In-depth and comprehensive learning activity in which students analyze the debate surrounding the Patriot Act and apply constitutional reasoning to formulate opinions about the balance between national security and right to privacy....

C-SPAN learning module teaches students about the debate over voter ID laws. Students watch videos and read related articles with varying viewpoints and then participate in a classroom deliberation on the topic.

Poetry in America gathers distinguished interpreters from all walks of life to explore and debate 12 unforgettable American poems. Athletes, poets, politicians, musicians, architects, scientists, actors, entrepreneurs, and citizens of...

These are discussion topics to incorporate into your lesson on rights and responsibilities of citizens. Features questions to encourage debates or essay ideas. Also includes lesson plans.

There was no Bill of Rights attached to the original Constitution, but it was a topic of discussion. Read a reconstruction of speeches of delegates to the Constitutional Convention who debated for and against the inclusion of a way to...

After a long debate about what should be included in their Bill of Rights, French leaders eventually came to a "Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen," seventeen articles that laid out a government that protected natural rights....

Article covers the continued controversy surrounding illegal immigration. The debate has moved to the states as over 30 states have now enacted laws to crack down on illegal immigration. July, 2006.

Examine the rights and responsibilities of a citizen in a democratic system and those guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Consider the conditions of war and debate the pros and cons of the wartime curtailment of civil liberties.

This U.S. Supreme Court case dealt with the issues of slavery, citizenship, and property rights. It is detailed with an abstract providing a concise summary and a record of the justices that sat on the Court at that time.

When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an...

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution guarantee citizens' essential freedoms and rights.

Overview of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration after his decisive re-election in 1936. Discusses political party organization and the debate over government responsibility to citizens.

What are the "big questions" of Reconstruction? Article provides an overview of the Reconstruction period when Americans debated rights and the nature of freedom and equality. It focuses on who was an American and how citizenship should...

Was prohibition necessary to protect family values or was it an over-reach by the government? Students will debate this question while analyzing documents from this era. Documents include political cartoon, photos, letters from citizens,...

Amnesty International USA is a consciousness-raising organization for human rights. Its goals are lofty and may make many people uncomfortable as they read stories of grotesque crimes against human kind. This is an excellent site to...

In this Inquiry, learners engage in a debate between two characters about when a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) should have a fall leaf-peeping special to maximize the guest experience. Students are introduced to Budburst, a citizen science...

The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.

A web magazine for all citizens of the world, Place Publique wants to recreate the traditional French "place du village" on the web for discussions and debates.

Censorship has, and continues to be, a highly debated topic. Some people believe that in order to secure the safety of citizens, information should be closely censored. However, many other people believe that this is a violation of...

Describes the difficult process the US Supreme Court judges went through in preparing their final decision in the Dred Scott case.

Massive directory of the transcripts of all Senate and House committee and subcommittee hearings from the 105th Congress to the 109th Congress. Hearings are typcially open to the public and done for the purpose of attaining information...