The ReDistricting Game is an online simulation game that engages learners in the redistricting process and spotlights the problem of gerrymandering districts in the United States. Hands-on simulation games such as this one can motivate students to think at higher levels and master key concepts. The concept of redistricting does not automatically…

States commonly employ education policy to build a strong sense of citizenship within young people and to create types of citizens appropriate to the country. In Singapore the government created a policy to build citizenship through both policy statements and social studies in the school curriculum. In the context of a tightly controlled state…

A survey of what young people know about U. S. political processes gives useful clues toward improving the social studies curriculum. (Editor) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Overview).

The glossary present definitions of over 120 political terms, including appropriation bill, budget, contract authorizations, congressional record, minority leader, override a veto, readings of bills, point of order, and adjournment sine die. (DB)

Explains the relationship between politics, economics, and religion through the philosophies of Smith, Hobbes, and Locke. Maintains that the unamended Constitution is a reconciliation of politics, religion, and economics. Defends this claim by examining property rights and the Constitution's regard to means in pursuance of freedom and justice.…

Provides information about the 106th and 107th U.S. Congress sessions. Includes early bills in the Senate for the 107th Congress and information about low versus high bill numbers. Presents two activity ideas that accompany this information. (CMK)

Focuses on the issue of redistricting in the United States with the release of the 2000 census. Discusses the redistricting principles that states must follow: (1) population equality specifically for the congressional and legislative districts; (2) the Voting Rights Act with a focus on Sections 5 and 2; and (3) racial gerrymandering. (CMK)

The third of the tenth grade sequence of the FICSS series (Focus on Inner City Social Studies -- see SO 008 271) examines the political and economic theories and realities of Communism as practiced in the Soviet Union. A brief introduction to Communist China is also included in the unit. The intent of the unit is to enable students to grasp many…

Divided into four major parts, this document explains the significance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan. Part 1 indicates that the LDP has governed Japan since 1955 and controls 445 seats in the 764 seat parliament. The selection of the prime minister, chosen from within the ruling party, is seen as vital to U.S. interests. For…

The socialism unit of the tenth grade level of the FICSS series (Focus on Inner City Social Studies -- see SO 008 271) explores a selected history of socialist thought and the theoretical model of socialism. Three case studies of socialism are explored: Great Britain, Sweden, and Israel. The case studies are designed to answer questions concerning…

The purpose of this monograph is to present a five step paradigm for the secondary school teacher on how to employ debate as a teaching tool: 1) basic idea of what debate is and the objective of formal debate; 2) the role of the affirmative and negative in presenting cases; 3) the function and purpose of the rebuttal period; 4) information on the…

Reports on an interview with a former East German English teacher. Describes her view that the ideologically determined curriculum, particularly in social studies education, was a major barrier to effective education. Discusses her contention that a loss of moral and ethical values among youth was a result of reunification and the demise of the…

This document contains a handbook and a booklet of classroom activities to use with the handbook. The handbook is a compilation of the law, procedures, and practices which govern the legislative process in Georgia. It addresses the practical problems faced by members of the Georgia legislature. Chapter one discusses the General Assembly, its…

This material provides a program to instruct secondary level students in the political, governmental, and legal process and to encourage active student participation in these processes. Part of a year-long curriculum program, this unit examines the structure and function of the state, county, and local levels. Included are policy formation,…

An introduction to the study of American government is the focus on the first unit of the 12th grade level of the FICSS series (Focus on Inner City Social Studies -- see SO 008 271). The five content areas offer an overview of the three major branches of American government, independent regulatory agencies, and politics and elections. The unit…