Presents a lesson plan for middle school students that teaches the constitutional guidelines which states must follow when deciding who may vote. Students read brief fictional scenarios involving voting rights in a school election and cast votes concerning eligibility. Later handouts discuss constitutional guidelines and voting rights. (MJP)

Explores the constitutional amendments and federal laws that extended the right to vote to most citizens. Discusses the historical circumstances and social issues that surrounded passage of the 15th Amendment (elimination of racial barriers), 19th Amendment (women's right to vote), and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (MJP)

Maintains that the National Voter Registration Act (the Motor Voter Law), which requires states to provide voter registration forms with vehicle registration and at public assistance sites, has increased dramatically the number of registered voters. Discusses legal challenges and answers critics' objections. (MJP)

Describes a variety of educational resources designed to help teachers develop units of study around the November 1996 elections. Includes videos, study guides, activity books, pamphlets, and organization reports for grades K-12. Annotations include grade level designation and ordering information. (MJP)

Criticizes the presidential primary process as possibly leading to the destruction of the two-party system. Claims that the current process limits the competition to the rich and famous, enhances the worst aspects of campaigning, and evaluates candidates purely on their political skills. Briefly discusses some reform proposals. (MJP)

Reiterates the importance of voting and education to the democratic process. Praises President Clinton's efforts to increase voter participation and access including his support of the motor voter law. Briefly summarizes Clinton's vision for the future of the country. (MJP)

Investigates the many factors pertaining to low voter turnout. Lack of education, poverty, and apathy contribute strongly to diminished voter participation. Language difficulties, a highly mobile society, and the discouraging effects of polls also contribute. Notes the positive correlation between voter registration and participation. (MJP)

Maintains that current campaign finance laws and regulations unfairly advantage incumbents and discourage challengers. This has resulted in the predominance of interest groups, media campaigns, and an emphasis on fund raising over political leadership. Argues for campaign finance laws written to serve the public interest. (MJP)

Presents a learning activity consisting of a forum where five students role play individuals arguing contrasting viewpoints concerning a mail-in ballot procedure for a U.S. senatorial special election. Other class members conduct independent research supporting their positions and help coach the forum members. (MJP)

Considers the role of international election monitors in the political process of newly democratized countries. Discusses the responsibilities and backgrounds of election monitors and provides a personal perspective on recent elections in Haiti and Bulgaria. Briefly examines the efforts of the National Endowment for Democracy. (MJP)

Examines the effects of new information and communication technologies on the structure and practices of U.S. politics. Maintains that the success or failure of digital-era democracy will depend ultimately on citizen participation. Includes a brief look at current innovative U.S. voter registration programs. (MJP)

Stresses the Robert Dole/Jack Kemp campaign's recognition of the importance of the youth vote. Notes the efforts of the Republican National Party to involve youth in politics. Details a 10-point program, the "Education Consumers Warranty," that summarizes conservatives' approach to educational reform. (MJP)