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This kit, the second of four learning circles on civics and citizenship, explores Australia's federal system of government and the three spheres of government. Introductory materials include lists of 53 print resources, 47 Internet sites, and 7 videos and CDs; and a glossary. Session guides are provided for six sessions: The Three Spheres of Government; Local Government; State and Territory Government; The Federal System; Citizens and Intergovernment Relations; and The Future of the Federal System. Components of each session guide include the following: (1) an introduction that outlines the objective and aims and lists suggested activities in the session, background documents provided, and resources; (2) the suggested activities with discussion, suggested activities, optional extra activities, and case studies highlighted in block format; and (3) the background documents. (YLB)

This learning packet is divided into two parts with eleven chapters. Part 1 provides background information retracing Alexis de Tocqueville's 1831-32 tour of North America which led to the publication of "Democracy in America." Part 2 contains a short description of the seven primary themes emphasized by de Tocqueville with issues more fully explored in the teaching modules at the end of each chapter. Chapter titles include: (1) "Studying America: The Itinerary for Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont"; (2) "Alexis de Tocqueville: A Timeline Biography (1805-1859)"; (3) "Gustave de Beaumont: A Timeline Biography (1802-1866)"; (4) "Brief Biographies of Some Tocqueville Interviewees"; (5) "The Journey and North American Geography"; (6) "Social and Cultural Issues in American Democracy"; (7) "Political Issues in American Democracy"; (8) "Media and the Press in American Democracy"; (9) "Associations in American Democracy"; (10) "Race and Gender in American Democracy"; and (11) "Research Methodology/Teaching Methodology." An accompanying booklet contains the "1996-97 Equipment-For-Education Grant Winning Entries." The teacher-authors' winning lesson plans were chosen based on the ease in translating the substantive ideas of the lessons to text. The lessons include: (1) "To Be A President: The Children's View"; (2) "Election Day"; (3) "The Balancing Act"; (4) "Think Tank C-SPAN"; (5) "Body Language in Politics"; (6) "Presidential Inaugural Addresses: Sounding the Alarm and Leading the Charge"; and (7) "Immigrants: Do They Really Hurt The United States?" The lessons feature goals, objectives, classroom activities, classroom discussion questions, results, background, and out of class assignments. (EH)

This guide is designed to provide background material and teaching strategies for the study of the Supreme Court and the New Deal Era. There are suggested activities, discussion questions, a list of suggested readings, vocabulary, a list of key players of the era, and a list of components and key events tied to The New York Times from that time period. (EH)

This series of lesson plans provides an overview of the Federal Republic of Germany. Transparencies and instructions are provided for each of the four lessons. Lesson 1 looks at "Culture and Perspective Taking on the Federal Republic of Germany" with five activities relating to: (1) "Impressions of Germany and Germans"; (2) "German National Character"; (3) "Comparative Student Survey: United States" and "Survey Responses from German Students"; (4) "Proverbs"; and (5) "The Land of Poets and Thinkers" and "Great Men of German Culture." Lesson 2 analyzes "Unifying Traits in Both the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany" with six activities relating to: (1) "The States of the Federal Republic of Germany"; (2) "The Federal States"; (3) "The Federal State"; (4) "Town Names and German History"; (5) "Great Men of German Culture"; and (6) "National Flags, Seals, Anthems, and Symbols." Lesson 3 highlights the "German Governmental System" with five activities relating to: (1) "Comparing Preambles"; (2) "Principles of Government in the Federal Republic of Germany"; (3) "Structure of Government"; (4) "Elections for the State Legislatures"; and (5) "The Structure of State Governments." Lesson 4 addresses "Geography" with six activities dealing with: (1) "A View from Space"; (2) "Perspective Overview Map of Germany"; (3) "German Waterways, Highways and Railway System"; (4) "Germany's Transportation System"; (5) "Letter from Germany"; and (6) "Sister City Data Sheet." The volume also includes a series of overhead transparencies, handouts, worksheets, and teacher resources. (EH)

This teachers' guide focuses on each of the of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Organized by amendment, each section includes the text of the amendment and its counterpart in the Maine Constitution; an introduction to the legal principles embodied in that amendment; and edited court cases interpreting the amendment. The curriculum may be used as a whole to provide in-depth study of the Bill of Rights or specific amendments of particular interest may be selected. The curriculum is designed to be incorporated in existing history, government, civics, law, and social studies courses. The lessons provide information about landmark court decisions and information about specific constitutional issues. The back of the guide contains a 7-item annotated bibliography. (TSV)

Aiming to educate adult learners on the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, this teachers' guide focuses on cases and controversies about individual rights which are most relevant to the lives of adults. The worktext for adult learners provides some basic background information about the development and interpretation of the Bill of Rights. A timeline is included so the reader can place events in chronological order. Teaching aids such as learning objectives for each unit, vocabulary words, a glossary, and questions and learning activities will help readers understand and experience the impact of The Bill of Rights on their daily lives. Although, the first 10 Amendments of the Bill of Rights are written out in their entirety, the focus will be on the First, the Second the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth (taken as a group); and the Fourteenth Amendments. Contains a seven-item annotated bibliography. (TSV)

Aiming to educate students in grades 8-12 on the Bill of Rights, this student guide focuses on each of the of the first 10 amendments and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Organized by amendment, each section includes the text of the amendment and its counterpart in the Maine Constitution; an introduction to the legal principles embodied in that amendment; and edited court cases interpreting the amendment, each preceded by its own brief introduction. The curriculum may be used as a whole to provide in-depth study of the Bill of Rights, or specific amendments of particular interest may be selected. The curriculum is intended to be incorporated in existing history, government, civics, law, or social studies courses at the high school or upper middle school level. Each section contains its own table of contents directing readers to constitutional issues and court cases relevant to specific amendments. (TSV)

This teacher's guide corresponds to the textbook "American Political Behavior" and provides resource materials and teaching suggestions. There is a lesson plan for each lesson in the course. The textbook tries to capture the vitality and drama of politics through the use of cases that describe the political activities of typical citizens and political leaders. Simulations, games, political attitude surveys and data-processing activities are used to enliven the study. The guide consists of five units with supporting activities for each chapter. Unit 1, "Introduction to the Study of Political Behavior," includes chapters on: (1) "What is Political Behavior?"; (2) "Political Participants"; and (3) "Making Judgments about Political Behavior." Unit 2, "Similarities and Differences in Political Behavior," contains: (1) "Comparing Political Behavior"; (2) "Culture and Political Behavior"; (3) "Social Status and Political Behavior"; and (4) "Political Loyalties." Unit 3, "Elections and the Behavior of Voters," includes: (1) "Selecting Leaders of Government"; (2) "Participating in Electoral Politics"; and (3) "The Voting Decision." Unit 4, "Political Decision-Makers," contains: (1) "Introduction to the Study of Political Decision-Makers"; (2) "The Presidential Role"; (3) "The Congressional Role"; (4) "The Role of Supreme Court Justices"; and (5) "The Role of Federal Bureaucrats." Unit 5, "State and Local Decision-Makers," includes: (1) "The Nature of American State and Local Governments"; (2) "Chief Executives in State and Local Government"; (3) "Legislative Bodies in State and Local Government"; (4) "Courts in State and Local Government"; and (5) "State and Local Bureaucrats." (EH)

Outlines the lesson plan that uses the issue of solid waste disposal to examine the relationship between local, state, and federal governments. Handouts include a quiz on solid waste management, an information sheet, and a simulation of a local problem. The simulation involves the location of a hazardous waste site. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that instructs students in following local current events that are influenced by state and federal activity. Students choose federal/state areas of concern, follow newspaper reports, and invite local officials to speak. Materials include handouts on nine current trends in federalism. (MJP)

This lesson emphasizes the virtues underlying John Marshall's commitment to his duties as public official and member of a family. It is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file "John Marshall House" and information from the John Marshall Foundation of Richmond, Virginia, and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. Materials for students include: (1) readings drawn from biographies and papers of John Marshall; (2) maps of Richmond and the Chesapeake Bay region; and (3) photographs of the exterior and interiors of the John Marshall House. The lesson can be used with units on the Marshall Court during the Early National Period and provides a personal touch with elements of social history to enrich the usual legalistic treatments of John Marshall in standard U.S. history courses. The readings focus on: (1) "John Marshall at Home"; (2) "A Black Robe - Symbol of Civic Virtue and Constitutional Principles"; (3) "A Locket and a Strand of Hair - Symbols of Love and Family"; and (4) "John Marshall on 'My Dearest Polly'." (EH)

This simulation allows students to experience colonial America during the days from the closing of the French and Indian War until the Declaration of Independence. It is designed to help students gain a knowledge of the historical period, an appreciation of the many cross-pressures that colonial citizens were subjected to, and a feeling for the total dimensions of revolution. Students are divided into three political groups - the loyalists, the patriots, and the neutralists. Students also represent different sections of the colonies and different areas. The play is conducted in three cycles with the group gaining political power through research and challenge projects, while dealing with the impacts of historical bulletins, pacts, and fate cards. The simulation climaxes on July 4, 1776, with the Second Continental Congress where students decide to declare their independence or not. (Contains a student guide.) (EH)

This is one of a four-volume series intended to improve students' (grade 6-adult) critical thinking through evaluation of conflicting viewpoints of United States history. Each lesson is a self-contained problem that can be integrated at any point in a corresponding history unit. The book represents both analytical and narrative history. Unit One offers a guide to critical thinking with exercises to develop differing types of skills. Unit Two has nine lessons dealing with the New Republic. Unit Three focuses nine lessons on the issue of slavery. Unit Four's nine lessons examine the Civil War. (EH)

Presents a lesson plan that allows students to analyze federalism as a source of conflict and cooperation. Materials include a Venn diagram of the federal government, illustrating delegated, shared, and reserved powers. Another handout requires students to match government responsibilities to these powers. Includes a list of questions for discussion. (MJP)