The prevalent use of sophisticated advertising techniques in political campaigns presents the great danger that citizens can be manipulated to make political decisions out of emotion rather than rational thought. Citizens must be provided with the educational tools needed to detect the bias, distortion, and other tactics used to influence them. The social studies curriculum can provide students with the skills needed to detect bias that will allow them to make good decisions and thus become better citizens. This paper examines the use of bias in advertisements, graphs, and political cartoons, and suggests instructional strategies teachers can use to help students develop the skills necessary to detect such bias. A 6-item reference list is included. (DB)