzes evaluative comments made about the presidents in 40 U.S. government textbooks published over the last 7 years. These comments present an overwhelmingly negative and unrealistic picture of the presidency. Maintains that textbooks overrate the president's autonomous power and undervalue their positive contributions. (MJP)

Reveals that teaching about controversial issues increases students' self-confidence and interest in civic participation. Asserts that the current proliferation of social problems combined with exploitative media coverage necessitates civil and objective study of controversial issues. Includes several examples of, and approaches to, teaching about…

Questions what assessment strategies are appropriate for the National Standards and how they might differ from more traditional assessments. Provides guidelines for standards-based assessments and several sets of sample questions. Suggests the adoption of performance assessment strategies for material requiring evaluative thinking. (MJP)

Describes a typical week for a secondary student participating in the Close Up Foundation's Washington-based field trip. Discusses the formal and informal curriculum and the interaction among students from different parts of the United States. Outlines Close Up programs at the local and state levels and the emphasis on lifelong learning. (CFR)

Presents a concise overview of the responsibilities, membership, structure, and requirements of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Created in 1974, the FEC oversees the financial activities of candidates and political parties. Discusses corporate and union political action committees (PACs) as well as contribution limits and prohibitions. (MJP)

Examines the controversies and consequences involved in drawing proper districts for federal and state representatives. Discusses the Supreme Court's role in deciding these questions. Provides definitions and related court cases concerning gerrymandering and malapportionment, the two most common abuses of the districting process. (MJP)

Describes a variety of educational resources designed to help teachers develop units of study around the November 1996 elections. Includes videos, study guides, activity books, pamphlets, and organization reports for grades K-12. Annotations include grade level designation and ordering information. (MJP)