Examines four recent Supreme Court decisions. The decisions involve Miranda rights, alleged Fourth Amendment violations (good faith exception and vehicle searches), and the right to confront witnesses. (BSR)

Examines the work of the framers of the U.S. Constitution in their efforts to improve upon the Articles of Confederation and yet limit the power of unbridled government. (JDH)

Describes a lesson which relates the U.S. Constitution and state and federal actions to the everyday lives of high school students. Students use a time line of a person's life events in order to identify the points at which the state or federal government intervenes. The authority for this intervention is then sought in the U.S. Constitution. (JDH)

This article examines the history and thinking of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in order to explain the formation of the ideas which allow the U.S. Constitution to provide for an effective government without sacrificing vital individual liberties. (JDH)

Presents a lesson which has students examine constitutional guarantees regarding freedom of religion. The lesson uses key U.S. Supreme Court cases, the Constitution, and the Northwest Ordinance to involve students in examining the issue of prayer in public schools. (JDH)

Explores the concept of separation of powers in terms of recent conflicts between the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. Points out that what the Supreme Court has said about separation of powers in the domestic context may complicate resolution of more serious problems in foreign affairs. (BSR)

This lesson provides a simulation in which upper elementary and middle school students establish classroom routines, participate in decision-making activities, improve their understanding of the Constitutional Convention, and differentiate among the three branches of government. (BSR)

Offers a lesson designed to help students recognize a key philosophical principle embodied in the U.S. Constitution: that the consent of the governed is the ultimate source of authority in our political system. (JDH)

Presents an activity designed to show the sources of power under our federal and state systems of government. Provides a visual demonstration of how power is divided, promotes study of the U.S. and state constitutions, and highlights the role of citizens in making democracy work. (JDH)

Presents a brief conceptual background on the First Amendment freedoms and due process. Offers three case studies to help students explore the issue of balancing First Amendment freedoms with the governmental responsibility for the common good. (JDH)

Remarks on experiences as a participant at a conference on constitution-writing that linked Czech and Slovak constitution writers with U.S. lawyers. Argues cultural traditions must be respected when advising how to write constitutions. Examines challenges facing Czech and Slovak constitution writers, including structuring the government; the…