Explores how the complexity of citizenship provides a lens through which one might view such issues as globalization, human rights, and the relation between nation states and citizens. (EV)

This keynote address examines the clashing viewpoints of unity and diversity on the meanings of "e pluribus unum." The continuing debate can be cataloged and clarified by three "ideal-type" models of conceptions: (1) monolithic integration; (2) pluralistic preservation; and (3) pluralistic integration. The speaker examines the main themes of these…

This paper examines public access by focusing attention on development of the citizen intervenor role and development of the citizen agreement concept, and by discussing the future role of agreements as viable elements of public access. Examined are such topics as the history of citizen intervention, the history of citizen agreements,…

A study was conducted to investigate the complex influences which converge on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The literature revealed that in the past, most attempts by individuals or groups to have a voice in the renewal of a broadcaster's license met with failure because the FCC generally abandoned both its formulated policy and its…

This paper outlines citizenship issues facing the United States today and presents ways to address these issues in society. Voter turnout, welfare issues, the national service program debate, curriculum reform, and multiculturalism all interface with issues of citizenship in a democracy. Elements contributing to the modern understanding of…

Four major changes have occurred in public policy education during the past 5-0 years. First, public policy educators have richer and more complicated discussions about the relative benefits of advocacy and objectivity in policy education. Second, public policy educators and community developers are moving toward a genuine merger of content and…

With reference to Prince Edward Island, Canada, the author notes that a new school act for that province in 1971 consolidated 217 school districts into 5. The result has been a decline in community participation with corresponding alienation and apathy manifested by the public in two ways: a dearth of candidates offering themselves for election to…

This paper discusses a study of two large school districts in Florida to determine their commitment to using local school advisory committees. The survey included the use of two questionnaires sent to 77 elementary, junior high, and high schools. Respondents were asked if they perceived themselves as really making a difference in the…

Given the sweeping changes taking place in the world and their potential impact on the life of the individual, it is hard to explain why U.S. citizens have not been as attentive as they should to international and transnational developments. Recent research indicates that U.S. citizens lag behind residents of many Western nations in their…

Presented by the Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, this speech addressed the following: (1) We were all created different! Equal yet different. Different but equal; (2) Those seemingly paradoxical statements do not have to present a dilemma of choice; (3) Our nation has always been one of great diversity; (4) A…

The address discusses the meaning and structure of the United States Constitution and how it relates to the importance of citizenship. The Constitution's history is sketched in a brief discussion of its creation, founders, theoretical roots, and the concept of delegation of powers. The idea of limited governmental powers rests on an informed…

Depictions of evil in the modern American vigilante film of the 1970s and 1980s fall into several categories. Modern vigilante film may be defined as film concerning the efforts of a private citizen in the late twentieth century urban environments of New York City or Los Angeles to operate outside the law in ridding the streets of evil and crime.…

The Foxfire approach may be an example of how elementary and secondary students can be prepared by their education to live in a democracy. Core practices of the Foxfire approach include: work initiated by student interest and desire; active involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating all learning activities; peer teaching and…

Lifelong learning and adult education have long been the vehicle for change in the growth and development of the United States. Benjamin Franklin helped to promote the concept of lifelong learning and adult education and perhaps planted a few seeds for a new freedom when he developed the Junto in 1727. The Junto, which met for purposes of inquiry,…

Just as human rights belong equally to all human beings and the role of government is to secure those rights, education in regard to human rights belongs in the core of civic education and the role of that education is to develop within the student a reasoned commitment to human rights. The writers of human rights documents throughout history have…