Designed for Grades 3-5, this lesson plan aims to let the students learn how the Constitution of the United States provided the framework for the country's democratic form of government. Students will learn how the Constitution provided for representation within the government. A short story about the Boston Tea Party gives the background related…

This user guide covers "Teaching in a Multicultural Society," one part of the 12-unit series "My America: Building a Democracy." The focus of the guide is to raise a generation of children who appreciate the value of a wide range of human experience including those distinctly different from their own. Goals of this program are to help children…

This document is the 1992 guide for student participants in the Close Up program in North Dakota. The program is described as a citizenship learning adventure in which students are provided with opportunities to meet the state's leaders. In this program issues are covered from different sides, seminars provide detailed information, and meetings…

This magazine aims to help high school teachers of civics, government, history, law, and law-related education program developers educate students about legal issues. This issue focuses on voting. It contains 11 articles: (1) "The Project of Democracy" (A. Keyssar) demonstrates how the story of the right to vote represents a slow and…

Judicial review is a fundamental facet of constitutional government in the United States. Invented during the founding of the United States, judicial review has spread to most constitutional democracies of the world. This digest discusses: (1) the concept of judicial review; (2) the origin of this concept; (3) the uses of this concept in U.S.…

In February 2000, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the State Bar of Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Curriculum and Instruction brought together 28 high school teachers from around the state together for a 2-day intensive workshop on teaching about federal and state courts. A second institute was held in February 2001…

Encourages the use of the mock trial as an activity that instructs students in the methodology of radical advocacy and teaches the mechanisms of power in a democratic society. Defines radical advocacy. Outlines the procedures of a mock trial, discussing fact and witness statements, opening and closing statements, cross-examinations, and courtroom…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the concept of laws helping people to live together and how people help make the laws. Unit parts…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. Unit parts include: (1) video preview; (2)…

Every year on May 1st, Law Day celebrates this country's freedoms and the role of law in protecting and preserving them. Noting that 2000 is the first year of a new millennium, this guide urges planners all over the country to pay special attention to the role of citizens in a diverse democracy. Since the year 2000 is also an election year, the…

This user guide is part of a multimedia unit using an interdisciplinary approach with hands-on learning to motivate children to participate actively in their schools and local communities, and to experience the democratic process. This unit focuses on the concept that democracy works best when everyone participates. Unit parts include: (1) video…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has designated the week of September 17-21, 2001, as "Back to School Week." During this week, state legislators from throughout the country are encouraged by NCSL to contact principals and teachers in their respective districts and arrange for classroom visits to help students…

This user guide covers "Rights and Responsibilities," and offers suggestions for preparatory activities, lessons, and follow-up activities for primary, intermediate, and upper grade students. Goals for the series are to help children: (1) become familiar with the democratic process and active citizenship; (2) recognize what it means to be a…