Describes how a high school helps students analyze their own political views in order to make intelligent voting decisions. The approach uses a political spectrum, running from extreme right to extreme left, illustrated with examples at various points. Statements of political candidates are then categorized by the students. (JDH)

A lesson plan involves high school students in examining incidents in U.S. history as acts of political behavior, including an examination of the resources the participants possessed and the political techniques they employed. A list of 25 issues/events to investigate is presented. (AM)

Describes an innovative teaching approach used in an undergraduate political science course on the American presidency. Procedures and objectives for centering the course on a press conference theme are presented. Information is also presented on course evaluation and student motivation. (DB)

Suggests activities for teaching students about the law. Asks students to identify situations where they think laws are needed, reach consensus about the 10 most important national laws, and consider the problems of writing laws that everyone can understand. Presents results of law education. Includes a bibliography about promoting citizenship.…

Examines conditions leading to student misinformation and alienation in the teaching of the American political system at the secondary school level. Describes textbooks as idealizing the system and presenting blatant propaganda, dreary descriptions, and sugar-coated politics. Outlines curriculum goals to provide students with a positive but…

Presents a teaching technique in which the instructor alternately dons hats that represent opposing viewpoints. Discusses the educational value of the hat technique in teaching politics and government. Explains the role of students in the exercise and provides a students' evaluation of the technique. Maintains the technique makes abstract concepts…

Maintains that in order to get quality engaging essays, students must be fully cognizant of what is expected of them. Discusses areas that need to be defined for students. Proposes four C's for designing assignments: clearness, completeness, conciseness, and candidness. (RW)

Presents a learning activity encouraging students to obtain a greater understanding of the relationship between symbols and the apparent dimensions of political phenomena. Students design symbols to represent objects, activities, issues, or meanings. Includes a list of student symbolic representations of law and justice issues. (MJP)

Asserts that before civics/government teachers teach about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, students should be introduced to the religious and philosophical background of religions freedom in the United States. Identifies issues and historical documents that provide the foundation. (CFR)