The American economy has had the fastest and most dramatic development of all the world's major economies. Four hundred years ago, the economic output of the area that became the United States was negligible by world standards. Yet only 250 years later, the U.S. economy had become the largest in the world, surpassing all other countries, including…

States that the Founders' legacy is our well-modeled government which is limited by law to protect the life, liberty, and property of individuals. Reviews some of the Founding Fathers' thoughts regarding the proper role and structure of our government. Advocates improved citizenship education and introduces the theme articles in this issue. (JDH)

Reviews school curriculum treatment of the Constitution noting inadequacies of early instructional methods and textbooks and a dramatic decline of education about the Constitution which began during the progressive education era. Presents the results of surveys which indicate a lack of constitutional knowledge among our youth. Concludes with a…

Examines the life of James Madison, Founding Father and "theoretic statesman." Focuses specifically on Madison's education and character, his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and his civic legacy: a selfless devotion to republican government and union. (JDH)

This article provides background on the thinking and life of historian Frederick Jackson Turner. Featured is an excerpt from Turner's 1891 article: "The Significance of History." The article includes Turner's definition of history and his views on the relationship between the study of history and citizenship. (JDH)

The arguments put forth in the 1930s against indoctrination in American education from the standpoints of the social reconstructionists and of the followers of the Bode-Hullfish position are presented. The only viable alternative to indoctrination was seen to be the study of social problems. These views continue to shape classroom practice. (RM)

Several questions and issues addressed sixty years ago at the NCSS conference in Dallas are indistinguishable from present concerns, which focus on three concepts: citizenship, social studies/social science, and how to define social problems. Concludes that the social studies movement was predisposed to work at cross-purposes because of the…

Discusses the use of primary sources in teaching about the Vietnam War. The approach encourages student questioning and discussion of issues surrounding the war. Urges educators to be certain that students know and understand the reasons for the war and not just repeat the rhetoric. (Author/GEA)

Going back to the late 1800s, this article characterizes the various attempts which have been made to establish a social studies scope and sequence for public schools in the United States. The article concludes by listing six categories of individuals who will continue to try to change the prevailing scope and sequence model. (JDH)

This essay describes recently published histories of U.S. women. Particular attention is paid to working class and black women. (JDH)

A synthesized interview of four of the five editors of SOCIAL EDUCATION through its 50 years of publication, this article addresses the recurring hopes, problems, and issues which these men encountered during their respective periods of leadership. (JDH)

Maintains that United States foreign policy toward South Africa has been "found wanting" since 1948. Focuses on the failure of President Reagan's policy of "constructive engagement," and details what must be done to bring about an end to apartheid. (JDH)

Reviews the historical and cultural roots of the South African system of apartheid. Covers early Dutch settlement, the Anglo-Boer War, the Native Land Act of 1913, and the rise of the National Party. Concludes with a discussion of the different perspectives held by black and white South Africans on the "progress" made in recent years.…

Describes the striking dichotomy of South Africa's beauty and the squalor resulting from the apartheid policies of the government. Reviews reactions of black South Africans to recent constitutional changes and details efforts to secure more sweeping reform. Includes stories of several individuals who have taken actions which oppose the system of…

George S. Counts promoted the progressive education ideas developed by John Dewey. A faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University, from 1927 to 1956, Counts stressed the importance of pragmatism in education. The author, an admirer of Counts, created dialog that he and Counts might have had if Counts were alive today. (RM)