Asserts that young people are increasingly disaffected with political parties and voting, more concerned with single issues of environmentalism or unemployment. Identifies trends: (1) increasing sense of discontent with institutions; (2) frustrations in reaching ambitions; and (3) disconnection from core institutions. Proposes remedies including…

Students need to learn about the real-world issues our nation faces. They need to understand how concerned individuals gather information, consider opposing opinions, come to conclusions, and act on their beliefs. Background information, resources, and classroom activities are provided to help students understand the importance of voting. (DF)

Discusses the issue of secret voting in England during the middle decades of the nineteenth century, with particular reference to the movement to secure the secret ballot and to the important position occupied by the ballot question within the Philosophic Radicals' reform program. Journal availability: see SO 507 179. (Author/DB)

Focuses on the importance of voting by presenting articles from experts who work in civic organizations: (1) "Rocking the Vote: How We Can Reach Young Americans" (Kay Albowicz); (2) "A Bold New Direction in Civic Participation" (Melanie L. Campbell) and (3) "Voting--What's in It for Me?" (Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins). (CMK)

Discusses the major milestones in the battle for voting rights focusing on the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Considers the future role of direct voting, specifically initiatives and referendums, and questions whether initiatives and referendums will encourage voter turnout. (CMK)

Presents historical background about the path to universal suffrage and voting rights for all U.S. citizens. Addresses reasons citizens do not use their right to vote. Asserts the importance of democracy and discusses this ideal. Includes questions for discussion. (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)

Provides a lesson that focuses on the history of voter representation in the United States. Explains that students will read, "Whose Voice Is Heard,""How Should U.S. Elections Be Managed?," and other student handouts in this issue of "Insights on Law and Society." (CMK)

Presents resources relating to this issue of "Insights on Law and Society" that are intended for students, teachers, and school library media specialists. Includes resources, such as primary documents for students, Web sites, Supreme Court cases, books, an online article, and lessons. (CMK)

A class project that involved three sixth-grade classes in holding a mock presidential election is described. Students manned registration booths, held rallies, made speeches to explain the issues, and actually voted. (RM)

Discusses how in the past, most politicians have ignored issues regarding Native Americans, but with new found political capital educators hope to change this situation. Explains that Native Americans can become empowered through mobilizing the Native American voters. Those involved with the tribal colleges and universities play a critical role in…

Describes how cumulative voting works in corporations, where stockholders voting for boards of directors can split their votes among the number of shares they own. Maintains that this approach is being proposed in political elections as a means to provide minority representation. Presents an example of the procedure. (CFR)

Provides information on the origins of the U.S. national capital. Focuses on the history of disenfranchisement in Washington, D.C., the struggle for equal voting rights, court cases on the issue, and how the disenfranchisement issue may be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes a timeline of events in the District of Columbia. (CMK)

Explores the election system within the United States with a focus on equal voting rights. Presents three articles: (1) "Whose Voice Is Heard?"; (2) "Do Our Judges 'Represent' the People?"; and (3) "How Should U.S. Elections be Managed?" Includes activities with the articles. (CMK)

"Equality: Changing the Rules of the Game" is a lesson plan designed to encourage students to explore the changing definitions of equality and its impact. "The Expansion of Voting Rights" lesson plan provides middle school students with an overview of the historical development of voting rights. (GEA)