Coalitions and vote-trading probabilities exist as ways by which the political process reduces conflict and takes account of intensities of minority preferences. By creating matrices of voters and issues, all possible winning coalition patterns were specified and the probabilities within each case were calculated. A preference vector for each…

A sequential series of four fifteen minute classroom television programs provide a drama whereby students can identify with a candidate's problems of getting elected to political office. Major purposes of the overall program are: 1) to make students aware of electoral processes in a democracy; 2) to emphasize the importance of each individual's…

"Practical Political Action", intended for secondary grade students and adapted directly from the nonpartisan "Action Course in Practical Politics" prepared and published by the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, is designed to assist students in understanding and participating in the political life of our nation by examining action at the…

This guide was designed to assist black delegates attending the 1976 Democratic National Convention. The guide is divided into four main parts. The first part contains information on convention procedures, standing committees, and various aspects of black participation in politics. The second and third parts lists the names of alternates as well…

This guide was designed to assist black delegates attending the 1976 Republican National Convention. The guide is divided into four main parts. The first part contains information on convention procedures, convention committees, and various aspects of black participation in politics. The second and third parts include the names of delegates to the…

The paper investigates the qualities which distinguish representative democracies from other forms of government, particularly direct democracies, dictatorships, and oligarchies. Representative democracy is based on the precept that political authority should be located in offices which are specified by a popularly ratified or accepted…

Research on black political behavior in the 1976 congressional and presidential elections is presented. The purpose of the report is to present facts and figures which describe the impact of the black vote in the election of Jimmy Carter and of numerous congressional and gubernatorial candidates. Twenty three states were involved in an examination…

Examines and corrects political science textbook errors concerning the electoral college. Textbooks frequently attribute specific provisions and functions of the college to the federal government when, in fact, they are controlled by the states. Historical dates and contingency provisions are other areas erroneously cited. (MJP)

Three separate teacher and student books for the Project 18 course are included in this packet. The objective is to help students develop a positive attitude and to motivate them toward political participation. Teaching strategies for six sections, which run the gamut from simulation to lecture, focus on practical politics. The six sections are as…

This Teacher's Guide to the APB one- or two-semester high school course provides a day-by-day plan for teaching the course. The plan includes a chapter overview suggested readings for teachers and students, instructional objectives, and suggested teaching procedures for each class period. The five major units that comprise the course are: 1)…

A program description of a social studies curriculum development project supported by an ESEA Title III Grant is presented in this paper. The course, designed for secondary students who will soon be voting, focuses on the importance of active involvement and citizenship responsibility for participation in the democratic process. The major…

Cognitive and behavioral objectives of a K-12 political education program are outlined. Four major categories of competencies are presented: (1) understanding the essential roles of government in any society; (2) knowledge of the structure and functioning of the American government at the national, state, and local levels; (3) understanding the…

Presents a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the effects of public opinion polling on elections and the political power structure. Generally refutes the revisionist criticism that polling acts as a preemptive strike curtailing political expression in favor of the power elite. Considers issues related to the tyranny of the majority. (MJP)

The impact of school desegregation policy on community voting patterns and white flight in northern school districts is analyzed. Both voting behavior and white flight are considered two indicators of the success of school desegregation in achieving community social integration. School board elections, school tax referenda voting trends, and…

This text presents high school students with up-to-date findings of social scientists about political behavior in order to increase their political knowledge and sophistication. Case studies which describe the various political activities of typical citizens and political leaders are used throughout the work. Simulations, games, political attitude…